Who can benefit from a coworking space in 2023

The COVID-19 pandemic hit with unprecedented speed and force, forcing millions of Americans to quickly adapt to a new way of working and living. According to Sharat Sharan, CEO, President, and Co-Founder of ON24, it was like a tsunami, changing the business world overnight.

 

As a result of our agile transformations made in the workplace since March of 2020, our attitudes and habits towards the way we work have completely changed, and things will never be the same.

 

Many experts predict that we’ll never go back to normal, but perhaps function within and embrace a “new normal” that comes with the unexpected adaptation of remote work.

 

So what exactly does this new normal look like? Well, it is just now starting to fully unveil itself in 2023 in the form of hybrid work at flex office and coworking spaces across the country.

 

Coworking spaces have been around for decades (albeit in dramatically different forms), but the last 3 years have truly elevated their presence on the world’s stage. As a flexible and cost-effective alternative to traditional office spaces – whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or remote worker – a coworking space is able to provide a vast array of benefits that Americans now expect out of their work environment.

 

Modern day American office workers  are waving ‘goodbye’ to pizza parties, bean bags and ping pong tables, and demanding luxury workstations, spaces that augment group work and creativity, and even access to amenities like fitness centers to support their health and wellness objectives..

 

Let’s explore some of the key groups of people who are benefiting from hybrid work setups at coworking spaces.

 

Remote workers: 

After thousands of brands were forced to adopt a remote working model in 2020, in 2023, remote work is a must-have benefit for many job-seekers. In fact, one study showed that over 60% of job seekers now list remote work as their top requirement for their next employment opportunity.1

 

Although many job seekers are interviewing for ‘remote only’ jobs, remote working has shown to be quite isolating, which can negatively impact employee engagement as well as their overall mental health.  Working in a coworking space provides a sense of community and social interaction, which can play a huge role in keeping a healthy and productive mental state. Recent studies have shown that many remote workers also find it challenging to separate their work and personal lives when working from home. This may look like answering emails during family dinner time or responding to Slack messages before you even get out of bed in the morning. Coworking spaces help to provide that much needed work-life separation and create a healthier balance between professional and personal boundaries.

 

Entrepreneurs and start-ups:

When you think of entrepreneurs, do you picture Steve Jobs and Bill Gates working out of their home office garage with 100’s of brown boxes packed with inventory consuming their personal space? This picture still holds true for thousands of start-up businesses owners today.

 

Coworking spaces are a great option for entrepreneurs and small business owners who are looking for a flexible and cost-effective way to have a productive work and meeting space for their team and storage space for their inventory. Although all that sounds great, here’s the cherry on top, many coworking spaces offer a range of membership options, making it easy to scale up or down as business needs change. And operators like Office Evolution offer a menu of products and services that provide a high degree of flexibility and customization to accommodate seemingly any possible scenario.

 

Independent contractors: 

For independent professionals such as consultants, coaches or freelancers, coworking spaces can provide a productive environment to work from without the hassle of finding a noisy and professional coffee shop with decent wifi. They need space to meet with clients, and having the flexibility of a private office, meeting room or even a comfortable common space is of great value.  Not only can contractors share expertise with other like minded individuals on similar paths, but a coworking space can also provide a mountain of opportunity to network and attract potential clients through community engagement and events. This is why service professionals such as lawyers, accountants and and even therapists are increasingly working out of flex office spaces.

 

Nonprofits and charities: 

Coworking spaces can be a great option for nonprofits or charities looking for an affordable way to run their impactful operation. Many coworking spaces offer diverse and cost effective options  well-suited for nonprofit or charity organizations, making it possible for these organizations to access professional workspace without breaking the bank.  The networking and collaboration opportunities that coworking spaces offer can be especially valuable for nonprofits looking to connect with like-minded organizations and build support for their cause. Oftentimes, nonprofits and charities are looking for unique spaces to host community events such as fundraisers or meetings with community leadership.  Coworking spaces can provide a beautiful space to host their donors and community supporters while spreading the word of all the good they are doing for their city.

 

Digital nomads: 

The term ‘digital nomad’ became especially popular in 2018, but what does it mean exactly?

 

A digital nomad is a professional who uses a laptop and a strong wifi connection to work remotely while traveling the world. This lifestyle allows professionals to experience different cultures, meet new people and explore new places while still being able to maintain their career and earn a living. As you’ve probably guessed, nomads can benefit from coworking spaces in several ways.

 

One of the main benefits is the ability to have a dedicated and professional workspace while on the go. Digital nomads can take advantage of the flexibility of coworking spaces which provide short-term memberships, hourly rentals, and drop-in options that allow them to work whenever and wherever they need to – without the long-term commitment of traditional office space rentals or a spotty wifi connection from a local coffee shop or an Airbnb rental. Additionally, coworking spaces provide a sense of community, which can be especially beneficial for digital nomads who may be traveling solo or missing the comradery of their workplace back home. They can meet and collaborate with other like-minded individuals, share tips and experiences, and even find new travel buddies! Industry leading brands like Office Evolution allow members to access all of their locations, so digital nomads are not limited to just one location.

 

Students:

Students can benefit from coworking spaces in several ways. One of the main benefits is the ability to have a dedicated and professional workspace while studying. Working in a coworking space can provide a valuable change of scenery from the traditional student outlets like campus common areas, libraries or noisy apartments with roommates helping to improve focus and productivity. Additionally, coworking spaces often provide a sense of community which can be beneficial for students who may be working on group projects or seeking collaboration with other students. This is especially true for students who do not live at or near campus, or perhaps complete many of their courses online.  They can also meet and work alongside professionals from different fields which can be a great opportunity to network and learn from more experienced individuals.

 

Artists and creatives:

We know how crucial it is for creatives to work in an inspiring environment. A modern, luxury interior certainly helps. But coworking operators  don’t stop there.

 

As the world transitions into a “new normal” in 2023, coworking spaces will be a valuable resource for a wide range of professionals. Whether you are a remote worker, entrepreneur, independent professional, nonprofit, digital nomad, or a student, there is a good chance that you can benefit from the flexibility and community that coworking spaces offer.