Who Uses Coworking Spaces? Top Professionals and Industries Revealed

Are coworking spaces only for freelancers and entrepreneurs? Many people seem to think that, but the truth is that they can be used by anyone who wants to get out of their home office or simply wants a change of scenery, and any business from just about any industry. In this post, we’ll take a look at who uses membership-based workspaces and their reasons why.

What Is Coworking Space?

A coworking space is a shared office environment that can be used by freelancers, entrepreneurs, small business owners, and remote workers from any industry. These flexible office spaces provide a collaborative environment where people can come together to work on their own projects or businesses. They are usually located in an urban areas or business centers and districts with easy access to public transportation and other amenities like coffee shops, restaurants, etc.

The concept of coworking spaces has been around since the early 2000s when it was first developed as a way to help startups and freelancers save money while working remotely. The idea behind it is simple: you rent a desk (or several desks) in someone’s office building, which gives you access to all the resources and services that the owner provides. You also have access to other members’ desks, so you can collaborate with

What Are The Different Types Of Coworking Spaces?

There are a few different types of coworking spaces, each with its own unique features and amenities. Here are the most common types of coworking office spaces:

Conventional/Open

These spaces are typically large, open-plan office environments with a variety of desk types and seating arrangements. They may also have private offices, meeting rooms, and other common areas.

Luxury Coworking Space/Full-Service

These spaces are more like traditional executive suites, with private offices, meeting rooms, and other amenities such as concierge service and on-site cafes, bars, lounges, and even fitness centers.

Industry-Specific

These spaces are designed for people who work in specific industries, such as tech or startups. They often have industry-specific amenities and may offer mentorship or other resources.

Telecommuting/Virtual Office

These spaces provide a mailing address and other basic office services for remote workers who don’t need a physical space to work from.

Learn more about Mobo Co’s Virtual Office Packages.

Private Workspaces

These are small, enclosed offices that can be rented by businesses or individuals. They typically come furnished and have all the amenities of a conventional coworking space.

Minimal/Bare Bones

These spaces are typically just large open rooms with desks, chairs, and internet access. They may not have any additional amenities or services, unlike your conventional coworking space.

Shared Space/Subleased

These are spaces that have been leased by another business and then subleased to coworking members. They may not have all the amenities of a conventional coworking space but are usually more affordable.

Venture/Incubators

These are coworking spaces that offer dedicated desks,  resources, and support for startups and early-stage businesses. They often have access to mentors, investors, and other resources.

Why Use Coworking Spaces?

There are many reasons why people use coworking spaces. For some, it’s a way to get out of the house and avoid distractions like the TV or laundry that need to be done. For others, it’s about networking and meeting other like-minded professionals who can help them with their businesses. And for some, it’s simply a cheaper alternative to renting their own office space.

The Growing Appeal of Coworking Spaces

There’s no doubt that coworking spaces are becoming more and more popular. According to a report by Smallbusinessgenius, there were more than 3 million coworkers globally in 2019 and this number is expected to nearly double by this year. And it’s not just freelancers and entrepreneurs who are using these spaces – large corporations are starting to take notice of the benefits of coworking as well. This is a phenomenon in all major cities in the world.

For example, international companies like Google and IBM have been known to use coworking spaces for their employees, and even traditional office-based businesses are starting to rent out hot desks in coworking spaces when they need the extra room or want to offer their full-time employees a more flexible office space.

So, Who Are Common Coworking Space Users?

The quick answer is just about anyone! We’ve seen people from all walks of life using coworking spaces, including entrepreneurs, stay-at-home parents, freelance writers, web developers, graphic designers, accountants, salespeople, consultants, and more. But here are the most common types of people and businesses that you’ll meet in alternative workspaces:

Individual Freelancers or Remote Workers

Independent workers are the most common type of people you’ll find in a coworking space. They make up an estimated 70% of the people who use these spaces. And it’s no surprise – coworking spaces are the perfect place for freelancers who want to get out of their house and avoid distractions, meet other like-minded professionals, and network with potential clients or collaborators.

Entrepreneurs and Small-To-Medium Sized Enterprises

The next most common group of people you’ll find in coworking spaces are remote entrepreneurs. These are the people who are passionate about their business ideas and are working hard to turn them into a reality. For many entrepreneurs, coworking spaces provide a more professional environment to work in outside of their homes, and they also offer the opportunity to network with other professionals who can help them with their businesses.

Larger Companies and Enterprises

In recent years, we’ve seen an increase in the number of large-scale corporations using coworking spaces. For these businesses, coworking spaces offer a way to provide their employees with a more flexible working arrangement compared to traditional workplaces. This in turn increases employee satisfaction and productivity, a win-win for all stakeholders.

Travelling Employees

Another group of people who are using coworking spaces more and more are travelling employees. These are the people who are often on trips for work and need a place to set up their laptops and get some work done no matter where they are in the world. Adaptable workspaces provide them with a comfortable and professional environment to do this, as well as the opportunity to meet other professionals who might be in town for business.

Non-Profits and Community Organizations

Finally, we’re also seeing an increase in the number of non-profits and community organizations using coworking spaces. For these groups, coworking spaces offer a way to get their members out of the house and working together on projects in a more professional environment.

