6 Types of Coworking Members to Know

Coworking businesses are experiencing a huge and promising boom – and as we move well into 2020, that boom shows no sign of slowing. As someone operating their business out of a shared space, what types of coworking members will you work next to?

 

Millions of people across the globe are congregating at coworking spaces, seeking other professionals to network with, trying to overcome the boredom and isolation of working from home, or trying to save on the massive costs and overhead of setting up a small office in a big international metropolis.

 

Some are simply chasing the trend, interested in what a shared space might have to offer over working from coffee shops or from the comfort of one’s own sofa. However, just as many coworking spaces are thriving, some are not. Some of that has to do with an increasing growth in competition.

 

Because these spaces have a wide variety of businesses, entrepreneurs, satellite offices and more, it may be confusing what to expect as a customer. What kind of coworking members will you work alongside in your office space? The answer is quite complex.

 

What is the Average Coworker?

 

Coworking members are extremely varied, yet the most significant common factor in all tenants is independence. People who work in coworking spaces are less likely to already spend a significant amount of their time in an office.

 

In other words, freelancers – in all their forms – will often make up the majority of coworking customers. But they certainly aren’t alone. Remote workers, startup teams, entrepreneurs, and smaller satellite teams from larger companies are some of the other people who typically seek out shared spaces as an alternative to expensive and long-term leases in big cities.

 

The average coworking space customer is:

 

• • • 39 years old, and only a fraction (7 percent) are younger than 30.
    • People who work in coworking spaces are evenly split between male and female.
    • Many different professions utilize coworking – from graphic design to web development, software engineering, copywriting, management, and more.

 

A large portion of the people who work from flexible spaces subsist at least partially on what is currently known as the ‘gig economy’. They need a workplace that shares many of the qualities that their own work does: flexibility, transience, and mutual benefit.

 

As the gig economy continues to grow and is expected to account for over 40 percent of the US’ workforce by this year, this will likely be mirrored in the soaring growth that coworking itself is enjoying.

 

 

What Are the Common Types of Coworking Members?

 

These shared spaces consist of many types of coworking members. Some of the people expected to work in shared office spaces include:

 

Independent Workers:

 

These include any and all freelance and self-employed professionals who are not tied to a single client or company, and instead seek work while marketing themselves and their services as individuals. They do not represent a group or team, although they might work in several teams, and typically do not enter long-term contracts.

 

Startups:

 

Plenty of startups in larger, more expensive cities may opt to work out of co-working spaces in the first few months to avoid the costs of leasing an office. Because startups have a good chance of imploding early on, there is additional risk in leasing an office for a year or more. Flexible spaces provide the perfect alternative for these new companies. Similarly, these spaces are excellent for small-to-medium enterprises (SMEs).

 

Remote Workers:

 

Remote workers may be employees in startups, SMEs, or larger corporations who do not have a set workspace, either voluntarily or as per their employer. Some companies have flexible workspace policies, allowing employees to work from the office, from home, or from anywhere else. Remote workers may relish a coworking space as an alternative to their main office or home, and as a more productive alternative to the local coffeeshop.

 

Entrepreneurs:

 

Entrepreneurs often enjoy working from coworking spaces because it allows them to meet with different professionals, network, and continue to work on their own projects while exploring new opportunities.

 

Part-time Workers:

 

Unlike remote workers who are full-time workers and freelancers who aren’t working for an individual via contract, part-time workers may work several jobs, one of which may be remote. Shared office spaces provide an alternative space to home if home isn’t an option due to poor internet connectivity, space issues, or distractions.

 

Satellite Teams:

 

Coworking spaces are increasingly becoming home to smaller satellite teams from larger companies and enterprises seeking to take advantage of the lower overhead and cost of setting up a team in a city where they may have an interest in better serving their customers.

 

From huge corporations to smaller, yet still sizeable multi-national companies, many different coworking members have an interest in using such spaces to save on costs and provide their mobile teams with a productive environment to do their work. Different companies have also recognized the collaborative worth of the shared spaces, understanding that there’s more to a coworking space than what meets the eye.

 

 

Creating the Right Space for You

 

As a business sharing space with others, there’s going to have to be a little give-and-take. You can meet people halfway and, as much as possible, create an environment that is inviting to you. That means avoiding harsh or contrasting themes, or strong or overly bold design choices. Luckily, the space is often furnished and has all the amenities you will need. The coworking office will often come with:

 

• • • Large open common areas
    • A healthy variety of amenities
    • Several private rooms for meetings or sensitive work
    • Fast Internet
    • Quality cooling and heating
    • A meticulous focus on keeping things clean and pleasant

 

Often, the space will also provide different price plans for different groups of professionals, with various perks and levels with options for both an open space and the option for a private nook when a task calls for total concentration.

 

Should You Look Into Flexible Office Space?

 

If you find yourself in one of these categories, then flexible offices may be perfect for you and your team. There are many benefits to coworking that go further than just having a place to concentrate, work, and be productive.

 

Whether you are an individual freelancer, a management team, or a satellite office, contact us today to find the perfect office space for you.