Future Of Coworking Spaces

In 2018, the coworking spaces amounted to 16,599. So, why were they popular? Coworking spaces are versatile and they can be used for transformation, innovation or future-proofing. 

2018 has witnessed coworking space providers not only using conventional assets but also taking up unused spaces in educational institutions, hotels, and shopping malls.

Since these properties have appropriate infrastructure and facilities, these unconventional assets have only grown in popularity for coworking spaces.

Coworking spaces have since then increased flexibility by providing amenities customized to the needs of their clients. They are gradually moving towards providing startup resources such as digital assets, new technology and even coaches and advisors at clients' disposal.

The post-pandemic economy has favoured the rise of coworking spaces as only the biggest companies shall allocate a budget to have a headquarters.

Small companies and start-ups may discard the idea of having a physical location. Others may count upon having regional hubs where most of their workers are located.

Thus, the remote workforce will grow steadily. However, many will want places to connect with others in person. Coworking spaces will successfully fill that void.

However, in the post pandemic era, coworking spaces will have to be designed in a way that they satisfy the clients' concern over sanitation and spacing.

They will pick spaces where they have access to cleaning supplies and seating that is far apart.

By 2024, productivity and work-life balance will be the priority for employers and employees alike so coworking spaces will be designed more ergonomically and sustainably.

The number of global coworking members will be around 4993910 by 2024. There are a number of factors why coworking spaces are becoming so favoured among business owners and professionals alike.

Unlike in a traditional office, the members of a coworking space work for different companies and projects. So, there is no direct competition among the members, which enables them to work at their own pace without any pressure.

Working among people from different professions makes members value their work identity. Members have unique skill sets which enable them to be useful to each other. They collaborate and learn from one another.

Coworking spaces are typically accessible 24/7 which offers people the autonomy to decide when they want to work.

They can set a deadline to finish their work or even go to exercise during the day and complete their assignments later. These advantages have encouraged more workers to opt for coworking spaces.

For business owners, working from home or a cafe might not be a viable option for interaction with clients and investors. So, coworking spaces offer meeting rooms where they can network with them properly.

2000s- During the early 2000s, employees were given their own cubicle, with a door to close for privacy. During the late 1990s companies began to see that having private offices was not very cost effective.

During the middle and late 2000s, the millennials began entering the workforce. Technology and high speed connectivity became the new normal.

In the early 2000s, the prevailing office design was a private office. The smartphone started being mass produced, thus enabling people to interact well with one another.

The term 'coworking' was coined during the 2000s. People began looking for alternative places to work such as coffee shops or their homes. Even workspaces began having open-floor office plans and telecommuting became the new norm.

2010s- 51% said that they would change jobs if they were allowed flexible schedules and 35% said that they would change jobs if they could work from home.

A new trend began in the office space. Companies began to focus on a more open environment for their office. Gone were the offices with cubicles and with the desks. 

Companies began to move away from private offices and towards open spaces. 'Breakout spaces' where employees could bond with their colleagues and relax during breaks, came into existence. Employees were no longer confined to a desk.

2030s- In the 2030s, the workplace will be green, sustainable, and creative spaces focused on communal values.

Technological growth will lead to several positions being obsolete while creating new job opportunities. The hierarchical companies will gradually take steps towards decentralization and they will have a small, designated team of experts to execute tasks successfully.

Teams consisting of people having diverse skillets will be given more importance than individual experts.

Coworking will continue to prevail because freelancers and remote workers will need places where they can interact with others.

Wearable technology might wipe off the need for fixed desks. Flexible sitting areas with versatile use will come into the picture.

2100s- By 2100s, people will work from everywhere. The static office will cease to exist. The workplace of the 2100s will be a fluid space where people work together to execute tasks and interact with each other.

There won't be a set location for employees to check in and out.

Paired Development Spaces- Soft lighting strips will replace the harsh overhead lights and make workers appear more natural on screens during work calls.

Smart Meeting Rooms- A smart meeting room is a physical space that has been designed to cater for a range of technology which will enhance the way the meeting is run.

Modern smart meeting rooms are designed with input devices like microphones, cameras, projectors, screens, and whiteboards, making them great for all sorts of meetings.

Hybrid Cafe/Garden Spaces- These areas will be used for refreshments. Employees will be able to take breaks and engage in activities which will help them to relax. They will have indoor and outdoor areas which shall be used to encourage employee interaction.

Standing Desks- Standing desks or treadmill desks with the right height will aid workers to stay fit while working.

Huddle Rooms- There will be small rooms with digital whiteboards so that small groups of three or four people can collaborate. This room will also be used for remote engagement.

Private lounge and chair work stations- There will be large, ergonomic chairs with attached desks which will enable the workers to maintain their privacy, while remaining accessible.

Smart Whiteboards- A smart whiteboard is a visual collaboration tool that allows you to combine the collaboration power of a whiteboard with the convenience of using digital tools.

They have audio, video and file-sharing capabilities. It is a tool that creates on-site solutions for team collaboration. In the future, they will become even more developed.

The Cloud- In future, there may be more ways for employees and businesses to share and store files remotely.

Video System- Voice activated video systems equipped with artificial intelligence will track and count people who attend a meeting.

Compact Video Devices- Most offices will be equipped with compact video devices which will boost personal collaboration from the office.

Virtual Reality Presentation Systems- Virtual systems are still in development. In the near future, remote workers will be able to feel the part of being in the office workforce.

Wireless sharing devices- Small devices will be available so that any files or presentations can be displayed on different systems.