Coworking Works When We Are Part of a Community – Coworking 🤝🏼 Community Part 2

The term or idea of coworking has been around for some time; in fact, you can argue that it dates back to 1628, when a book praised the power of coworking. This idea changed over time and manifested itself into what it is today: The ability to work independently yet together.

In the early ’90s, there was C-base, credited for being one of the first hackerspaces. Their main objectives were to provide free public access to the internet and share tools and knowledge to help members complete projects. The first “official” coworking space created by Brad Neuburg in 2005 was rooted in these same ideals. He wanted “to create a new kind of space to support the community.”

With this rich history and community-driven focus, neighborhoods began seeing coworking hubs sprouting up everywhere. The coworking craze is affecting everyone, from independent offices to large, multinational businesses. Freelancers and home-based businesses are not the only ones reaping the benefits. Coworking spaces provide a cheaper alternative to renting ordinary office space. Small companies or even freelancers just starting their business can find a place that works for them. When necessary and having that face-to-face time, booking a meeting room is essential for all startup and small businesses growth. This face-to-face time allows for more generative thinking.

There is more to it than just the convenience of walking into an office every day. You can meet other professionals at coworking spaces to network, schedule meetings, mail pickup services, and of course, get your work done. Their social nature and community focus make them unique. At companies with a decent presence, you can find a Community Manager helping to facilitate everything and encouraging members to network and engage (like us at CommonGrounds Workplace).

Everything else pales in comparison. It is possible to work from home, arrange meetings on the screen or at other locations, or limit interaction to online messaging and phone calls. Eventually, though, it loses its human element. Working at a coworking space can offer a sense of community that some workers wouldn’t otherwise have. That’s why the number of coworking spaces worldwide is on pace to surpass 35,000. Our belief is coworking will remain relevant for a long time to come as remote, flexible work, and temporary work become the norm.