Whether you're a large enterprise or a small one, a startup or a mature company, there's a common denominator across coworking that appeals to all – flexibility. With custom buildouts, flexible terms, and a laundry list of appealing amenities, there's a coworking space for every need and occasion. The problem, of course, is figuring out which type suits your needs and goals best.
To give you a better idea of what's available to you, we're going to examine the nine basic types of coworking office space. Granted, with so many different options in the market, just categorizing flexible space can be somewhat of a chore. For our purposes, however, we're going to segment coworking space types into nine different environments:
- Conventional/Open
- High-End/Full-Service
- Corporate/Professional
- Minimal/Bare Bones
- Shared Space/Subleased
- Lifestyle
- Industry-Specific/Specialized
- Venture/Accelerated
- Emerging/Complementary Use
As we examine each environment, look for characteristics that suit your organization well. Once you have a better idea of what type or types might be the best fit, use them as a compass to guide your search when choosing coworking space that will serve your vision, people, and expectations best.
1. Conventional/Open
Conventional or open coworking space is what usually comes to mind when people think of coworking. While we’re hesitant to label any flex space type as "traditional" given the many different varieties, this category, at the very least, is generally synonymous with coworking space for most people.
Conventional coworking space isn't necessarily geared toward one type of organization or person, but focuses more on an open, collaborative working environment. Therefore, while these spaces have definite economic benefits, they don't necessarily offer the privacy that other types do. However, they boast a bit more energy than others with a casual, well-lit atmosphere that lends itself to networking and an innovative, cooperative spirit.
2. High-End/Full-Service
A high-end coworking space will typically have nicer amenities than a more conventional one, usually providing additional membership benefits as well. For instance, Industrious sites offer commercial kitchens, food, and beverages to its members. Generally speaking, high-end, full-service coworking facilities provide luxury and convenience that distinguish them from the other types of flex space.
In terms of atmosphere, WeWork is a good analog for this particular category. These spaces tend to be a bit more open and energetic, with an often casual vibe that, like its conventional counterparts, fosters a sense of collaboration and shared ideas. High-end coworking spaces are well lit and spirited with price points higher than most of the other flex space categories.
3. Corporate/Professional
This category of coworking space caters to a more corporate or professional type of tenant. It will be more budget-friendly than high-end space with a quiet atmosphere that is private and highly professional with dimmer lighting and less energy than other types of spaces. Regus typifies this corporate category of coworking, which perhaps wouldn't be a great fit for a small, innovative startup that thrives on collaboration. However, with Regus being the largest coworking brand in the world, there's obviously a massive market for this type of space.
4. Minimal/Bare Bones
Think of a minimalist approach to coworking space as the first cousin to what we labeled conventional coworking space. Affordability is a primary factor in this category, where large and open spaces feature less furniture and decor than other types. Aside from Wi-Fi and perhaps a handful of other very basic amenities, some sites might provide free coffee, but that's about the limit to expect in a minimal or bare-bones coworking space. In terms of atmosphere, these spaces are generally quiet, casual, and somewhat dimly lit.
5. Shared Space/Subleased
This is the least defined of all of our nine categories. Simply put, you're using space that someone else chose or even designed. While subleased or shared office space can potentially be easier on the budget – depending on the type of property, location, amenities, and other factors – the property you're subleasing in will entirely determine the environment and vibe.
6. Lifestyle
The lifestyle category is broad and can encompass several different environments depending on the nature of the business housing the space. This could include everything from a coffee shop or restaurant to a gym, condos, or an apartment complex. As such, these lifestyle-oriented spaces are often well lit and energetic with a casual atmosphere that doesn't afford much in terms of privacy or quiet. Prices will vary according to the nature of the underlying business, so these lifestyle spaces can range from luxury to budget-friendly.
7. Industry-Specific/Specialized
This is a niche category of coworking that caters to specific industries or demands. Healthcare providers, law firms, creatives, and other specialized skill sets favor this type of coworking space thanks to its ability to tailor the environment to particular needs. They afford more privacy and customization with a wide variety of atmospheres that depend on the nature of the industry that the space serves.
8. Venture/Accelerated
Naturally, accelerators and startups favor these types of coworking space. Software developers, for instance, will gravitate toward this category because it can provide a relaxed, energetic, and collaborative environment that breeds innovation. It falls more on the budget-friendly side since the tenants are often cost-conscious startups with a more casual than professional feel.
9. Emerging/Complementary Use
This is a relatively new type of coworking that is still in the testing phase across most participating industries and companies. Big Box stores, hotels, malls, airports, and even storage facilities are starting to move into the coworking industry, providing workspace for a variety of different customers and needs.
Although this category is still taking shape, factors like atmosphere, pricing, and amenities can vary widely from one to the next. Convenience plays a pivotal role in this emerging or complimentary use type of space. For instance, someone that spends three or four days at the airport might find an onsite coworking facility more beneficial and productive than working at a local coffee shop.
Once again, just given the countless shades of coworking space available, simply categorizing them is a tall order. However, that simply speaks to the tremendous variety that everyone from freelancers and digital nomads to small businesses and large enterprises has to choose from. Because we used environment to segment the nine types, each one can still offer the meeting rooms, private office space, dedicated desks, perks, or any other factors important to you and your team. Therefore, our advice is to do your due diligence, understand your needs, and, if necessary, rely on the expertise of an experienced coworking advisor to help you find the best possible coworking solution for your goals.
