Co-Working Becomes Mainstay as Freelancing is on the Rise

The first time I walked into a co-working space, it was an otherworldly experience. Listening to the tour guide show me each and every spot that was available perplexed me.

I asked, β€œWhere do people sit to do work?”

The guide enthusiastically replied, β€œAnywhere!”

The Rise of Freelancing

Co-working spaces were designed to give startups, small business owners, and founders the space to do all the tasks needed in a healthy workplace environment, but without all the formal drag of purchasing a spot within a brick-and-mortar facility. Environments often encourage collaboration. The commonality of entrepreneurship forms a bond, often crisscrossing in today’s fast-paced world.

Now with the rise of freelancing, co-working spaces are becoming the go-to destination for this crowd.

A 2016 study of over 6,000 U.S. adults by Upwork, with independent research by Edelman Intelligence, showed that more and more people under the age of 34 are turning to freelancing as a source of income.

Image Credit: 2016 study of over 6,000 U.S. adults by Upwork

More than half overall are doing so on a part-time basis, leading one to believe that having a full-service office may be more waste than want.

Coworking Spaces Lower Your Capital Costs and Mitigate Asset Value Risk

Modern co-working spaces provide all the amenities that a part-time worker may need: copying, printing, coffee and snacks, and conference rooms all without the hassle of paying exorbitant prices. Many spaces charge a nominal fee. Some even have daily rates for those that may want to use it sparingly in addition to a home office.

The advent of digital technology makes co-working for freelancers easy. Included in the standard fees are access to wi-fi and private booth areas for videoconferencing. Many have access to rooms with smart screens or TVs that allow projections from laptops with Bluetooth or wired capability.

Another advantage of co-working spaces is their continual susceptibility to improvement. Old, outdated technology is often quickly changed in favor of innovation that sparks creativity. The rise of smart speakers has allowed conference rooms to not only have an easy replacement for bulky phones, but also integrate in amenities like lighting adjustments and quick access to information.

Innovative Spaces Week

To learn more about how co-working spaces are changing the landscape of workers from all walks of life, attend the Innovative Spaces Week (ISW) starting October 9th. Speakers from design firms across the industry will give advice and insight into the future of co-working spaces.

ISW is organized by MultiPass, a platform that seeks to create a network of collaborative spaces that inspire people to work better, connect with others, and build diverse communities.

More information and registration about ISW are available at: https://www.multipassapp.com/innovative-spaces-week

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