Why Coworking Spaces Have Become a Global Phenomena
A software developer, Brad Neuberg, is believed to be the first person to have started, or at least actively promoted the idea of coworking. He created a coworking space in San Francisco and invited people to join him. He later invited people to share the idea and remix it as they pleased.
That was in 2005. Coworking spaces have now become a global phenomena. There are studies that seem to indicate that these spaces have doubling each year since 2006. The idea has proven to be popular in the United States where it started and has been adopted in Europe and Asia.
Start Ups
The number of startups have increased exponentially in the last decade. Individuals or groups starting these startups would either rent an office or work from home. The cost of renting an entire office especially for individuals seemed a little costly. Working from home would not be the best idea if you want to be productive. Most people found they could hardly deal with the distractions at home.
Freelancers
According to some statistics, the number of freelancers increased by about 400% in the last decade. The coworking idea seems to have coincided with the rise of freelancing.
Many freelancers were looking for a space where they could work without distractions. This group would also realize the importance of coworking spaces. They could finally network with likeminded people and exchange ideas. Others were simply looking to socialize and get away from the loneliness of working from home.
Creatives and Independent Professionals
Because people in these offices work on different projects from different companies, office politics are almost unheard of. Independent professionals do not have to worry how they are perceived by their colleagues. Creatives are free to be themselves. Most importantly the environment encourages participation and coworkers are glad to help each other out.