Wikipedia on Coworking:
Coworking is an arrangement in which workers of different companies share an office space, allowing cost savings and convenience through the use of common infrastructures, such as equipment, utilities, and receptionist and custodial services, and in some cases[1] refreshments and parcel acceptance services.[2] It is attractive to independent contractors, independent scientists, telecommuting larger work teams that want flexibility and to avoid wasted real estate space if some employees are working from home, and work-at-home professionals, and people who travel frequently. Additionally, coworking helps workers avoid the feeling of isolation they may experience while telecommuting, traveling, or working at home alone,[3][4] and eliminate distractions. Most coworking spaces charge membership dues.
Coworking is not only about providing a physical place, but also about establishing a community. Its rapid growth has been seen as a possible way for city planners to address the decline of high street retail in urban centres.[5] Its benefits can already be experienced outside of the physical spaces, and it is recommended to start with building a coworking community first before considering opening a coworking place.[6] However, some coworking places have no community building; they just get a part of an existing one by combining their opening with an event which attracts their target group.[7][6]
Coworking tends to fall into two sides: Those that are real-estate-centric (all about selling desks and offices first) while others are community-centric(focused on building community that happens to also have offices or desks.) Players target freelance professionals, remote workers, and small to medium enterprises (SMEs) who need a space and seek a community with a collaborative spirit. Customers also often benefit from professional services such as printing or incorporation or consulting.[8]
Coworking is distinct from business accelerators, incubators, and executive suites.[9] These spaces do not fit into the coworking model because they often miss the social, collaborative, and informal aspects of the process. In coworking, management practices are closer to that of a cooperative, including a focus on community[10] rather than profit.[11] Some coworking participants are also involved in an unconference like BarCamp[12] and other related open-source participatory technology events.[13][14]
