What is a coworking space, how does it work, and what is it for

It is increasingly common to hear the term coworking when talking about work models today or new workspaces, but do you know what differentiates a coworking space from a traditional office? What are the advantages of working from a coworking space instead of a coffee shop or from home? Who is coworking for? 

Here we tell you everything you need to know to understand coworking.

Coworking Meaning: Definition

The term coworking refers to a shared physical workspace where professionals with different profiles and work structures converge, from freelancers, entrepreneurs, startups and small companies, to even large companies.  

According to Wikipedia, coworking is defined as a way of working that allows professionals to share the same workspace, both physical and virtual, to develop their professional projects independently, while promoting joint projects.

What mainly differentiates a coworking from a traditional office are the unique spaces that make it up, which are what gives it the possibility of shared work among its users, the coworkers. But a coworking is more than just a workspace occupied by professionals from different sectors, what really distinguishes it is the way in which these spaces and the dynamics they generate encourage the connection between coworkers, as well as the many benefits it offers to them.

How does a coworking space work, and what is it for?

A coworking space has different types of spaces and hiring plans for professionals who decide to adopt it as their workspace, and one of the characteristics that distinguishes them is its flexibility.

On the one hand, they have flexible spaces that are designed to enhance creativity and let ideas flow, but above all, to adapt to new work models and the needs of its users. 

On the other hand, they offer different plans that adapt to the work style of professionals and entrepreneurs, as well as their space needs according to the size of each team.

What services does a coworking space offer?

Another important characteristic of a coworking space is that the plans they offer have all services included. Firstly, an equipped workspace ready for the user to simply walk in with their laptop and start working, and not only that, but it also includes everything they may need during their day-to-day. These services may include:

• High-speed internet
• Printers
• 24/7 Access
• Free coffee and tea
• Rest areas 
• Terraces or green areas
• Coffee shop or canteen 
• Amenities

What types of coworking spaces exist?

You might wonder what we mean when we talk about flexible spaces in a coworking environment. Here, we tell you about the different types of spaces that a coworking space usually offers so that its users can choose the one that best suits their needs.

Hot desk

The term hot desk is used to define a workspace in which the worker does not have a fixed desk. Every day you can occupy a different place within a shared space, that is, next to other coworkers.   

This type of space is ideal for those professionals who perform hybrid work or telework, who move constantly inside or outside the city and need a place to work in each location, or who simply do not need to be in a fixed place to perform their functions.

Desk or office in shared space

Shared spaces in a coworking area are a set of desks located in a large and open area. Here, users can, according to their needs, take a spot, a desk, or even form a shared office with several desks within the same space.

This is an affordable option for those looking for a fixed workspace, whether independently or as a team, and who also value coexisting with other coworkers around them.

Private office

A coworking space also offers professionals the option of having a private office that adapts to their needs within its facilities. Although this space is exclusive to the coworkers who use it, they can still make use of the shared spaces and other amenities of the coworking space. 

This option is ideal for teams looking for greater privacy, but who also need flexibility.  

In addition, coworking makes areas such as meeting rooms, rest areas, event spaces, call and video conference booths, and terraces, among other spaces, available to its users, providing the user with multiple options to enhance their work activities, as well as to facilitate networking with other coworkers.

What should not be missing in a coworking space?

As we mentioned before, one of the most important elements for a coworking space is its community of coworkers, which is why it also seeks to promote networking among them, that is, those actions and activities that allow them to establish connections and expand their network of contacts with professionals related to them, with the aim of generating synergies and business opportunities, whether in the short, medium or long term.  

This happens mainly because coworking makes amenities and rest areas or terraces available to its users, which facilitate coexistence and networking. 

At Aticco Workspaces we go one step further by also offering a wide variety of exclusive events and activities for coworkers where they can meet, establish connections, and at the same time have a good time.

What are the advantages of coworking?

In recent years, work modalities such as teleworking and hybrid work have become increasingly important, both in the world of entrepreneurship and in that of SMEs and large companies, and many people think that the only option they have is to work from home or from a cafeteria, or rent a traditional office.

