With the increasing demand for flexible workspace, different types of coworking spaces have been opening up all around the world.
But with so many options available, it can be challenging to decide which is the optimal option for your business.
In this article, we’ll look at the benefits of coworking spaces , who should use them, and how to choose the right one for you.
We’ll also look at nine different types of coworking spaces, including:
- Open or shared coworking spaces
- Luxury vs. basic coworking spaces
- Private coworking spaces
- Coworking hotels
- Corporate vs. casual coworking spaces
- Meeting and conference rooms
- Hybrid or virtual office services
- Specialized or niche coworking spaces
- Coliving spaces
Benefits of Coworking Spaces
Coworking spaces have surged in popularity because they offer many benefits to a wide variety of professionals.
Some of the advantages of coworking include:
- Increased productivity and focus in a well-designed, comfortable workspace
- Improved daily routine by providing structure and routine
- Professional networking and social opportunities
- Decreased overhead costs and flexible contracts (compared to traditional office space)
- Better work-life balance
What should a coworking space offer?
Features vary between the many different types of coworking spaces. At the bare minimum, a coworking space needs the basics to allow people to work: tables or desks, chairs, and Wi-Fi.
Most coworking spaces, though, will also include basic amenities such as:
- Bookable meeting rooms
- Printers and scanners
- Couches and lounge areas
- Kitchens with complimentary coffee, tea, or other beverages and food
- On-site staff
Some coworking spaces take things even further with features like:
- Wellness centres with activities like yoga
- Meditation rooms
- Games and activities (i.e., foosball or video games)
- Specialized rooms or equipment for creative fields like podcasting or videography
- Curated member events, networking opportunities, and professional development
The features offered by each coworking space will vary based on membership price, location, and the clientele they cater to.
Some coworking spaces are strictly functional and eliminate any extra bells and whistles for those who don’t want to pay for anything extra that they don’t need.
Others offer an incredible array of amenities and features, elevated design, and best-in-class technology for those who want a high-touch, high-tier experience.
And many are right in between, offering the best of both worlds.
Who can benefit from a coworking space?
Coworking spaces are flexible by design, so they can be a great option for many types of professionals, including:
- Remote workers who prefer to get out of their house
- On-the-go professionals who travel and need a workspace in different cities
- Freelancers or self-employed individuals looking for professional workspace and community
- Small businesses that don’t need or want traditional office space
- Remote teams that need to meet in person periodically
8 Different Types of Coworking Spaces
1. Open or Shared Coworking Spaces
This is likely the most common type of coworking space. It’s the quintessential image that comes to mind when people envision what coworking is. Depending on where you go, you may hear this concept described as “hot desks” or common, shared, and open coworking spaces.
Open coworking spaces include:
- Shared tables, desks, or lounge areas for people to work on their laptops
- No dedicated space to work—you can select a seat wherever you want each day
- Common and shared facilities such as a kitchen, lounge, printer, or other amenities
Some shared coworking spaces also offer dedicated desks within the communal area—a permanent desk reserved for a single worker at all times.
2. Luxury vs. Basic Coworking Spaces
As we mentioned, some coworking spaces offer just the basics—four walls, a desk and chair, and WiFi—while others are appointed with an incredible array of features and amenities:
- Luxury coworking spaces may include things like a wellness centre, food and beverages, or personalized support. Prices for membership are likely to be significantly higher to align with the perks and amenities they offer.
- Basic coworking spaces are, well, basic. The main focus is to provide somewhere to work and attract people looking for low-cost, no-frills options.
3. Private Coworking Spaces
Some individual professionals might choose a private office over an open coworking space. Most common, though, are small teams (2+ people) renting a private office together or businesses utilizing private suites for larger teams.
With a private suite or office, you get:
- A secured and private area
- The option to customize or decorate your workspace
- The option to register your business on Google My Business, which dictates the need for a specific business address
4. Coworking Hotels
Digital nomads and travelling professionals are one of the biggest demographics to benefit from coworking spaces. Access to a workspace and Wi-Fi is essential to get work done while on the road!
Coworking hotels are coworking spaces located in hotels or hostels. Unlike coliving spaces (see #8 below), the sole purpose of these spaces may not be for coworking; they may operate as a hotel with the coworking option as an add-on for travelling professionals.
5. Corporate vs. Casual Coworking Spaces
When deciding on a coworking space, it’s important to consider the clientele who frequent it. Most spaces can be categorized in one of two ways: corporate or professional.
- Corporate coworking spaces cater to businesses or teams of people working together, primarily in private offices and suites. If there are independent workers, they are likely to be in more corporate professions such as law or real estate.
- Casual coworking spaces may attract more solopreneurs, freelancers, creatives, or individual remote workers. Sharing workspaces is more common, as are events and socials to build connections.
While coworking spaces don’t generally make themselves exclusive of any type of professional, they’re generally branded and tailored to lean one way or the other and the community and feel of the space follow suit.
6. Meeting and Conference Rooms
Meeting rooms and event spaces are becoming more popular among the different types of coworking spaces.
On-demand meeting rooms allow companies who don’t typically require an office to access professional and comfortable spaces. They’re usually equipped with audiovisual capabilities like high-speed Wi-Fi and video conferencing equipment.
Professionals who work in open coworking spaces or have a dedicated desk or private office can also take advantage of meeting rooms to host clients or meet with colleagues.
7. Virtual Office Services
Virtual office services are one of the different types of coworking spaces that don’t involve a physical workspace. With a virtual office, you can have all the benefits without the costs or physical space.
Virtual office services can include:
- Mail and package handling services.
- Address services.
- Phone and voicemail services.
- Administrative support.
Adding on part-time or one-off access to a meeting room, office, or coworking space can also benefit hybrid teams and professionals.
8. Specialized or Niche Coworking Spaces
Some different types of coworking spaces are reserved for niche and specialized groups of people.
Some examples include:
- Women-only coworking spaces.
- Technology or other specific industry-focused coworking spaces.
- Coworking spaces for non-profits
These different types of coworking spaces may appeal to their niche audiences with specialized equipment and amenities or through their culture and community environment. They can also provide support and resources that are specific to these niches.
9. Coliving Spaces
Unlike the other options on this list, coliving spaces expand further than just a place to work. They’re spaces where people share living accommodations in addition to coworking areas. Coliving spaces often appeal to digital nomads or people who want to immerse themself in a specific community or location.
How to Choose the Right Coworking Space
Many locations will combine a few of the options on this list, such as open workspaces, private offices, and meeting rooms. Others are more focused on one thing, such as the specialized coworking spaces or those that cater specifically to companies who need corporate suites.
But besides the type of coworking space, there are other factors to consider. Some of the things to look for in a coworking space include:
- Location and accessibility, including whether it’s a rural or urban area—consider the clientele different locations will serve
- Perks and amenities, such as what’s available with luxury vs. basic or corporate vs. casual coworking spaces
- Community and atmosphere
- Event offerings
- Workspace design and layout
- Price, including membership options and terms
There are a lot of factors to consider, so don’t hesitate to check a few spaces out and see what works for you. Consider going for an in-person tour so you can get a sense of the coworking space and have your questions answered.
Launch offers flexible coworking and private office space along with other services such as virtual office services and meeting room space. If you’re looking for a coworking space where you or your team can get great work done, book a tour of your local Launch Workplace today.