Coworking is not new. According to our trusty friends at Google, the term was first coined by Bernard DeKoven in 1999. It described a way of working, a collaboration of equals. Today, coworking is generally used to describe a type of workplace where people from different companies share facilities. With millions of people currently coworking, is this a trend or a paradigm shift that’s here to stay? Workplace design and fit-out company Evoke Projects looks at the move to coworking.
What is coworking?
A coworking place provides office facilities for workers to share. You may find freelancers, consultants, professionals, agencies and employees from companies, small and large. Space can be hired on a regular basis or a set number of hours or days. The space can be anything from a single hot desk to a full office floor.
As well as the workspace itself, users generally share facilities such as printers, technology, kitchen, bathroom, meeting rooms, mailroom and telephone services.
What are the advantages of coworking?
What’s the difference between a trend and a paradigm shift?
A trend is a change in the way we do or experience things. It is often the result of innovation such as new technology. A paradigm is a way of looking at things or the accepted norm for doing something. A paradigm shift often isn’t confirmed until we have stopped noticing it. It just becomes the new normal. In our work and personal lives, the internet is a recent example of a paradigm shift in the way we communicate and get information. Artificial Intelligence is highly likely to be the next one – we can all see that one coming!
Is coworking here to stay?
In the early days, coworking was the domain of start-up businesses and sole traders who were looking for cost-effective office space. They had access to technology and facilities previously only available to corporates. It was never really a trend though. Technology was the paradigm shift that changed the way we all worked. Coworking became possible because of technology.
Today, coworking is a business in itself with companies such as WeWork, Hub Australia and Regus specialising in providing offices and desk spaces. The pandemic accelerated the growth of coworking spaces as remote workers missed the collaboration and community of the office but yearned to hold onto the convenience of local work. Coworking spaces offer the best of both worlds and are frequently used in hybrid workplace arrangements.
Coworking has changed the hierarchical structure of traditional office environments which is where the real potential for a paradigm shift lies. Today, you will find a corporate accountant working alongside a freelance graphic designer or a company director working next to a programmer. There is more trust between management and workers. The focus is on getting the work done, not merely being present for a certain number of hours. People have more autonomy and feel more in control of their workday. They are working with a diverse range of people with different skills from different industries.
Not all industries have embraced coworking. Technology, finance, consulting and media businesses are the highest users. Coworking is definitely here to stay. Only time will tell if it is a true paradigm shift.
Flexible and adaptable office spaces support both coworking and leased spaces. To discuss flexible workplace design and fit-outs, please call Evoke Projects on 1300 720 692.