Coworking is a workspace designed to enhance these new ways of working, and it offers multiple advantages for modern professionals and companies. Some of these advantages are:

• A coworking space offers an equipped workspace ready for the user to start working immediately. 
• Coworking helps reduce costs since the plans it offers are much more economical and easier to manage than renting a traditional office. 
• Coworking spaces are designed to enhance creativity and enhance the creativity and well-being of coworkers..
• For self-employed professionals or those who telecommute, coworking offers a space where they can concentrate, which provides them with greater professionalism and allows them to separate their work life from their personal life.
• Coworking provides its users with multiple spaces, workshops, events, and activities for networking and enjoying with the community of coworkers. 
• The facilities of a coworking space are usually located in central, well-connected, and attractive places within the city, which is a benefit not only for the coworkers but also for their clients. 
• Coworking spaces usually generate a good atmosphere that favors communication, creativity, and good vibes among its members, which greatly favors productivity and the work environment. 
• The interaction and networking dynamics that are generated in a coworking space favor talent acquisition. Coworkers can create a network of contacts in which they find both people interested in joining their project and projects with which they would be interested in collaborating.  

What are the disadvantages of coworking?

Although coworking is increasingly gaining ground as a workspace among professionals and entrepreneurs, it may not always be the right option for all types of companies or work teams. Here are some of the drawbacks that a person or group of people looking to have their workspace in a coworking space may encounter:  

• Shared spaces in a coworking environment offer less privacy than a conventional office. This may be inconvenient for professionals or teams working with confidential matters or who prefer to work without company. However, although it is not the most economical option, users can always choose to set up in a private office within the coworking space and continue enjoying all its benefits without losing privacy. 
• Currently, the offer of coworking spaces in many cities around the world is quite wide, and for professionals it may take time and some patience to navigate through all the options until choosing the one that best suits their needs. One way to make the search easier is to start by filtering by location, and then selecting according to the particularities that differentiate them from each other.
  Aticco has Coworking locations in Madrid and Barcelona that offer flexible workspaces within the innovative Aticco ecosystem, adapted to the new generations and the values of innovative companies, in addition to a series of services, events and activities that promote the creation of connections and opportunities for its community.
• For those professionals who prefer to work in silence or need to make calls constantly, shared spaces might not be the best option. However, a coworking space has meeting rooms and booths for calls or video conferences available to its users, which help to solve this inconvenience. 
• Compared to renting a conventional office, a coworking space is much more economical because service and maintenance costs are shared. However, compared to working from home, it is a higher expense. In this sense, it should also be taken into account that a coworking space offers more than just a desk or an office, it also offers different areas for working and networking, activities such as workshops and events, among other benefits that can contribute to the growth of a business.

Who is coworking for?

The profiles of professionals that you can find in a coworking are increasingly varied. They can range from digital nomads (professionals who use new technologies to work and go from one place to another without settling in one place permanently), freelancers, entrepreneurs or startups, to entrepreneurs looking to innovate in their work models. These professionals who live in a coworking space are called coworkers.

The coworker

A coworker by definition could be understood as a person with whom you work or with whom you share the workspace even if they are not your teammate. However, when we talk about coworking it is much more than that. It is a member of a community of professionals who seek to create connections and generate synergies to boost professional growth. 

Despite the diverse profiles and professional sectors of coworkers, these are some characteristics that distinguish them: 

• They are collaborative, willing to share their experience and knowledge, and actively contribute to creating a good atmosphere in the coworking space, which is conducive to growing and creating with the other professionals who inhabit it. 
• They are driven by innovation and creativityThey like to develop new ideas and are not afraid of change for the better.
• They are passionate about their projects, have their objectives clear, and are determined to go for them. 
• They have concerns and questions they seek to answer, as well as a great interest in learning and growing. 

Coworking spaces are designed with these professionals in mind, with the aim of helping them grow and take advantage of all the qualities that characterize them.

What are the main characteristics of coworking spaces?

