International Coworking Day 2023

International Coworking Day is an annual event celebrated on August 9th to recognize the growing trend of coworking around the world. Coworking is a style of work that involves a shared working environment, often an office, and independent activity. It allows people to work together in a community of like-minded individuals, sharing resources and networking opportunities. This day is celebrated by coworking spaces all over the world, who often hold events and activities to bring their communities together and celebrate the benefits of coworking. It's a great opportunity for people to learn about coworking and experience the benefits of working in a collaborative and supportive environment.

Let's take a deepver dive into how Coworking has evolved, the best way for providers to take bookings and what the emerging trends are for the industry.

How has coworking evolved over the last ten years?

Over the last decade, coworking has undergone a significant transformation. Coworking spaces were once perceived as a niche market, catering only to freelancers and startups. However, today, coworking spaces have become mainstream, and they cater to a diverse clientele, including large corporations and remote teams.

One of the most significant changes in coworking has been the rise of flexible workspaces. Coworking spaces now offer a range of flexible options, including hot-desking, private offices, and meeting rooms. This flexibility has made coworking more accessible to a broader range of professionals, allowing them to work in a way that suits their needs.

Another significant development in the coworking industry has been the incorporation of technology. Coworking spaces now offer advanced tech tools, including high-speed internet, video conferencing, and collaboration software. These tools have helped to facilitate remote work and have made it easier for professionals to work from anywhere.

Coworking spaces have become more than just places to work, they have evolved into communities, providing networking opportunities, events, and workshops, fostering collaboration and creativity. Coworking spaces have become a hub for innovation and entrepreneurship, and they continue to shape the future of work.

What is the best way to take bookings for coworking spaces?

If you own a coworking space, it's important to have a streamlined and user-friendly system in place for customers to book your space.

One option is to use a space booking platform specifically designed for coworking spaces, such as Meeting Hub. These platforms offer features like online booking and finance integration. They also often integrate with other tools, like payment processors such as Stripe.

It's important to make the booking process as simple and straightforward as possible. Make sure your customers can easily see availability and pricing information without the need to become a member or register first, and provide clear instructions for accessing your space. With the right tools and systems in place, you can create a seamless booking experience that keeps your customers happy and coming back for more.

What are the top five emerging trends for coworking spaces?

Here are the top five trends that we are seeing emerging for coworking spaces:

1. Hybrid Spaces: Coworking spaces are no longer just about providing a desk and a chair. They are becoming more versatile, offering a mix of private offices, meeting rooms, and collaborative spaces. Hybrid spaces allow members to choose the environment that best suits their needs.
2. Wellness: Coworking spaces are recognising the importance of wellness and are incorporating it into their design. From standing desks to yoga classes and healthy snacks, coworking spaces are becoming more health-conscious.
3. Niche Spaces: While some coworking spaces cater to a wide range of industries, others are focusing on niche markets. Some are geared towards creatives, while others cater to tech startups or social entrepreneurs. Niche spaces allow members to connect with like-minded individuals.
4. Community Building: Coworking spaces are not just about providing a physical space to work. They are also about building a community. Coworking spaces are organising events, workshops, and social gatherings to bring their members together.
5. Technology: Coworking spaces are becoming more tech-savvy. They are incorporating the latest technology into their spaces, such as high-speed internet, video conferencing, and smart whiteboards. This allows members to work more efficiently and effectively.

A time to reflect...

International coworking day is a great time to reflect on how your business is performing compared to your competitors. Is your business transitioning to emerging trends to keep up and evolve with providers around you? Most importantly, it's time to be proud of the unique service you offer to all types of businesses, from small one person bands to large corporations spread across the country or globe.

Happy International Coworking Day!