What Is a Coworking Space?

As a coworking space, we often hear the question, “So, what is coworking and why would I need a coworking space?”  If you are unfamiliar with the term, it can feel like a foreign concept. We are here to answer this common question, today.  

Made popular by larger chain coworking spaces such as WeWork and Impact Hub, coworking spaces started showing up in the early 2000s.  In the mid-2000s, coworking spaces started to become more commonplace, with spaces popping up in every major city. Today, we see multiple of these coworking spaces in all large cities, and even some coworking spaces in smaller cities, such as our beloved space.  

These spaces offer a solution for the growing solopreneur and remote worker populations.  More and more individuals are working remotely or working for themselves than ever before.  According to FlexJobs.com, between 2005 and 2017 there was a 159% increase in remote work, and this population continues to grow.  

With these increases comes a need for a new type of space.  Many remote or freelance workers have need for the resources and networking, as well as social aspect, of a traditional office.  However, they don’t need or want a traditional office space.  

This is where a coworking space comes in to save the day.  

A coworking space is a common workspace that users can join as a member to have access to space and resources that create a successful work environment.  It is common for these community workspaces to offer services such as meeting rooms that can be reserved, printing, mail services, and desk space, as well as many other things.  

Coworking spaces can be organized around a specific type of work or a certain neighborhood or community.  For example, our workspace is focused on Snohomish County, specifically.   

As you can see, coworking spaces offer a plethora of benefits to the remote worker, solopreneur, or freelancer.  Here are a the top three qualities a coworking space offers to its members:

Collaboration and networking

Many remote employees, solopreneurs, and freelance workers enjoy the benefits of working alone.  Not having to report to a boss is great for the freelancer and solopreneur. Flexibility and freedom in time management are great benefits for each of these groups.  

But, there are some benefits lost when you become a remote or solo worker.  Everyone needs social interaction and collaboration to some extent. Coworking spaces offer an opportunity to get to know other businesses and workers in the community.  They allow the possibility of collaboration between parties, as well.  

Physical resources

Working from home can be great, with its promise of wearing PJs as long as you want and avoiding a daily commute, but it has its downsides.  Working from home or for yourself means investing in your own physical resources and services to help your work environment. It may mean getting the right desk or buying the coffee you could have been provided in a more traditional office environment.  

A coworking space is the solution to this common problem.  Coworking spaces often have kitchen space, meeting rooms, desks, mail services, paper, printing, and more.  These are all resources that don’t always come easily to the at-home worker. A coworking space offers the physical resources needed for running any small business or work-from-home situation.  

Flexibility

Flexibility is the treasured gain for remote workers and solopreneurs alike.  Everybody wants to be able to work when they want and complete projects how they want.  Being a member of a coworking space doesn’t mean the sacrifice of flexibility.  

Unlike a traditional office, a coworking space is your workspace.  You don’t have to report to anyone or work around a specific schedule.  A common workspace is your resource to use as you like. Come in early and leave by noon, or work all night.  Switch desks in the middle of the day. Host the meetings you want to host. A coworking space exists to foster flexibility in work.  

Whether you are a freelancer, someone who works from home, or a small business who needs a space, a coworking space has a lot to offer.  It might be time to consider its benefits.  

If you are interested in learning more about SnoWorks and the benefits we offer, contact us or come in for a tour today.