As a rule, most of the conversations about coworking spaces usually revolve around similar topics. We know that providing a comfy space and building a strong community is important, but we wanted to take things to the next level. That's why we dug into over 70 scientific papers from the last 3-4 years, looking for insights from other industries and sciences. All of these publications have a strong methodology and a typical peer-to-peer review methodology.
Our research is totally practical, and we're thrilled to be sharing these fact-based findings with you and we hope you'll dive into the references to learn even more.
Let’s start!
Scientific articles over the past few years explore the trend of how working in coworking spaces contributes to the happiness of its members. Turns out, coworking spaces are great at boosting satisfaction. This is a powerful differentiator for spaces that want to appeal to company owners.
Here’s what researchers define as the main contributors to the happiness of members of the coworking spaces.
By implementing these actions and following the advice provided, you can create a thriving and supportive environment that attracts members, enhances their experience, and aligns with the evolving needs of today's professionals.
The literature also highlights the positive relationship between a cooperative atmosphere and user happiness, emphasizing the role of collaboration, mutual support, and resource-sharing in creating a thriving coworking community. Also, there’s an emergent trend of job crafting, where individuals actively shape their work experiences.
A lot about design is subjective. But lately, there has been literature that aims to explain and quantify key terms in layout design. You can combine different approaches and see them as variables that you can increase or decrease.
For example, have you considered how much ambiance your space offers to its members? Or what is the proximity of workplaces, and how does it influence overall satisfaction?
Well, you can do it now. To start, let's break down each of the terms mentioned in the text and explain their significance in the context of coworking spaces:
Definition: Proximity refers to the physical closeness or distance between individuals within a space.
Proximity in coworking spaces affects the level of interaction and collaboration among users. Open-plan offices with close physical proximity encourage spontaneous communication and collaboration among users from diverse backgrounds. It can foster a sense of community and networking opportunities. Low-priority spaces cater to members who want privacy and prefer concentrated work.
Definition: Connectivity in coworking spaces refers to the establishment of links or connections between individuals and groups through both physical elements (such as spatial layout) and digital technologies.
Connectivity enables users to interact and collaborate effectively. It includes physical connectivity through shared facilities and infrastructure, as well as virtual connectivity through digital platforms like Slack or your coworking space app. Enhanced connectivity leads to better communication, knowledge sharing, and collaboration among users and organizations.
Definition: Privacy involves protecting individuals' control over the accessibility of their information and setting boundaries between personal and shared spaces.
Providing varying degrees of privacy options in coworking spaces is essential to cater to users with different needs. It ensures that users can choose spaces where they feel comfortable and can control their work environment. Privacy considerations include visual and auditory privacy, especially in open-plan settings.
Definition: Architecture of innovation refers to the design and layout of coworking spaces that stimulate creativity, idea generation, and problem-solving among users.
Coworking spaces designed with an architecture of innovation can inspire users to think creatively and collaborate across boundaries. It involves creating an environment that supports personalization, offers a balance between collaborative and private spaces, and provides resources for users to realize their innovative ideas.
How can I optimize these variables?
These specific recommendations align with the examples and details provided in the text, ensuring a more tailored approach to optimizing coworking space layouts for socio-material routines.
To build a strong community, just fostering a sense of community is not enough. Recent literature discusses the importance of respect, privacy, boundaries, and informed consent of every member for building a truly comfortable community.
According to these articles, here’s what you should focus on.
Significance: A strong sense of community is a key attraction for coworking spaces. It fosters collaboration, networking, and member satisfaction.
Implementation:
Setting boundaries between members and non-members helps define the community, making members feel like they belong.
Implementation:
Significance: Emotional safety allows members to open up, share their needs, and develop intimacy, leading to stronger connections.
Implementation:
Feeling like they belong and identify with the community makes members more committed and engaged.
Implementation:
Developing a common symbol system reinforces the community's identity and visibility. This is not just about branding but even about emojis, colors, and other communication symbols.
Implementation:
Members' influence on the community and vice versa helps align attitudes and values.
Implementation:
Meeting the needs of members and integrating them into the community enhances comfort and openness.
