The latest workspace trends have made it clear that flexible working is here to stay.
Coworking spaces offer a flexible and supportive working environment for individuals and businesses looking for a cost-effective and collaborative alternative to more traditional office space.
The growth of coworking spaces has shown that the demand for flexible working environments is continuing to increase. Coworking spaces provide a collaborative setting that arguably offers more than a traditional workspace.
As they grow in popularity, it's important for shared workspaces to continuously innovate and adapt to remain relevant in the industry.
In this article, we will explore the top coworking trends for 2023, breaking down everything you need to know as we move forward into the year.
1. They're technology-driven spaces
Technology has made managing businesses easier by providing tools and solutions that automate tasks, streamline processes, improve communication and collaboration, and provide access to real-time data and analytics.
In 2023, we see coworking spaces become more tech-driven, providing a more convenient and efficient experience for businesses.
From automated check-ins and check-out, virtual tours, and high-speed internet to smart conference rooms with wireless presentation systems, coworking spaces are offering more value and smarter experiences to businesses and individuals.
2. Coworking spaces are corporate-friendly
Coworking spaces have come a long way. Originally, they were considered havens for freelancers, small businesses, and solo entrepreneurs. Now, large companies are recognising the value of coworking.
By providing additional workspaces, companies are offering employees a professional environment with the opportunity to better collaborate and socialise. As such, coworking can boost morale and productivity for remote workers, and all of this is conducive to productivity.
As a result, the occupancy of coworking facilities is ever-increasing, with more and more corporations switching to flexible working spaces.
Trends also suggest that operators will be focusing on creating more corporate-friendly coworking spaces. These will include more customisation, with distinct areas such as open workstations and lounges, such as Regus custom offices.
3. They offer affordable alternatives for businesses
Businesses considering more cost-effective workspace solutions should consider coworking spaces. They offer a more flexible and affordable solution, especially as many organisations have taken up or continued with a hybrid work approach since the Covid-19 pandemic.
Companies may find themselves better equipped to face shifting global events by having access to more flexible working spaces, particularly as they help to reduce spending on costs associated with traditional office space and utilities.
For example, Regus offers pricing per person, allowing companies to cater their spending to how many employees they have. Thanks to this pricing method, it’s often much simpler and cheaper to work with Regus than with traditional leases.
4. Multiple locations offer flexible working spaces
The rise of coworking has seen an influx of both new coworking providers and new locations offered by those existing. This means businesses and working individuals have much more choice.
They can choose a coworking space that is most convenient for their employees or their clients, making commuting and conducting business easier.
Companies looking to expand to other markets can more easily set up a presence in the new country by renting a coworking space. Having a global presence and global image has become easier than ever.
Many coworking spaces already offer incredible flexibility to their community, and we believe this trend will continue.
One method of using coworking spaces to their best is with a Regus membership. These allow access to coworking spaces across the world, as well as a professional global network of lounges and offices.
5. Reduced commute times when using coworking spaces close to home
The pandemic has changed the way we work, but the desire for local working and a more manageable commute has remained. It’s now estimated that the perfect commute is considered 15-30 minutes.
Many of us aren't ready to give up a shorter commute. Instead, many will continue to opt for a journey to work that is a walk or a bike ride away. Coworking spaces offer the best of both worlds - the flexibility of remote work and the convenience of a nearby workplace.
6. Coworking spaces encourage sustainability
Commuting to and from work is a daily activity for millions of people, which can mean traffic-heavy roads, packed trains, and a larger carbon footprint.
Companies can contribute to the environment by making the commute more sustainable with hybrid working. By switching up between in-office days and remote ones, there’s a reduction in traffic, which leads to fewer emissions.
Working remotely could mean less waste for businesses and their staff. This can include anything from avoiding single-use packaging at lunchtime and reducing the amount of paper in meetings to less need for heat, lighting, equipment, conference rooms, and other amenities.
Your team can communicate easily online, and documents can be shared electronically. All of this helps reduce the need for each individual to have their own set of resources, leading to a more sustainable approach without compromising business goals.
7. Customer acquisition is made easier through booking platforms
Booking platforms allow global teams to book a space that is convenient for them, no matter where they are in the world or when it's needed. Plus, if you’re hosting a meeting or you’ve got a conference coming up, you’ll be able to find the closest available space through an app and book online.
Additionally, booking platforms make it easier to streamline work processes so that it’s easier than ever to manage a hybrid or remote team. This way, corporate teams are better able to find workspaces on demand through booking platforms for maximum productivity.
8. Coworking spaces have developed niches
Whilst coworking spaces and remote working have seen a general surge in growth, there’s also an emerging trend towards speciality coworking locations, such as tech coworking spaces.
Niche coworking offices provide specialised areas to professionals in specific fields. For example, facilities are specially designed with everything needed for specialities such as artists, female entrepreneurs, and developers.
This helps create unique communities of like-minded people where they can connect professionally and inspire each other.
9. Additional services for better work-life balance
Coworking spaces provide a wealth of flexibility and amenities, and as demand increases, expectations of inclusive facilities will likely expand to cater to a more diverse group of people using these offices.
In 2023, coworking trends should see workspaces continue to offer additional services such as pet-friendly spaces, on-site childcare, access to gyms, social and event spaces, and fully functional kitchen spaces.
10. They encourage greater community and culture
Shared office spaces are no longer just about a convenient place to work.
The ideal workspace is becoming more advanced, with coworking spaces evolving into culture hubs. These are filled with both personal and professional networking opportunities and events such as weekly lunches and yoga classes.
Whilst the quality of coworking spaces is still paramount, additional factors such as flexibility, location, services, and culture of the working environment are becoming increasingly crucial to those making choices about which coworking space to use.
As the number of digital nomads increases worldwide, more people will want the use of flexible working spaces. They'll want convenient locations with the opportunity to meet a like-minded community in coworking spaces.
11. They're ideal for coworking networking and classes
Coworking spaces can create collaborative, creative spaces that develop personal and professional skills.
The opportunity to network in a coworking space offers an opportunity to create meaningful connections with professionals in the same industry.
Show your gratitude for any assistance received by offering something back. This way, everyone benefits from the collective knowledge within the community and there are endless opportunities for collaboration.
Using coworking spaces can be a cost-effective way to invest in employees. It helps them benefit from the career development and networking opportunities that coworking spaces have to offer. Best of all, it does so without the business expenditure, time, and resources required when arranging events.
Overall, at Regus, we know that flexibility, technology, and fostering a sense of community and culture are factors that will continue to drive the adoption of coworking.
Our global network of coworking offices allows you to work wherever life takes you. With thousands of locations worldwide, in every major town, city and transport hub, it's never been easier to work your way.