The Trend Toward Theme-Based Coworking Spaces

The future of how we work is quickly changing. One trend you may have noticed is the growing popularity of coworking spaces. Over the past several years, Indian companies started following trends from western culture to establish themselves as a leader in the worldwide market.

Reports show that there are about 300 coworking companies in India, accounting for nearly 720 office spaces around the country. Another report shows that the coworking industry is predicted to receive $400 million USD in investments by the end of 2018.

Ann Smarty, Brand and Community Manager at Internet Marketing Ninjas, says…

Gathering with other freelancers in a coworking environment can benefit professionals as well as their products. Coworking provides opportunities to observe and learn from colleagues who value their autonomy and often share other values, too.

This growing phenomenon recognizes the power of community. In today’s article, you’ll learn one major tip for choosing the right co-working space: connect with the theme.

What is a Coworking Space?

Before we go too much further, let’s define a coworking space. Basically, it comes down to this:

• A community of like-minded professionals

• Who share resources and common areas

• Who often collaborate on projects with others

• And work as a startup founder or remote worker

Many freelancers work from libraries, coffee shops, and living rooms. While the flexibility feels nice for a while, many miss the collaboration and competition of a real office space.

Unfortunately, for many years this was simply a luxury most couldn’t afford.

But with the affordability of coworking spaces, professionals from all industries and backgrounds are embracing the concept.

These workspaces cater to millennials in several ways, which explains their growing popularity. Remote working is more common than ever, so this growing population of displaced workforce needs an office. Because many are just employees, the standard office space lease wouldn't be feasible. Enter: Coworking spaces.

In addition to affordability, coworking spaces offer many benefits, such as: mentorship, collaboration, and exclusive networking opportunities. That makes it perfect for the increasing amount of freelance creatives and startup founders.

The Importance of Office Choice

We all need to work in a place that suits our creative and productivity style. Choosing a complementary style determines our output, creativity and overall fulfillment. For many, the environment of coworking spaces provides everything they need.

Considering that some people spend more time at work than they do in their actual homes, it’s important that you make your office space comfortable, practical and inspiring.

-- Cassie Egan, The Importance of Office Décor

What comforts and inspires you may not affect me at all. And it’s this reality that has created a surge in theme-based offices.

But beyond personal preference, your office choice impacts other things too…

Improves Productivity: Find a place where you feel inspired, and you’ll be productive too.

Impresses Clients: Sure, it’s not a corner office. But it’s not your mom’s basement either.

Business Investment: New opportunities, a deeper network, and respect in the community.

But it goes beyond finding the nearest co-working space. You need to select a theme that resonates with your preferences and goals.

Types of Coworking Themes

Coworking themes are generally centered on certain values, for example:

• Creativity

• Innovation

• Community

• Productivity

The spaces then choose their decor, layout, benefits, and environment centered on the overarching theme. Here are a few examples…

Community

These spaces focus on cultivating relationships and connecting collaborations. They want their members to become a community centered on helping and uplifting one another. You’ll get plenty of opportunities to brainstorm, learn and grow alongside like-minded people.

Home Away From Home

Some coworking hubs want you to feel cozy and right at home. In these spaces, you’ll see picturesque rooftop gardens, meditation rooms, recreational areas, and a fully stocked kitchen.

You come for the comfortable vibe, but stay because you become family.

Innovation Station

Here you get an idyllic peak inside the day-to-day life of expanding startups and ambitious entrepreneurs. When innovation is a priority, you must spark creativity.

These spaces frequently host events and masterminds. They’re decorated with plenty of whiteboards and brainstorming room. And coffee; lots and lots of coffee.

Common Benefits of Coworking Spaces

As a fledgling startup, you need as much support as possible. It’s imperative that you find a place that accommodates your requirements. While looking for the perfect coworking space, consider some of these common benefits.

Identify which ones are most important to you. It will help in narrowing down your options in a much simpler process.

Events: In business, it’s all about who you know. Smart startups are differentiating themselves in the market by hosting in-person events. With that kind of access, you can affordably become a linchpin to the target market within your community. Host events, conferences, seminars, fireside chats and whatever else you can think of.

Relaxation: As a startup, you start and end each day hungrier than the last. Sometimes it feels like you’ll never stop working. Unfortunately, this type of work life can lead to serious health issues. That’s why many coworking spaces put an emphasis on relaxation by providing outdoor and indoor recreational areas. Because we all need to take a break sometimes.

Mentorship: There’s a subset of coworking spaces who also act as a type of incubator for young startups. They train, mentor and support them on the path to product-market-fit. By investing time in your success, they’re investing time in their own. After all, if you fail then you’ll no longer have the need for a coworking space.

Networking: One of the strongest benefits is access to a thriving network of ambitious professionals. When touring a space, don’t be afraid to ask about the membership numbers, community mindset, and events intended to cultivate connection among members. The more relationships you can build, the more valuable you’ll find the space.

Conclusion

As coworking continues to grow in popularity, we’ll likely see the number of themes and value-based spaces springing up. The competition is high, and so it’s important to find new and innovative ways to bring the customers' value.

What type of theme would you like in a coworking space?