Implementation:
Building emotional connections over time strengthens the sense of community.
Implementation:
Trust is essential both among members and between members and the space provider.
Implementation:
Competition can either harm or promote the sense of community, depending on how it's managed.
Implementation:
Conflicts are inevitable, and having mechanisms to resolve them is crucial to maintaining a healthy community.
Implementation:
Certainly, let's provide a more detailed explanation for each of the building blocks, values, and factors discussed in the text regarding creating a sense of community in coworking spaces.
While coworking spaces have long been associated with productivity, collaboration, and networking, a trend that is not frequently discussed but is gaining momentum is the integration of sleep pods and restful retreat areas within these shared work environments.
In today's fast-paced and often overworked professional landscape, employees and entrepreneurs are recognizing the importance of rest and rejuvenation. Coworking spaces are evolving to meet this need by offering designated areas where individuals can take power naps or simply unwind during a hectic workday.
Here's why this trend is on the rise:
While sleep pods and restful retreats may not be the first thing that comes to mind when you think of coworking spaces, they represent an innovative response to the evolving needs of today's workforce. As professionals increasingly seek a balance between work and well-being, expect to see more coworking spaces incorporating these features into their offerings.
There’s research that aims to explore and understand the concept of stress and strain in the context of the workplace. This concept originated from the work of Rohmert and is centered on the idea that stress and strain experienced by individuals in a work environment are influenced by a combination of external factors known as stressors and individual factors.
Stressors encompass a wide range of elements within the work system, including task characteristics, equipment, physical and social factors. The research emphasizes that stress is not a uniform experience and varies based on individual factors like constitution, abilities, and health status.
Prolonged exposure to stressors or high-intensity stress can lead to negative consequences, including health issues and performance-related problems. The impact of different work environments, such as the home office and coworking spaces, on stress and strain levels.
This is something coworking space owners can and absolutely should leverage to their advantage.
There’s a distinction between objective stressors (external stimuli) and psychophysiological stress reactions (individual responses). It underscores the importance of separating these concepts both linguistically and conceptually.
The positive effects of telework are increased autonomy, better work-life balance, and reduced stress and exhaustion.
However, it also has negative aspects, including social isolation and work intensification.
Coworking spaces excel in terms of social interaction and work-life balance. The social environment and support network provided by coworking spaces were highly valued by users. Surprisingly, many coworkers did not find the noise levels or privacy to be worse in coworking spaces than in home offices.
For coworking space operators, there are practical implications that can enhance the coworking experience. These include offering skill development workshops, emphasizing the importance of ergonomic office furniture, and creating appealing workspaces that consider environmental factors such as noise levels. These efforts can not only attract more users but also contribute to the overall satisfaction and well-being of those who choose to work in coworking spaces.
There’s been a trend of exploring the role of the community of coworking spaces, seeing them as gatherings of mindful people as opposed to rooms with desks and chairs. However, according to some authors, coworking spaces can even borrow patterns from organizations.
It turns out, that just like members of organizations have clear routines, so do coworking members have their patterns. Observing those can help owners satisfy their clients better. For example, you can focus on three aspects.
Rituals are central to understanding the vibrant social fabric of coworking spaces. In the context of the study, rituals are defined as patterns of interaction that provide templates for making sense of social reality. These rituals serve as crucial building blocks for community cohesion.
Routines offer a structured framework within coworking spaces, helping individuals navigate the sometimes tricky boundaries between work and personal life.
Co-discipline emerges as a unique concept within coworking spaces, signifying a shared sense of order and accountability:
In conclusion, coworking spaces are not just shared workplaces; they are thriving ecosystems where rituals, routines, and co-discipline play pivotal roles in fostering a sense of community, productivity, and well-being among independent workers.
Understanding these concepts can shed light on how coworking spaces effectively balance structure and flexibility to meet the diverse needs of their members. As remote and independent work continues to shape the future of employment, coworking spaces offer valuable insights into creating supportive and collaborative work environments.
Makerspaces, these intriguing hubs of creativity and innovation, have been popping up all over the place. They're often seen as breeding grounds for entrepreneurs and inventors, where anyone can tinker with tools and turn their ideas into reality. But is this hype around makerspaces living up to reality?
