The Different Types of People You Encounter at a Shared Office Spaces

People You Will Likely Meet at Coworking Spaces

There’s a lot to like about remote work, but it’s no secret that working alone can be lonely. That’s why, for those who are sick of working from home but aren’t quite ready (or eager) to return to the office, coworking spaces and shared offices are becoming increasingly popular. 

If you’re concerned about missing out on the community of a physical office or the drama of office politics, there are plenty of colorful characters to be found in a coworking space (and lots of enriching experiences to be had). Let’s take a look at the different types of people you might meet while coworking, ranging from freelancers to new parents.

1. The Freelancer

Freelancers pioneered the coworking movement and were the original spaces’ target demographic as the industry grew. While the industry has matured and diversified in the types of people it attracts, much of the focus remains on the freelancer who is looking for community, flexibility, and an option where they do not have to spend their hard-earned money on copious amounts of food and coffee.

2. The Business Owner

Small business owners may lack the capital to invest in a proper office space, which is why they and their employees are more likely to work in shared office spaces. Coworking spaces enable small business owners to have an office and access to office supplies such as stationery and printers without making a large investment.

They can also provide benefits to small business employees. For example, what other small business has an onsite gym and café?

3. The Start-up Employee

Coworking spaces are ideal for startups looking to save money while their business grows. Startups, like small business owners, value having office space available at a fraction of the cost of traditional office space.

A coworking space is also a great place for startups to grow because it’s full of networking opportunities, which is why it’s so easy to talk to these guys about their new venture.

4. The Remote Worker

Remote or hybrid workers are another possible demographic. These are people who can work from home but prefer to work in a coworking space because it is a more conducive environment for productivity. Their employers agree, with many paying for their employees to work in a coworking space.

5. The Corporate

The coworking movement’s most recent arrivals are likely to be well-established businesses. While coworking was initially viewed as a movement for freelancers, corporates are beginning to recognize and value the benefits of coworking for their employees. Many large corporations are relocating project teams or even entire organizations to coworking spaces because they recognize the value of the idea and network cross-pollination that a coworking space fosters. 

Corporates are also realizing that it is better to focus their resources on their core product while “outsourcing” their office setup, management, and furnishing. If you are a corporation considering relocating a team to a coworking space, you will be pleased to know that corporations such as IBM and KPMG have done so.

6. The Professional

When looking for office space, professionals frequently look for two things: privacy and reception. Professionals, such as lawyers and accountants, are looking for a space with a professional look and feel to run their business because they have an established client base. Coworking provides this privacy as well as reception services, which can save professionals significant amounts of money, resulting in increased profits and/or reduced working hours.

7. The Networker

The networker is an extrovert who knows everyone in the coworking space and takes full advantage of the networking opportunities that coworking provides. They’re usually very chatty, so approach them if you need to find someone, or something, or make an introduction. If you’re new to the area, they can even show you the ropes.

8. The Consultant

Consultants appreciate coworking spaces for the privacy of the offices and the large network of potential clients who share the space with them. A casual conversation at the coworking space’s coffee shop can lead to personal or professional relationships as consultants from various fields learn about each other’s pain points in their respective businesses and how the consultants can help them. Because of this pre-existing relationship, coworking spaces save consultants money on marketing fees and foster a stronger sense of trust among clients.  

Why Do Workers Prefer Shared Office Spaces?

What makes shared office spaces so effective, where diverse groups of freelancers, remote workers, and other independent professionals collaborate in a shared, communal setting?

Working in a coworking space is preferable to working from home. This is due to the vibe and positive energy that a coworking space generates among employees. If you prefer to work in a quiet environment, a shared office can accommodate you with designated areas for this type of coworker.