Celebrating coworking spaces on International Coworking Day

Today, 9 August, it’s International Coworking Day. A day to celebrate coworking spaces around the globe.

Why 9 August? Because back in 2005, that’s the day when software engineer, Brad Neuberg, first introduced the concept of coworking spaces in a blog he wrote.

At the time, Brad was going through the process of a new business start-up, and some tough financial times. He relished his independence, but he missed the community and structure of working with others.

He wanted to replicate that.

He worked with a life coach, and together they came up with a three-part plan that delivered on all points. That was the beginning of coworking as we know it today. And it has boomed ever since.

Coworking is on the rise.

Alone in the UK, the coworking office space market is expected to grow at an annual rate of just over 7% between 2024 and 2029. *

But it’s evolving. It’s changing. And it’s adapting to the needs of the people who use them.

And three key trends are emerging.

The Wrap-Around Service

Coworking spaces that simply provide a physical place to work with all the associated management systems, from automated invoicing to online booking systems, are a thing of the past.

Now it’s also about the additional suite of benefits that these spaces can offer their members. A more holistic experience with a range of wrap-around services, perks, and opportunities. Things like:

• 24/7 Access – flexible opening times empowers you to work when you want, boosting your productivity and time management and supporting a better work-life balance.
  

• Networking Events – enable you to connect with like-minded professionals, from the same industry or across different industry sectors, and learn from them.
  

• Social Events & Community-building Activities – allow time to build connections and make new friends, to chill and relax in an informal environment.
  

• Business Support – great for new business startups or small to medium-sized enterprises (SMEs).

Niche Coworking Spaces

Niche coworking spaces cater to specific industries or demographics, fostering inclusivity, collaboration, and community. By bringing people together who share common ground, it creates opportunities for natural conversations, paving the way for meaningful relationships.

Examples might include spaces dedicated to designers, musicians, writers, content creators, and other creative people.  Or they could be solely for women entrepreneurs. The facilities offered are aligned to their specific needs, for example, podcasting equipment for content creators, sound-proof rooms for musicians, or an art studio for artists. Also, the suite of benefits or services they offer are tailored to the needs of their members. That might include relevant events. Access to useful resources. Or even dedicated zones set aside for specific purposes.

The Corporate ‘Coworking’ Revolution

Covid19 forced many of us to work from home.

With the pandemic over, many city-based corporates were looking for ways to gently ease their staff back into full-time office working but without the long commute into the city. They acknowledged that a full-time return to the office was too jarring. But they also recognised the impact of full-time homeworking on mental wellbeing, and productivity.

Enter coworking spaces.

Corporate giants are now partnering with coworking spaces to provide their remote workers with a dedicated workspace that is more accessible to them. A flexible, affordable, and employee-friendly alternative. A professional office environment without the hassle of a long commute.

Where the MCN Coworking model sits.

MCN Coworking Hubs are a great example of niche coworking spaces.

Set up on military bases across the UK and abroad, our coworking hubs have been designed with the military spouses and partners of serving personnel in mind.

Not only do they offer a professional office space where they can come together to work and study, but they also provide a crucial touchpoint and vital support network to members.

Military life can be quite isolating and lonely.

For many spouses and partners who suddenly find themselves thrown into a lifestyle that differs so starkly from civilian life, away from their friends and families, and with their partners often away on exercise or longer-term operations, the coworking hubs become a vital lifeline. A gateway to support. A place to meet like-minded people, who share the same lived experience, who face the same challenges, who get you, and won’t judge you. A community.

Coworking hubs have the potential to be a community-building powerhouse.

Here at the MCN, we know that our members may come for the office space, but it's the community that keeps on bringing them back, and which has the single biggest impact on their lives. Coworking creates an environment where community thrives, creating a sense of belonging and connection. It provides support and encouragement. It creates opportunities for networking and socialising. And it improves wellbeing and happiness.

Now that is powerful!

Conclusion

Coworking is here to stay. It may take on different forms to suit the varying needs of their members, but they are destined to remain a strong feature of our new working world.

* Source: Mordor Intelligence - UK Co-Working Office Spaces Market Size & Share Analysis - Growth Trends & Forecasts (2024 – 2029).

 ** Source: Workwise – Exploring Niche Coworking Spaces