Recent research suggests that while makerspaces have made significant strides in building a sense of community and offering access to specialized tools, they might not be the hotbeds of entrepreneurial activity that we expected.
Makerspaces were envisioned as places where entrepreneurs would flock to bring their groundbreaking ideas to life. However, interviews with makerspace managers reveal a disconnect between expectations and reality. Many makerspaces are still waiting for that next big thing to emerge from their facilities.
Some makerspace managers have expressed frustration over the perceived lack of entrepreneurial drive in their communities. They wonder why more members aren't jumping at the chance to develop groundbreaking products. It's not that makerspaces aren't trying to help; they're just not seeing the level of innovation they hoped for.
In some cases, it's not a lack of entrepreneurial spirit but rather a reluctance to take risks that's holding makerspaces back. Some communities seem hesitant to pursue new ventures, which can be a significant hurdle for smaller regions hoping to foster innovation.
Makerspaces have recognized these challenges and are adapting their strategies. They are positioning themselves as early-stage entrepreneurial hubs, focusing on ideation and brainstorming. By doing so, they aim to spark a culture of innovation and increase their community's willingness to take the plunge into entrepreneurship.
Many makerspaces are now helping members turn their hobbies into small lifestyle businesses. While these businesses may not achieve massive scalability, they still play a crucial role in nurturing the local entrepreneurial ecosystem.
It's important to understand the differences between incubators, coworking spaces, and makerspaces. Incubators primarily support scalable projects and provide extensive mentoring. Coworking spaces offer communal workspace for businesses but not necessarily manufacturing equipment. Makerspaces are open to the public and provide access to manufacturing equipment, making them unique in their focus on hands-on creativity.
Makerspaces are also contributing to small business growth by offering office space and access to specialized tools. By providing coworking services, they help entrepreneurs launch businesses with lower overhead costs. This shared workspace adds an extra layer of community, fostering collaboration and diversity among professionals.
In addition to business support, makerspaces fill the skills gap by offering training in manufacturing and technology. As traditional shop classes disappear from schools, makerspaces step in to provide hands-on experience with machinery. While formal certification programs may be on the horizon, makerspaces currently offer aspiring professionals an opportunity to gain valuable skills.
Perhaps one of the most unexpected benefits of makerspaces is their role in retaining skilled workers in communities. By creating vibrant and creative communities, makerspaces become magnets for talent, encouraging professionals to stick around and contribute to local industries.
So, makerspaces are evolving to meet the challenges of fostering innovation and entrepreneurship. While they may not have produced the next big thing just yet, they are undoubtedly shaping the future of work, business, and skills development in our communities.
Recent research has unveiled that coworking spaces are not a monolith when it comes to sustainability. Rather, they comprise four distinct perspectives, each with its own unique focus and priorities. Let's explore these perspectives and what they mean for sustainability.
This perspective, shared by eight participants, places a strong emphasis on community and collaboration as central to sustainability. For these individuals, coworking spaces should foster a sense of belonging and encourage members to work together, ultimately building a sustainable entrepreneurial ecosystem. This perspective champions flexible access, open office cultures, and shared resources.
The Resourceful Society perspective prioritizes optimizing resources with an environmental focus. Members believe in using renewable energy, repurposing existing buildings, and minimizing waste as essential sustainability practices. This perspective aligns with a broader vision of creating value from waste and maximizing material and energy efficiency.
The "Incubator" perspective emphasizes community, long-term sustainability, and supporting member businesses. For them, coworking spaces should be more than shared offices; they should nurture and incubate startups and small businesses. Long-term missions and a focus on people over profit are central to this perspective.
The "Environmental" perspective is strongly focused on environmental sustainability. Their top priorities include recycling, composting, efficient lighting, and reducing carbon footprints. They believe that coworking spaces should lead by example in sustainable practices.
By acknowledging and embracing these diverse perspectives, coworking spaces can evolve into true engines of sustainability, accommodating members with varied sustainability needs and contributing to a more environmentally conscious and socially responsible future.
