Coworking has become a mainstay of work in the modern age. What started in a small San Francisco office space shared by a handful of tech freelancers became a global movement that revolutionized how and where we work.
But coworking has come a long way since then. In 2022, coworking is an essential component of remote and hybrid work. Before the pandemic, worker preferences were leaning toward hybrid and remote options. The rise of freelance platforms like UpWork and Fiverr spawned a whole generation of digital creatives who preferred the company and energy of like-minded others over working alone at home.
Coworking spaces have found solid ground among independents, entrepreneurs, small businesses, and global corporations managing a distributed workforce in the post-pandemic world. Today, let’s look at the trends that make coworking the preferred way to work.
Top Coworking Trends for 2022
How has coworking evolved to meet the needs of today? Let’s take a look.
The Latest Tech
Today’s coworking facilities prioritize technology in every way. From lightning-fast business-grade internet to the latest in video conferencing and audio-visual equipment, members have everything they need to make stable, quality connections.
Security
Asynchronous work schedules are the norm these days, and coworking spaces have stepped up with 24-hour secure access. Most facilities leverage a keyless entry system or even use biomarkers to accurately log who comes and goes, preventing unauthorized access and keeping the facility and its members safe and secure.
Designed for Wellness
Mental health and wellness are a primary concern for most people today. Modern coworking design emphasizes clean air, good circulation, and lots of natural light to boost the mood and enhance productivity. It’s not unusual for coworking spaces to have vibrant plant life, natural fibers, and even water features.
Multiple Locations
Some of the most successful coworking spaces operate in several locations within a city. Members enjoy the flexibility as they have their choice of which ones to visit, depending on what’s convenient. For example, many people moved away from city centers during Covid. Opening a coworking location in the suburbs or further afield in small towns might not have been viable a few years ago, but you might find an eager audience there today.
Serving a Broader Audience
Though coworking has been a mainstay for freelancers for almost three decades, the shape of work is experiencing a quantum shift. Today, some of the biggest customers for coworking spaces are major corporations, businesses in transition, and companies expanding into new markets. For these clients, coworking represents a significant cost reduction and helps to establish and maintain strong company culture, even when teams come together from a distance.
Variety of Workspaces
Initially, coworking was about collaboration. However, there are times when privacy and a little quiet space are essential. Modern coworking spaces answer these needs by providing diverse workspace options beyond the open and communal. To satisfy all preferences, it’s critical to have huddle space, sound-proof pods or booths, conference rooms, dedicated desks, and plenty of lounge space.
We hope we have given you some food for thought! If you’re looking for ways to enhance, modernize, or repurpose your vacant office space as a modern coworking facility, we can help. Reach out today to set up a call, and let’s talk possibilities.
