Coworking Is Changing, Led by Countries Around the World
Innovations in coworking are taking place around the world. Those changes are speeding up coworking growth and influencing how coworking is evolving in the United States.
“Coliving” is the biggest new international trend affecting coworking
The most dramatic way coworking is evolving in other countries is the addition of coliving options near or within coworking spaces. These are actual living spaces, like private rooms or apartments, that can be rented much like coworking spaces, by the day, week or month. Coliving opens coworking to travelers who want to combine work with vacationing in a beautiful place.
Coliving spaces already are growing in the U.S., too. Even some existing apartment buildings are adding coworking spaces as an attractive amenity so tenants don’t have to commute to work.
Other worldwide trends slowly finding their way to the U.S.
Here are the top worldwide trends in coworking:
Childcare options adjacent to the coworking site for working parents. (influenced by Germany)
Reduced carbon footprint options for those who want to live adjacent to a coworking site for a zero carbon commute. (influenced by Asia)
More privacy, with cubicles, separate rooms and other private spaces replacing open-space plug ‘n play work benches. (influenced by Vietnam)
Company employment packages that include a computer, mobile phone and free passes to a coworking site. (influenced by Australia)
Booking platforms that help a person find and reserve a coworking site, like WeWork in Europe, also have a U.S. presence.
5 worldwide coworking locations keeping up with the trends
Of the hundreds of stunning worldwide locations and facilities that illustrate the evolution of coworking, here are our top five picks:
View from the Sun Desk coworking space in Morocco. Photo by Louis Hansel on Unsplash.
Makrinitsa in Greece
Makrinitsa’s boutique, hotel-style coliving and coworking space is housed in a mansion close to the coast with a jacuzzi, cafe, wellness center, restaurant and rooftop terrace with panoramic views.
The Outpost in Bali, Indonesia
In addition to coworking, The Outpost offers coliving spaces that can be used for a company offsite multi-day teambuilding experience. The coworking site has private rooms with bathrooms and a swimming pool. For a break, tour the Sacred Monkey Forest Sanctuary.
Arctic Coworking Lodge in Lofoten, Norway
Enjoy plenty of free coffee to warm you when the outside temperatures are below zero. For a break, you can try mountaineering nearly right outside the door.
Selina Atitlan at Lake Atitlan, Guatemala
Worldwide Coworking Spaces Growing
In the next two years, worldwide coworking spaces will increase 147%.
(source: statista.com)
This coworking site also includes coliving, so you can visit as a tourist and work during the day. Options include yoga lessons, a beachfront bar and live music. You can also bring along your pets.
Sun Desk in Taghazout, Morocco
For a break from work, you can step outside and into a world-renowned surfing spot. Most work areas have a sea view. If your chair and desk are hurting your back, you can work from a hammock.
As a result of these innovations, the numbers of worldwide coworking sites, including those in the U.S., are expected to nearly double between 2021 and 2024 (see chart).