A recent study has delved deep into how coworking spaces, particularly accelerators, play a pivotal role in enhancing the innovation performance of these fledgling businesses. Here, we uncover the significant findings and their implications for startup owners and the broader entrepreneurial ecosystem.
Startups situated in coworking spaces can gain valuable insights from neighboring startups. According to a study titled "Working in Close Proximity: Knowledge Spillovers and Social Interactions" (NBER Working Paper 30120), researchers observed that the transfer of knowledge is most effective among startup employees who engage in social interactions but are involved in somewhat divergent businesses.
The team of researchers focused on one of the top five tech-centered coworking venues in the country. Between August 2014 and January 2017, 251 startups were randomly allocated offices within a multi-level building. The study revealed that startups positioned within a 20-meter radius were considerably more inclined to incorporate the same emerging web technologies—a measure for knowledge spillovers—compared to those situated at a greater distance. Interestingly, startups housed on the same level but spaced further apart did not exhibit a higher likelihood of benefiting from knowledge transfer compared to those on separate floors.
Startups face a unique challenge - they often begin their journeys with limited resources and knowledge. This inherent knowledge deficit can significantly elevate the risk of failure. To bridge this gap, they must tap into external sources of learning effectively.
Let's dissect the key findings and explore how coworking spaces can contribute to the success of startups by assuming some functions as accelerators:
Within the accelerator environment, other startups operating in the same cohorts, often referred to as "competitors," serve as a valuable source of external knowledge.
Interaction with competitors encourages strategies rooted in imitation, which correlates positively with incremental innovation. The physical proximity of these startups further facilitates knowledge exchange.
How coworking spaces help: Coworking spaces like accelerators provide a fertile ground for startups to coexist, collaborate, and share insights. The physical proximity within these spaces encourages spontaneous interactions and knowledge sharing among startup teams. This environment fosters a culture of continuous learning and incremental innovation.
Educators, in the context of accelerators, primarily enhance incremental innovation. Interactions with educators boost a startup's social and human capital. This, in turn, positively influences innovation performance. Educators help startups filter out irrelevant information. Also, these interactions elevate the professional skills and expertise of startup teams, further enhancing innovation.
How coworking spaces help: Coworking spaces provide a structured framework for startups to engage with educators. They offer workshops, mentorship programs, and expert-led sessions where startups can gain insights, acquire new skills, and expand their social capital.
Investors, including venture capitalists and business angels, emerge as crucial catalysts for radical innovation. Their contributions extend beyond financial support to providing valuable advice and knowledge. This knowledge transfer enhances startup innovation. These investors possess specialization in specific technological fields, making their knowledge particularly effective for startups. Furthermore, professional investments influence innovation performance by shaping managerial aspirations.
How coworking spaces help: Coworking spaces, especially accelerators, should work towards becoming hubs where startups can pitch their ideas to potential investors. This direct access to investors within the coworking environment streamlines the process of securing both financial support and valuable insights.
Beyond mere physical amenities, coworking spaces thrive when they facilitate emotional, informational, and instrumental support among their members.
This is not just about helping people connect but also about encouraging help on a volunteering basis as well as allowing productive give-and-take relationships.
Understanding and harnessing the power of emotional, informational, and instrumental support is crucial for coworking space owners and operators. The success of both individual businesses and the coworking space itself hinges on the ability to leverage social support, making these spaces more than a place to work—it's where dreams are nurtured, businesses flourish, and lifelong connections are forged.
In today's fast-paced work landscape, coworking spaces have emerged as hubs of innovation and collaboration, providing professionals with dynamic environments to thrive. Beyond shared desks and meeting rooms, these spaces are now incorporating cutting-edge technologies like chatbots to enhance the coworking experience. As coworking space owners seek to leverage the advantages of chatbots, it's essential to understand both their benefits and potential challenges.
By carefully selecting chatbot solutions that align with the unique needs of their coworking spaces and proactively managing the challenges, owners can harness the full potential of chatbots. The result? A coworking environment that not only meets members' expectations but also exceeds them, ensuring continued growth and success in the dynamic world of flexible workspaces.
