Coworking: definition, types, services, advantages and how to choose

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The term coworking is everywhere, and yet it is not always clear what makes it different from a traditional office. Sharing space, services and a community It has become a real alternative to working from home or in a cafe for freelancers, small teams and even large companies that are committed to new ways of working.

In the following lines you will find a complete guide that covers the essentials: definition, origin, operation, services, types of spaces, advantages and disadvantages, who it is aimed at, what areas it should include and What activities can be done in a coworking space?Everything is explained in Spanish from Spain and in a friendly tone, so you can choose wisely.

What does coworking mean and how did it come about?

The word coworking It describes a model in which professionals of different profiles share the same work environment, physical or virtual, maintaining their independence while promoting joint projects.

There are nuances about its origin: some sources place the use of the term in 1999 attributed to Bernie DeKoven, and others in the year 2000; but it was in 2005 when the concept really took off thanks to Brad Neuberg in San Francisco. Neuberg promoted iconic spaces such as Hat Factory, a loft with several freelancers, and later Citizen Space, considered de facto the first coworking space in the United States.

Even before the popular push of 2005, there were already precedents such as C-Base in Berlin (1995), where a community with common interests shared a place to collaborate. The idea of ​​“working together as equals” It was in the air, and coworking gave it shape.

At the beginning of 2014, it was estimated that there were more than 2.000 such spaces worldwide, with sustained growth. More recent studies cited in industry reports have pointed to more than 23.000 global spaces and projections exceeding 40.000, supported by explosive growth since 2020. The rise of flexible and collaborative spaces It is linked to the expansion of remote and hybrid work and the need for quality professional connections.

How a coworking space works and what it's used for

A coworking space combines different types of workspaces and access plans to suit a wide range of needs. Its distinguishing feature is the flexibilityFrom unassigned workstations to private offices, all under one membership with included services.

The spaces are designed to enhance creativity, facilitate concentration when needed, and encourage informal encounters that generate opportunities. Community dynamics It's key: many locations have community builder profiles that promote trust, mutual support, and interaction among members.

In addition to workspaces, it's common to find rest areas, terraces, phone booths, and meeting rooms. Some coworking spaces cultivate their own ecosystem with workshops and events that encourage networking. The sum of infrastructure, services and community This is what truly distinguishes coworking from the traditional office.

There are also specialized coworking spaces that bring together professionals from a specific sector (for example, creatives, social impact, or arts), with the aim of creating a sectoral collaboration ecosystem that accelerates synergies and shared projects.

A typical coworking space offers equipped workstations (desk, chair, locker or storage, work light) and the option to add extras such as meeting rooms, conference rooms, or mail handling and reception services. Many also incorporate open-plan areas. OpenSpacewhere spontaneous conversations and collaborative work between professionals from different areas are encouraged.

Services and amenities that typically include

A solid coworking proposal integrates the space and services needed to start working from the first minute. The “all-inclusive” model It reduces friction and management costs for the user.

• High-speed internet and stable connectivity as an operational base.
• Printing and reprographics to cover daily needs.
• 24/7 access, controlled and secure to adjust schedules.
• Free coffee and tea, and sometimes a canteen or cafeteria to recharge your energy.
• Rest areas and terraces or green areas that promote well-being.
• Meeting rooms with audiovisual equipment for presentations and interviews.
• Call and videoconferencing booths for maximum privacy.
• Storage spaces, lockers and cleaning services.
• Registered office, tax and administrative address when an address is needed.

Many coworking spaces are located in central and well-connected areas, which provides advantages to both members and their clients. The localization It is usually part of the perceived value of membership.

Modalities and types of spaces

Within the umbrella of flexible work there are several formulas designed for different rhythms and teams. Choosing the right option It is as important as the choice of space.

Hot desk or flexible workstation

You access a shared workspace without an assigned desk; you sit wherever you like each day. It's ideal for digital nomads, freelancers who alternate between remote and city work, or highly mobile professionals. Complete freedom of location without giving up on the community.

Fixed workstation in shared area

It allows you to always reserve the same desk in an open-plan area with other coworkers nearby. It's an economical option for those who value a stable workspace, whether working alone or with a small team, without losing coexistence with other profiles.

Private office

Exclusive workspace within the coworking space for one or more workstations, with its own private entrance and privacy. You maintain access to the rest of the common areas and amenities, making it an excellent option for teams that want balancing confidentiality and flexibility.

General, flexible and nomadic

There are general coworking spaces that group together very diverse sectors, and other "flexible" formats where there is no assigned desk and you attend as needed. There are also nomadic models designed for those who frequently change cities and need a network of spaces to work in.

Vertical and specialized

Some coworking spaces are geared towards specific areas: social sciences, sustainability, art, design, technology, etc. Their advantage lies in the fact that the community shares challenges and languageTherefore, collaborations arise naturally.

The community: networking that matters

Beyond the furniture and Wi-Fi, what truly distinguishes a coworking space is its community. Networking with purpose It involves designing spaces and activities that make it easier to meet the right people.

