The idea of coworking, like most things, began long before we think it did. Perhaps no one ever coined the term ‘coworking’ (as we know it today) until 2005, but collaboration and community are part of human-nature – human needs even. Some say that the library is the original coworking space, offering resources and amenities like free WIFI, printing, desks, rooms for rent, and community workshops and events.

In 2006, two New York City roommates started a group called Jelly, a gathering of freelance and mobile professionals who met in homes, coffee shops, etc., to work and collaborate side-by-side. This wasn’t a business; it was more like a Meetup as we know today, but others saw the potential and started to capitalize on the idea. By 2008, most major cities in the US and Europe had a coworking community. According to the Global Coworking Survey, last year 11,300 coworking spaces existed worldwide, with a total of 835,000 members. By the end of this year, the projected operating coworking spaces is nearly 14,000 with a total of about 1.2 million members.

By those statistics, the number of people who have worked in a coworking space is projected to increase 50% since last year (and doubling since 2015). Deskmag, an online magazine about coworking, states that, “Coworking spaces anticipate more members (86%), higher income (81%), more events (71%), and a greater sense of community (84%) in 2017.”

But even with optimistic outlooks, there are still challenges to be faced. Attracting new members remains the biggest challenge for coworking spaces, with the 2017 Global Forecast showing a 9% increase in concern for adding members since last year. There is, however, a substantial amount of overall growth in the industry, and many spaces are opening new locations or expanding their space – which means room for more members. Although, about 18% of coworking spaces still face the challenge of not having enough room. Other common challenges include administrative tasks, general workload, and organizing events.

Furthermore, the Millennial Generation is rapidly changing the workforce, and by 2020 it is estimated that 40-50% of jobs will be remote. Check out this infographic of coworking statistics, for some interesting figures, which include:

  • 78% of coworkers are under the age of 40
  • 60% are more relaxed at home since coworking
  • 70% reported they felt healthier than they did working in a traditional office setting

With all that said, coworking is clearly on the rise and in demand. And because of that, it is being embellished and re-engineered each year. As the startup community tends to do, there are frequently new ideas and additions making their way into the industry. Some interesting ones that have popped up include: coworking for medical office space and individual physicians, women-only coworking spaces (which already exist, but are on the rise), coworking or startup homes, and outdoor coworking spaces like this San Francisco startup called Campsyte, which boasts a camp-ground themed coworking space.    

It will be interesting to see how coworking changes and expands as technology grows, and as the workforce adapts to the demands of the next generation – which include things such as flexibility, work-life balance, working remotely, and the desire for meaningful work. Here at The Articulate, as the surrounding community continues to expand, we expect to grow as well. With new events, plans, goals, and more, we hope to continue to build our community in new and creative ways, allowing us to thrive in the industry.