Tracking occupancy helps you provide real-time information on desk and table availability and optimize your space. Source
Coworking spaces have evolved into dynamic hubs for modern professionals. They offer flexibility, collaboration, and innovation. However, to make these spaces truly effective, you need to understand how they are used. A recent case study provides valuable insights into optimizing coworking spaces based on occupancy patterns.
For example, at a BuildSys '22 conference, researchers reported analyzed data collected from occupancy sensors within coworking spaces. These patterns offer essential lessons for coworking space owners.
With time series forecasting, coworking space owners become able to predict future occupancy levels. This offers practical implications.
One emerging trend in the coworking industry that is not often talked about is the creation of specialized coworking spaces designed to cater to professionals within a specific industry. Unlike traditional coworking environments that are open to freelancers, entrepreneurs, and professionals from various fields, these specialized spaces aim to create a more focused community that shares common professional goals, language, and challenges.
For instance, there are coworking spaces exclusively for writers, complete with a library, literary events, and writing workshops. In the tech sector, we might see coworking spaces equipped with advanced hardware and software for coding, app development, or data science.
There are also coworking spaces that cater to artists, offering studio space, galleries, and material shops within the facility. The healthcare sector is not far behind, with coworking spaces that include private consulting rooms and shared medical equipment for independent healthcare providers.
This trend allows for more targeted networking, collaboration, and sharing of industry-specific knowledge, offering a tailored work environment that can help professionals within that industry thrive.
In a bid to merge the concepts of productivity and serenity, a new trend is emerging—Coworking Space Botanical Gardens. These innovative coworking environments are designed as lush, green oases within urban landscapes, where professionals can work amidst a thriving botanical paradise.
Plants and green corners increase productivity and well-being. Source
This trend reimagines the traditional coworking experience by immersing professionals in a captivating botanical setting. It offers a harmonious blend of work and nature, transforming the workday into a rejuvenating and inspiring experience. Coworking Space Botanical Gardens represent a novel approach to fostering well-being, creativity, and environmental consciousness among professionals.
In response to the evolving needs of professionals seeking a balanced lifestyle, coworking spaces are now offering "Workation Retreats." This trend combines remote work with rejuvenating getaways, catering to individuals looking to escape the daily grind while remaining productive.
Workation Retreats reflect the growing desire for experiential work, where professionals can balance productivity with exploration and personal growth. These retreats not only offer a change of scenery but also serve as a source of inspiration, helping individuals rejuvenate and return to their work with renewed creativity and energy.
As we navigate through the evolving landscape of work, the 15 rarely-heard-of trends outlined in this research underscore the innovative, adaptive, and remarkably diverse nature of coworking spaces. From the integration of smart technology to the emergence of industry-specific hubs, these trends not only illuminate the current shifts within the coworking ecosystem but also offer a lens through which we can view the future.
One salient takeaway is the increasing specialization within coworking spaces, which allows them to serve as more than just functional work environments. Whether it's a space designed for digital artists complete with high-speed rendering computers or a biohacker lab equipped with state-of-the-art scientific equipment, these niche spaces show that coworking is no longer a one-size-fits-all solution. Instead, it is rapidly becoming a tailored service adapted to meet the distinct needs of diverse professional groups.
Moreover, the trends highlight how coworking spaces are becoming more deeply integrated into both our professional and personal lives. As these spaces offer amenities that range from child-care services to wellness programs, the line between 'work' and 'life' is increasingly blurred, offering a more holistic approach to productivity and well-being.
Importantly, these trends are more than just ephemeral shifts; they represent substantial opportunities for growth, both for coworking space operators and for the broader ecosystem of startups, freelancers, and corporations. By proactively adapting to these trends, coworking spaces can not only remain competitive but also serve as catalysts for innovation, collaboration, and community-building.
In summary, these 15 rarely-heard-of trends present a roadmap for coworking spaces striving for growth and differentiation in an ever-competitive market. As we move forward, these innovative models and features are set to redefine the way we think about work, collaboration, and community.
So, whether you are a coworking space operator, a potential investor, or simply someone intrigued by the future of work, these trends offer invaluable insights into what lies ahead in the fascinating world of coworking.
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