Coworking: what it is, key advantages, and how to benefit from it

For years, office work took place only within four walls, with employees gathered in a static and often isolated environment. However, over time, many professions began to need an alternative to the limitations of traditional offices. This is how coworking emerged—an innovative physical space that takes advantage of the benefits of a dynamic and collaborative work environment. 

The coworking approach has gained popularity among many professionals—from freelancers and entrepreneurs to small businesses and corporate teams—who find in it a shared space that promotes collaboration, flexibility, and creativity. Now, beyond the trend and the occasional coffee-in-hand posturing, is coworking actually useful? Let’s explore that in the following sections.

Characteristics of coworking

As mentioned earlier, coworking is a work model in which independent professionals, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small companies share a common office space. This concept offers a flexible and collaborative alternative to the traditional private office or working from home. 

Here are the main characteristics of coworking: 

• Shared spaces: members have access to open work areas where they can rent a desk by the day, week, or month.

• Flexibility: coworking spaces offer flexible contracts, allowing users to choose the duration and type of membership that best suits their needs.

• Community and networking: one of the main advantages of coworking is the opportunity to connect with other professionals from different sectors. This fosters collaboration and the exchange of ideas.

• Events and workshops: many coworking spaces organize events, workshops, and networking activities for their members, facilitating professional development and relationship building.

Services offered in a coworking space

Another feature that makes coworking spaces so popular is the variety of services they offer. Although these may vary depending on the provider and type of space, they generally include amenities and resources designed to meet the needs of professionals using the space. Let’s take a look at the most common services: 

• Shared workspaces: shared desks in open areas suitable for individuals or small teams seeking a collaborative work environment.

• Private or semi-private offices: dedicated spaces that can be rented by larger teams or individuals who prefer more privacy.

• Meeting rooms: spaces equipped with conferencing technology and suitable furniture for meetings, presentations, and group work sessions. (learn more)

• High-speed connectivity: access to high-speed internet to ensure a reliable and fast connection for work activities.

• Printing and scanning services: printers, copiers, and scanners available for member use.

• Break areas: spaces designed to relax, socialize, or take a break between tasks.

• Cafeteria or kitchen area: facilities to prepare coffee, tea, and snacks, as well as dining areas to enjoy meals or refreshments.

• Reception and administrative services: front desk staff to greet visitors, manage mail, and provide basic administrative support.

• 24/7 access: some coworking spaces offer 24-hour access, seven days a week, to accommodate flexible work schedules.

Five types of coworking spaces

Are you already thinking about working in a coworking space? If so, it’s important to know that there are different types of infrastructures, each with its own characteristics and unique benefits. Here are five popular ones: 

General coworking 

These coworking spaces are open to a wide range of professionals and businesses, regardless of their industry. They’re ideal for freelancers, entrepreneurs, and small businesses seeking a collaborative and diverse work environment.

Industry-specific coworking 

These spaces focus on meeting the needs of a specific sector or industry—such as technology, design, healthcare, or finance. They offer resources, events, and networking opportunities tailored to that particular sector. 

Startup coworking 

These are designed specifically for startups and emerging companies, offering resources and services that can help accelerate their growth and success. They may include access to investors, mentors, accelerator programs, and networking events. 

Rural or remote coworking 

These are located in rural or remote areas, far from major cities. They are ideal for those seeking a peaceful, natural work environment or wanting to escape the hustle and high cost of urban living. 

Benefits of coworking

Today, many professionals choose coworking spaces to carry out their work or unleash their creativity. These are the benefits that make coworking so popular: 

• Reduced costs: sharing a workspace lowers operating costs compared to renting a private office.

• Flexibility and mobility: coworking spaces allow professionals to work in different locations without long-term commitments, ideal for frequent travelers or those who like to change environments.

• Productivity and motivation: working in a professional and dynamic environment increases productivity and motivation, avoiding the common distractions of working from home.

• Access to resources and services: coworking spaces provide access to equipment and services that might otherwise be expensive or difficult to obtain.

• Collaboration opportunities: proximity to other professionals and companies fosters collaboration, synergy creation, and the opportunity to form strategic partnerships.

Is coworking useful?

At this point, let’s answer the question posed at the beginning: is coworking useful? Based on the advantages above, we can say yes—but it’s also true that this work model doesn’t suit everyone. For example, if you need to handle sensitive or confidential tasks, this may not be the best environment. Open desks and shared areas can lead to interruptions and lack of privacy. 

Additionally, it largely depends on your personality and work style. Do you get distracted easily? Then it might be better to look for another option. The coworking environment can be social and lively, which can result in frequent distractions for some professionals. Noise, conversations, and social interactions can make it difficult to concentrate and stay focused at work. 

The last drawback we’ll mention also relates to personality. When working in a shared environment with people of different backgrounds, interpersonal conflicts or disagreements may arise regarding space usage or workplace behavior. 

If you’d like to learn more about this and other topics related to collaborative work environments, be sure to follow the Educa.Pro blog.