Terraces, cafes, lounge areas, and weekly events make it easy to strike up conversations, build trust, and explore collaborations. Many spaces organize workshops, talks and activities Exclusive for members, always with the aim of opening professional doors without sacrificing a good atmosphere.

An increasingly common figure is the community builder: someone who, beyond operational management, cultivates the social fabric of the space, taking care of the experience and fostering lasting relationships among the members.

Advantages and possible disadvantages

Coworking is gaining ground against the traditional office and home on multiple fronts, but it is not a universal solution. It's worth weighing the pros and cons. depending on your case.

• Ready to use: space equipped from day one no initial investment.
• Savings and simplicity: plans that are more economical and easier to manage than a traditional rental with shared expenses.
• Well-being and creativity: design conceived for productivity and comfort.
• Professionalism: separate the personal from the professional and Improve your concentration.
• Networking: workshops, events and common areas for make contacts and collaborate.
• Location: central and well-connected headquarters, visible to customers.
• Talent: interaction fosters recruitment and collaboration between complementary profiles.

Among the potential drawbacks, shared spaces reduce privacy if you work with sensitive topics or prefer absolute silence. The solution is through booths, rooms or a private office (less economical, but equally flexible).

The sheer number of options can be overwhelming. Filter by location, and then by what makes the difference to you: atmosphere, community, services and priceFinally, compared to working from home, coworking involves a higher cost, but offers added value in the form of spaces, events and professional networking.

Who is coworking for? The coworker profile

A coworking space brings together a wide variety of profiles: digital nomads, freelancers, entrepreneurs, and startups that need define your business modelSMEs and teams from large companies exploring flexible models. They all share the need for a professional environment with services and community.

Those who fit well with coworking usually have common traits: a collaborative spirit, a desire to innovate and learn, and ambition to grow their project. The typical coworker He is willing to share his experience and contribute to the positive atmosphere of the space.

• Collaboration: they share knowledge and They are committed to a positive environment..
• Innovation and creativity: openness to change for improve processes and ideas.
• Passion and determination: clear goals and focus on growth.
• Curiosity and continuous learning: questions, concerns and desire to improve.

What areas and spaces should it include?

To adapt to diverse needs, a complete coworking space integrates specific areas that should be reviewed during the visit. These are the most common:

• Shared areas with desks in spacious and bright rooms for individual work or in micro-equipment.
• Private offices for greater privacy without giving up the ecosystem.
• Meeting rooms of varying capacities and audiovisual equipment.
• Call booths and videoconferencing to avoid interruptions.
• Rest areas and terraces for socializing, meeting informally or disconnect for a while.
• Kitchen, dining room and sometimes a canteen with snacks and lunches For the day to day.
• Spaces for events, workshops and training with flexible mounting.

What can you do in a coworking space?

A coworking space is not just "a place with tables." It's an ecosystem that enables different dynamics to boost your professional activity. some possibilities:

• Working alone or with your team, holding meetings and client presentations.
• To do quality networking and collaborate with other professionals.
• Attending events, learning in workshops and discover opportunities.
• Create community, contribute and benefit from a multidisciplinary environment.

Cooperative learning: the “relative” of coworking

Coworking and cooperative learning share a philosophy: organizing activities so that the experience is both social and educational. In the classroom, as in coworkingTeamwork, solidarity, and effort for the common good are encouraged.

This approach reduces unhealthy competition, decreases anxiety and failure, and increases satisfaction. Similarly, a good coworking space promotes dynamics and environments that They open doors to joint projects., while each professional progresses autonomously towards their goals.

Flex office and “flex” spaces: an evolution of coworking

With the expansion of remote and hybrid work, terms such as Flex office, Flex Workplaces or Flex Space have emerged to talk about flexible office solutions. They share DNA with coworking and they are presented as an intermediate alternative between the fixed office and teleworking.

These plans allow you to pay only for what you use (by the day, half-day, month, or year) and scale accordingly. They are often the preferred option for small business owners and online freelancers who don't need large spaces but do need a stable online environment. productive and well-equipped.

The collaborative work that takes place in these spaces helps to forge stable relationships between professionals from multiple sectors, leading to horizontal collaborations, client-supplier relationships, and a sense of belonging to a professional community.

Testimonials and real-world use cases

Those who come to a coworking space looking for a balance between concentration and a friendly atmosphere usually find just that: a place where they can stay late, leave the assembled desk for months and answer calls without fear of disturbing, thanks to the combination of shared areas, booths and rules of coexistence.

The welcoming team, the ease of booking, the option to add extras (for example, renting a monitor ready from day one), and clear guidance—including the essential coffee machine—are details that make the experience flow from minute oneThis combination of service, space, and community is often the reason why many professionals return.

Coworking is much more than a collection of tables: it's a system that integrates flexible spaces, comprehensive services, and an active community to boost your daily work; if you choose the right format, consider the location, and get minimally involved in the life of the space, You multiply your options for productivity, growth, and networking. without losing autonomy.