Coworking
Coworking is an arrangement in which workers for different companies share an office space. It allows cost savings and convenience through the use of common infrastructures, such as equipment, utilities and receptionist and custodial services, and in some cases refreshments and parcel acceptance services.[1] It is attractive to independent contractors, independent scientists, remote workers, digital nomads, and people who travel frequently. Additionally, coworking helps workers avoid the feeling of social isolation they may experience while remote working or traveling[2] and eliminate distractions in home office. Most coworking spaces charge membership dues. Major companies that provide coworking space and serviced offices include WeWork, IWG plc, Industrious, and Impact Hub.
Types[edit]
Coworking is not only about providing a physical place, but also about establishing a community. Its rapid growth has been seen as a possible way for city planners to address the decline of high street retail in urban centres.[3] Its benefits can already be experienced outside of the physical spaces, and it is recommended to start with building a coworking community first before considering opening a coworking place.[4] However, some coworking places have no community building; they just get a part of an existing one by combining their opening with an event which attracts their target group.[5][4]
Coworking tends to fall into two sides: Those that are real-estate-centric (all about selling desks and offices first) while others are community-centric (focused on building community that happens to also have offices or desks). Players target freelance professionals, remote workers, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) who need a space and seek a community with a collaborative spirit. Customers also often benefit from professional services such as printing or incorporation or consulting.[6]
Coworking is distinct from business accelerators, business incubators, and executive suites.[7] These spaces do not fit into the coworking model because they often miss the social, collaborative, and informal aspects of the process. In coworking, management practices are closer to that of a cooperative, including a focus on community[8] rather than profit.[9] Some coworking participants are also involved in an unconference such as BarCamp.[10]
Some coworking spaces are geared towards particular niches. For example, CoWorking With Wisdom, in Berkeley, California, combines coworking with meditation, mindfulness, and yoga programs,[11] The Wing was founded for "the advancement of a certain type of woman",[12] and Work and Play in South Orange, New Jersey has onsite childcare for entrepreneurial parents.[13] Coworking spaces with a religious aspect include Epiphany Space, a Los Angeles space for artists, and SketchPad, a Chicago space for Jewish not-for-profit organizations.[14]
Occupancy demographic in coworking spaces[edit]
Age of occupants[edit]
The average age of members in coworking spaces is currently 36 years old, increasing slightly from the previous year. Freelancers and entrepreneurs with staff are the oldest members with an average age of 38 and 40 years, respectively. Meanwhile, employees under the age of 30 make up 43% of the total workforce, with an average age of 33 years.In larger cities, where the ratio of employees is higher, the average age of members is lower at 34.5 years, while smaller cities with populations of less than 100,000 have an average member age of 38.5 years.[68]
Gender of occupants[edit]
Women represent an estimated 40% of workers in coworking spaces, a figure that is thought to be increasing. This rise is largely attributed to the growing number of employees working in coworking spaces; in these spaces, women represent a small majority of employees, 46% of freelancers, and 24% of employer positions. Similar to trends outside of coworking spaces, the share of female members drops, particularly in the age group of 30 to 50 years, after marriage due to child care. This could also be influenced by the longer travel times women often face, especially as employees, when travelling to coworking spaces.[68]
Area of work in occupants[edit]
Smaller coworking spaces largely house freelancers, and as the spaces grow bigger, they provide offices for companies or private individuals, which causes a decline in the ratio of freelancers. However, the trend has stagnated lately, and freelancers still make up 41% of coworking space members. The dominating industries for coworkers are IT, PR & sales. The survey also found that members are highly educated, with around 85% having finished an academic education, and the age group of over 50-year-olds has a slightly lower percentage of university graduates. Additionally, freelancers are more likely to hold a university degree, while employers are more likely to have a doctorate.[68]