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02/10/2021

How Coworking Spaces are Becoming the Airbnb of Offices

Coworking space options are expanding, with many companies now renting to both individuals and groups, offering unique amenities, and attracting movers and shakers in droves. In a sense, they're becoming more and more like the Airbnbs of office real estate. But where Airbnbs offer bedding, a full kitchen, and other homey amenities, a coworking space provides a sense of community and a place to work. Just like the buzzy home rental platform, coworking space platforms are starting to offer niche spaces for individual workers and even full office rental options, offering workplace choices many wouldn't have imagined possible just years ago.

A new way to work remotely

Airbnb for Office Space

Just like how Airbnb offers a platform to rent out apartments and homes, various platforms within the coworking industry connect users to open desks, offices, and team rooms. The benefit is twofold: Individuals and small teams gain access to space that is both more customized than coffee shops and cheaper than full leases, and coworking businesses get to rent out their unused office space and foster a community of growth and innovation.

For freelancers and remote employees, coworking offers a new approach to working. We all know it can be hard to get work done in our own home or apartment, but finding a space in a coffee shop or library can sometimes be challenging: Maybe there aren't enough outlets, there's one bathroom, or you simply can't find an open table. Coworking spaces alleviate these common issues. Individuals to teams of any size can benefit from rented desks, suites, or meeting rooms that offer WiFi, coffee, and a relaxed environment.

If you're considering a flexible workplace, another thing to keep in mind is the rise of niche coworking spaces. For example, some spaces are designed for people in specific industries, and others are created especially for people of certain demographics, like women-only workspaces. These types of coworking spaces ensure you're surrounded by like-minded individuals and can foster an even greater sense of community.

Finding the right space

Croissant is one of the most popular platforms for finding coworking spaces and offices to rent, providing access to over 500 different spaces in more than 70 cities across the world. A simple website and mobile app let you find and reserve a seat or office. With Croissant, all memberships last for a full month and give you a certain number of hours you can use, with the option to split the time between different spaces in the network.

Airbnb for Office Space
One of Croissant's offices. Credit: Croissant.

Another option is LiquidSpace, which can connect you to desks, private offices, and meeting rooms on an hourly basis. If you need a space for a bit longer, they also offer monthly memberships for desks, private offices, and office suites. Additionally, LiquidSpace can provide tailored flexible solutions for larger companies who want customization in their workspace.

Last but not least, SharedDesk is yet another great option. With SharedDesk, you can filter search results based on your work requirements and location, then book your chosen space and pay online. This means getting started is as easy as checking in and getting right to work. SharedDesk works with dozens of spaces and clearly lists the prices for all of them as you search. You can choose to rent space hourly, daily, or monthly, just like on the other platforms we've mentioned.

A look into the future of Coworking Spaces

The co-working market is about to be disrupted. Let's see how

A look into the future of Coworking Spaces

Choosing coworking over tradition

Airbnb for Office Space

While both a coworking space and a traditional office will have similar amenities, many people find their productivity increases in a coworking space, as it fosters more ease than the classic office setting. Emotional health can also increase since the environment is more relaxed, there are more seating options, and there is often a sense of community. In many cases, coworking spaces are more affordable than traditional offices, especially for startups and entrepreneurs. Additional resources, such as talks with industry experts and networking opportunities, are also available at many of these spaces.

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