Co-working: The Global Movement

Co-working is a global movement that has revolutionized our conception of the workplace. It is defined as a cooperative work environment that fosters innovation and creativity while boosting collaboration among like-minded individuals. Freelancers, startups, and even corporations all over the world are utilizing co-working spaces (Deskmag, 2012). The 21st century has brought changes such as the rise of the creative class, knowledge economy, advancements in technology, and shifts in the labor market; these are all predictors for why coworking is trending. Standardized work, full time, and permanent waged employment is currently on the decline, while freelancing is rising; it is predicted that by 2020, 40% of the American workforce will be freelancers (Watson et al., 2003; Intuit 2020, 2010). Overall, while coworking has shifted our traditional views of the workplace, little research has been done on its economic, cultural, and social effects. This paper analyses the development of coworking and its benefits on an individual and societal level. Fundamentally, our economy is always shifting. Many contributors explain why the demand for coworking is shifting right; however, it is difficult to predict if it will sustain. Regardless, coworking has contributed to our understanding of human’s basic need of having a sense of autonomy and feeling a part of a community.