Startup Teams

Startups are another group of people who are increasingly using coworking spaces. These are businesses that are in the early stages of development and are often working on a tight budget but are looking for a convenient space to get work done. For startups, coworking spaces offer a way to get professional space without the high cost of renting their own space.

Project Teams

More and more businesses are recognizing the benefits of coworking spaces for project-based work. These teams often need to be in close proximity to each other to collaborate effectively, but they don’t necessarily need their own office space. Coworking spaces provide them with a place to work together on their projects, as well as the opportunity to take advantage of the amenities and networking opportunities that these spaces often offer.

Digital Nomads and Creative Freelancers

Last but not least, we have the digital nomads. These are people who use technology to work remotely and often travel frequently. For digital nomads, coworking spaces offer a way to stay connected to other professionals and have a place to work when they’re in town.

Only goes to show that just about anyone can benefit from using coworking spaces. Whether you’re a freelancer who needs a place to focus or an entrepreneur who wants to network with other like-minded professionals, coworking spaces can provide you with the environment and opportunities you need to be successful.

Top Industries That Are Coworking Users

Let’s take a look at the range of industries that you’ll find represented in coworking spaces:

Technology

One of the most common industries that you’ll find in coworking spaces is the technology sector. This industry is full of professionals who are always looking for ways to work more efficiently and effectively. And coworking spaces offer them the perfect environment to do just that. In addition to providing a place to focus on work, coworking spaces often have a variety of amenities and networking opportunities that can help tech professionals take their careers to the next level.

Entrepreneurship

When it comes to coworking spaces, entrepreneurship is one of the most commonly represented industries. That’s because these spaces are often filled with people who are working hard to turn their business ideas into reality. For many entrepreneurs, working in a coworking space provides a more inspiring and collaborative environment than working from home.

Creative Industry

Coworking spaces are also popular among creative professionals, such as writers, designers, and artists. That’s because these creative spaces offer them a place to focus on their work without distractions. In addition, coworking spaces often have a variety of amenities that can help creative professionals be more productive, such as printing facilities and meeting rooms.

Information Technology

The IT industry is one of the top users of coworking spaces. This is due to the fact that many IT professionals are freelancers or work remotely, and they need a place to focus on their work without distractions. Coworking spaces provide them with the perfect environment to do this, as well as the opportunity to network with other IT professionals.

Consulting

The consulting industry is another top user of coworking spaces. That’s because these spaces provide consultants with a place to meet with clients and collaborate with other consultants. In addition, coworking spaces often have a variety of amenities that can help consultants be more productive in meeting their client’s needs, such as meeting rooms, soundproof phone booths, and video conferencing facilities.

Advantages of Using a Coworking Space

Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or remote worker, you can enjoy the benefits of using a coworking space. Some of the most popular advantages include:

Productivity

Many people find that they are more productive when they cowork. This is because they have access to all the resources they need, such as meeting rooms and printers, and there are no distractions compared to working from home.

Flexibility

Coworking spaces offer a more flexible working arrangement than traditional office spaces. From flexible leases to 24/7 access, modern coworking spaces are changing the game and breaking the bounds of the office set-up we’ve always known. You can easily increase or decrease your space as your needs change, and there is no long-term commitment required. This can be a great option for businesses that are looking for scalability and convenience.

Cost-Effective

Renting a desk in a coworking space is often cheaper than renting an entire office floor or building, especially for small businesses and freelancers.

Networking Opportunities

Coworking spaces provide an opportunity to network with other professionals from a variety of industries. These networking events can be helpful for making connections and finding potential clients or collaborators.

Collaborative Environment

Coworking spaces often have a more collaborative environment than traditional offices, which can be beneficial for project-based work. The social atmosphere that coworking spaces foster can boost work satisfaction, creativity, and motivation.

Access to Perks and Amenities

Many coworking spaces offer amenities such as unlimited coffee and tea, printers and scanners, meeting rooms, gyms, soundproof phone booths, recreation spaces, and event spaces. This can be a great perk for people who want to take advantage of these services that come with their coworking space membership.

Sense of Community

For many people, one of the best things about coworking spaces is the sense of community that they provide. These spaces can be a great way to meet new people and make friends who share your interests.

Strategic Location

If you own a business or run a freelance operation, it may not be feasible to rent office space in metropolitan cities because of the steep rates. However, coworking spaces allow you to save money by sharing space with other companies. Many coworking spaces are located in urban centres, which can be a great option for businesses that want to be near potential clients or investors. Many coworking spaces are also located near public transportation hubs, so if you’re running a service-oriented business, you’ll find it easier to attract customers.

Read more: 14 Benefits of Coworking Spaces

So there you have it – a quick overview of who are the types of individuals and companies that support the coworking movement and why you should be behind it too. Whether you’re a freelancer, entrepreneur, or large company, there’s a good chance that there’s a coworking space that will work for you.

At Mobo Co, we offer flexible coworking packages from our prestige South Bank location. Book a tour or contact our team to discuss your business needs.

Keep reading: What is coworking? A Complete Guide To Choosing The Coworking Space For You