The past year has brought challenges in every industry. It was no different with coworking space operators. It turns out that these spaces, despite the fact that they are often rented by people who can work from anywhere on a daily basis, attract a permanent group of people. Long before the pandemic, coworkers also used remote work mode and tools, which became popular among all office workers in the last year. At least in part, they will remain with us forever. Therefore, the analysis of coworkers’ experiences can be an inspiration not only for themselves, but for all people returning to the office.

Over the years, it has been common knowledge that coworking spaces are a space dominated by freelancers. The reality, however, shows that this community is a very diverse group of people, and the leaders are full-time employees of companies that have their offices in coworking spaces or people working for companies based in another city (23% of all employees in shared workspaces). The main reason for choosing coworking is the community, which not only builds the right atmosphere, but also gives great opportunities to expand one’s own capabilities through networking. – For me, the most important benefit of being in O4 is the team! – says Michał Mallek, growth hacker at a SaaS company from the HRTech industry. Other than that, the space is great. I really appreciate a well-designed, simple, aesthetically pleasing and modern office. Also, eating together is a good basis for networking, it actually brings people together and gives space and motivation to leave the office – all food events have always had power, they were full of people, so there was someone to talk to.

The second largest group are team managers (17%) – people who combine the characteristics of corporate directors and business owners. – For me, coworking is first and foremost an opportunity to grow – from a desk to a large office – according to our needs, not rigidly. – says Maciej Manufrewicz from Codiline. The flexibility of the contract and the location are also important. And the view from the window, it seems like a small thing, but I can see that it’s important to people.

Only the third group are freelancers (15%): – For me, the first association is primarily people and a place to work where you can do this work effectively . – says Grzegorz Poźniak, from p-beep. People in coworking are people who want something cool out of life. Thanks to this, you can be sure that during the break you will not talk about work over and over again, but you will devote more time to interesting and inspiring topics. Sometimes you will share experiences or help each other. In my life, I value independence, as well as feeling joy and pleasure in life. I don’t like when I have to do something, I rather choose the things I want to do. I believe that I am not entitled to anything in life. If I want or dream of something, I am aware that I must first give something of myself in order to achieve it – adds Grzegorz Poźniak.

The most important reasons for choosing to work in coworking spaces include: the desire to meet people (30%), location (29%), prestige of the place (22%), atmosphere in the workplace (20%), the opportunity to establish business contacts (19%) and flexibility (19%). As many as 61% of respondents declare participation in networking and social events. Educational and development events are also very popular (35% of responses). This result can also be combined with the fact that as many as 58% of respondents confirm cooperation with at least 5 companies from their environment, and 26% with more than 5 companies. These spaces are therefore a forge of business relationships and provide an opportunity for synergy with other coworkers.

This data is confirmed by Steve Munroe , one of the pioneers of coworking spaces in the world, the founder of the iconic HubBud on the island of Bali, the creator of one of the highest-rated industry conferences in the world, Coworking Asia:
– I would say that coworkers are united by entrepreneurship motivated by external factors, they LIKE to go to work. Small companies – those describable by the phrase “the whole team is here” – are looking for flexibility. Coworking is also an opportunity for them to access something they couldn’t afford before. The quality of the furnishings, the business address, the access to prestigious, comfortable locations, such as those with large common spaces and a dining area. For me, the most important factor that unites coworkers is the aforementioned entrepreneurial mind. I’ve always thought that looking for a coworking space is like “buying a community.” Some coworking spaces have better locations, chairs, amenities than others, but especially for smaller businesses and freelancers, it’s the community that binds you to the place. Coworking spaces and flex spaces aren’t necessarily the cheapest options, but they can be the most cost-effective offices.

In isolation, in a very slow, seemingly imperceptible, but inexorable way, people’s commitment and sense of purpose decrease. – says the author of the report, Marta Moksa, Managing Director of O4 coworking at Olivia Business Centre. When you’re alone, it’s harder to come up with creative solutions. It’s about satisfaction and mental health. At the same time, ticking off new tasks is increasing. Focus. Efficiency understood as the ratio of the number of completed cases from the list to the time devoted to these activities. Using your home as an office has its positive and dark sides. The time saved on transports and conversations in the kitchen is spent on more and more online meetings, reporting and subsequent tasks. The paradox of recent months is that about 70% of respondents indicate that we have been working MORE lately, not less. So the New Normal is probably a mix of best practices and experiences from both worlds. It’s about empowering people to work from home and supporting them by offering an extraordinary on-site experience. Though anyone who claims to have figured it out and knows the answer to questions about trends and the future of work is cruelly lying and pretending that 2020 never happened. There is no doubt that most people are a little nostalgic for the old days. Those who had nice, human-friendly, heart-and-head designed spaces and harmonious, cheerful people around them miss them more – adds Marta Moksa.

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