What is a ‘WeWork’ Space? | Coworking Explained

Coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular in today's business world. They offer a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional office spaces, and they are particularly popular with freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small business owners.

One of the most well-known co-working spaces is WeWork. Founded in 2010, WeWork has quickly grown to become one of the largest co-working space providers in the world, with almost 600,000 members (according to RubyHome).

In this blog post, we at CityCentral will unravel the coworking revolution by exploring what a coworking space is, what it offers, and why it has become so popular.

What is a Coworking Space?

When you search "what is a wework space" you're actually referring to "what is a coworking space."

A coworking space is a shared workspace where individuals and businesses can rent office space on a flexible basis.

These shared spaces provide a range of different office options, from hot desks and private offices to meeting rooms and event spaces. They are designed to be modern, stylish, and comfortable, with a range of amenities to support the needs of its members.

One of the key selling points of a coworking space is its focus on community. Coworking spaces are designed to foster collaboration and networking between its members, with regular events, workshops, and social gatherings.

They also provide a range of services to support its members, including IT support, printing services and community portals.

What is the Origin of Coworking?

The concept of coworking started in San Francisco in 2005, when Brad Neuberg, a software engineer, was tired of working from home and wanted an alternative to traditional office spaces.

In an article titled, "The Start of Coworking (From the Guy That Started It)", Neuberg writes, "I had both worked for myself and worked at a job and was unhappy because I couldn't seem to combine all the things I wanted at the same time: the freedom and independence of working for myself along with the structure and community of working with others."

Neuberg took his frustration and created a new kind of workspace where people could come together to work in a collaborative environment. He called it "coworking".

The idea resonated quickly and spread to other cities, eventually becoming a global phenomenon. Coworking spaces are now found in nearly every major city in the world, providing a flexible and affordable alternative to traditional office spaces.

What Does a Coworking Space Offer?

Coworking spaces offer a range of amenities and services to support the needs of its members. Some of the key features of a coworking space include:

• High-speed internet: Coworking spaces offer fast and reliable internet connections to ensure that members can work efficiently and effectively.
• Meeting rooms: Coworking spaces provide a range of different meeting rooms, from small conference rooms to larger event spaces. These rooms are equipped with the latest technology to support presentations and video conferencing.
• Comfortable workspaces: Coworking spaces are designed to be comfortable and stylish, with a range of different workspaces to suit different needs. This includes dedicated desks, private offices, and business lounge memberships.
• Unlimited access: Most coworking spaces allow you to have 24/7 Access to your workspace. This can vary depending on the type of membership you have.
• Networking opportunities: Coworking spaces provide regular networking events and social gatherings to help members connect and build relationships. Working in a shared office space could be a huge plus for growing your business!
• Business services: Coworking spaces provide a range of business services to support its members, such as IT support and printing services. Networking opportunities also help connect businesses with services they may need.

It is important to always do your research and look at coworking spaces near you. There are a variety of different types of spaces that may offer different amenities and services.

Why Has Coworking Become So Popular?

There are several reasons why coworking has become so popular in recent years. One of the key factors is the rise of the gig economy.

With more people working as freelancers and independent contractors, there is a growing demand for flexible and affordable office space. Coworking provides a solution to this problem by offering a range of different office options, from short-term to long-term plans.

Another factor contributing to coworking’s popularity is its focus on community. The spaces are designed to foster collaboration and networking between its members, which can be particularly valuable for freelancers and small business owners who may otherwise feel isolated.

Finally, the success of coworking spaces like WeWork can also be attributed to its branding and marketing.

WeWork has positioned itself as a modern and innovative company, with stylish and comfortable workspaces that appeal to younger professionals. This has helped to create a strong brand identity and a loyal customer base.

Who is Coworking for?

The audience for coworking spaces typically includes freelancers, entrepreneurs, startups, small businesses, remote workers, and professionals from various industries seeking a productive and collaborative work environment.

Coworking spaces provide a sense of community by allowing people with similar goals and values to work alongside each other. They also host events, workshops, and networking opportunities for those who value collaboration and networking to grow their businesses or advance their careers.

Alongside small businesses, large corporations have also shown interest in shared spaces in recent years. As more workers take on the hybrid or fully remote work model, corporations are renting spaces for their teams.

Is Coworking Right for You?

Coworking is a popular workspace option that provides flexible and affordable office spaces to individuals and businesses.

It emphasizes community and collaboration, making it a unique and appealing choice. Additionally, it offers a range of services and amenities, making it a practical option for many professionals. With the growth of the gig economy, coworking spaces are expected to become even more essential in the business world.

If you think coworking may be the right fit for your business, visit CityCentral.com or give us a call at (214)429-4197 to get in touch with a team member!