Five Coworking Trends for 2024
Looking Ahead to 2024: Another Year of the Coworker!
More and more workers are choosing to work offsite, with no end in sight. As a result, the number of coworking locations in the U.S. and worldwide is expected to double to 42,000 in 2024 and replace 30% of corporate office space by 2030.
This all started with the pandemic, of course, but the cat is out of the bag. We like the freedom, the shorter commutes, and the flexibility for childcare and doctor appointments. We also like the productivity increase thanks to a decrease in typical coworker interruptions.
But even coworking continues to evolve. It’s that time of year when we consult our crystal ball about coworking trends for the New Year. Here are some exciting changes that are predicted to come true in 2024.
1. Explosive Growth
Coworking is not a fad that will disappear. The growth trajectory of the number of people coworking is steep. Companies know this, with 75% planning to cut office space in 2024.
2. Community-Centric Coworking
Many coworkers want more than a convenient place to plug in and work. They want a place that creates community, where they can find like-minded people and collaborate. While coworkers want independence, they don’t necessarily want isolation. To bring coworkers together, some coworking spaces are offering learning workshops and happy hour gatherings. These new connections aren’t just social. They boost worker effectiveness: 69% of coworking space users say they have picked up new skills at coworking sites.
3. Location Personality
2024 will see more coworking sites crop up in hubs that show off local charm, cuisine and nature. Coworking sites that integrate into the community are seeing more success than sites set up in strip malls or abandoned factories. Coworkers at My Space Downtown, for example, love the nearby community of funky restaurants, workout gyms and art galleries, plus access to the beach.
4. The Launch of Even More Clever Coworking Software
When the pandemic suddenly forced us to work remotely, Zoom came to the rescue. Suddenly we had a way to see and interact with each other electronically. Other technologies followed, like Slack and Microsoft Teams, and enrichments to Google Drive. Look for more clever remote work tech innovations, such as more intuitive collaboration models, more immersive virtual meetings and advanced AI to create pop-up communities.
5. More Flexible Space and Equipment
Coworking began as a large common space with long tables where coworkers could plug and play, with access to a coffee machine. Today, coworking is evolving into more space options to meet more diverse worker needs. Added to the common work areas are private offices, conference rooms and large kitchen areas along with flexible rental contracts and ramped up services, from mailboxes to advanced copy/fax machines.
2024 will see all these trends conspire to one end: the seamless integration of virtual and physical work environments. The benefits to coworkers will be more flexibility that leads to more balanced lives and higher job satisfaction. The benefits for employers will be lower real-estate costs and higher productivity. 2024 will, indeed, be another Year of the Coworker.