Coworking spaces are shared work areas where companies, startups, entrepreneurs, freelancers and professionals in general carry out their activities in a collaborative and community environment. Some of the main characteristics of this type of workspace are:

• Flexibility: A coworking space offers flexible spaces that adapt to new work models and help boost the creativity of its users. But in addition, they are spaces that are characterized by offering plans that adapt to the needs of all types of professionals. From a freelancer who does not need a fixed job, but a space to meet with their clients and have opportunities for networking, to a company that seeks a balance between having a private office and spaces to share with other professionals.
• Community: Coworking promotes the creation of professional communities by providing them with areas and events that facilitate networking and a good understanding of what collaborative work is.
• Amenities: Normally these spaces have different amenities, rest areas or terraces that allow the user to disconnect, live with other professionals and network. From cafeterias and kitchen areas, meeting rooms and event spaces, to game areas or even a swimming pool, the variety of amenities offered by a coworking space is increasingly wide.
• Services: A coworking space is also characterized by having all the services included for its users. An equipped workplace so that they can start working from their first day, high-speed internet, printers, 24/7 access, free coffee and tea, are some of the most common services in coworking spaces.
• Diversity: In a coworking you can find professionals from different sectors and with very varied profiles. This contributes to the creation of a multidisciplinary community from which collaboration opportunities can arise among its members.
• Professional development: In addition to fully serviced workspaces, a coworking facility usually also provides its users with training opportunities through events, workshops and programs to boost their projects.

What areas or spaces should a coworking space have?

A coworking space usually has different types of spaces to adapt to the needs of its users, among them you can find:

• Shared workspaces: A set of desks located in large and open areas, where both self-employed professionals and work teams share the space.
• Private offices: Exclusive workspaces for a specific company or team. These areas provide their users with greater privacy within the coworking space, while still having access to the shared spaces and other amenities of the same.
• Meeting rooms: Coworking spaces have meeting rooms of different capacities and equipped with everything necessary so that their users can hold meetings with their teams, presentations and interviews in a private and professional manner.
• Phone booths: They also have individual booths designed for making calls and video conferences without interruptions from outside noise, and without disturbing other coworkers.
• Rest areas and terrace: Areas designed for users to socialize, have an informal meeting, or simply disconnect and enjoy a moment of relaxation during their workday. These spaces usually have comfortable furniture and amenities such as game areas or even a pool.
• Kitchen, dining room and canteen: Shared spaces equipped with everything necessary for the coworker to enjoy their lunch every day. In addition, many coworking spaces also usually have a canteen where users can find everything from a cup of coffee or a snack, to their lunch of the day.
• Spaces for events: A coworking space is usually the venue for conferences, workshops, and events of different formats, so they have flexible spaces that adapt to the needs of each one.

What can you do in a coworking space?

A coworking space is a shared workspace that has different services and amenities, and where professionals from different backgrounds coexist. Some of the things you can do in this type of space are:

• Work independently or with your team: They are the ideal environment to work both individually and as a team. Whether it's performing daily tasks, meeting with your colleagues, or giving a presentation to your clients, a coworking space offers everything you need for all your work activities.
• Networking and collaborating with other professionals: A coworking space is an excellent place to meet other professionals related to you, expand your network of contacts, and create collaboration opportunities to boost your business.
• Attending professional events: Many coworking spaces organize training and networking events with different themes, offering their users valuable learning opportunities and platforms to connect with other professionals.
• Create community: The different spaces and activities offered by a coworking help to foster coexistence and the creation of professional connections among its members, who become a community.

Why does the coworking concept arise?

The term coworking was used for the first time in 1999 by the American video game designer Bernie DeKoven, which for him meant "working together as equals." Although it was a few years earlier, in 1995, that one of the first spaces considered as coworking was born in Berlin, the C-Base. Where a group of people who knew each other and had things in common had the need to have a workspace and decided to share it, becoming a community.

Subsequently, this type of workspace began to gain popularity, especially among entrepreneurs and freelancers, until in 2005 the programmer Brad Neuberg inaugurated the Hat Factory in San Francisco, USA, the first space officially known as coworking.

Since then, coworking has continued to grow around the world, and today we can find a wide range of flexible and innovative spaces where communities of multidisciplinary professionals coexist.