Once dubbed a “hackerspace,” the concept of coworking has evolved rapidly over the last two decades.
We here at VIDA Coworking see daily just how popular coworking has become. But that wasn’t always the case. Despite a slow start, coworking use surged rapidly over the last decade, growing from 331,000 to over 1 million people using coworking spaces in the US alone. That’s a crazy increase in such a short period of time!
But we fully understand that explosion of growth. The flexibility and work-life balance offered by shared workspaces is unmatched. It allows us to live a better, healthier life – both in work and in life. Let’s take a journey back in time to learn how coworking became the way to work.
Hackerspaces: The Origin of Coworking
The concept of shared offices began in 1995 when 17 computer engineers built a dedicated workplace in Berlin, Germany. They appropriately called it a “hackerspace.” The intention of this free-to-use space was to bring computer enthusiasts together to share information and ideas related to their industry.
In 2002, the first official coworking space opened in an old Vienna screw factory. It was two local entrepreneurs who launched it and aptly named it Schraubenfabrik (translation: screw factory). They hoped this office, which they referred to as a “coworking space,” would house entrepreneurs from all industries, enabling them to collaborate and learn from one another.
Coworking Takes Off
Just three years after the first-ever coworking space took off in Austria, the second opened its doors in the United States. In 2005, software engineer Brad Neuber opened the San Fransisco Coworking Space to freelancers and independent workers interested in finding greater structure and community than their homes or, say, a coffee shop provided.
In an article Neuber published introducing the coworking concept to the world, he wrote, “If we work at a traditional 9 to 5 company job, we get community and structure, but lose freedom and the ability to control our own lives. If we work for ourselves at home, we gain independence but suffer loneliness and bad habits from not being surrounded by a work community.”
The following year in 2006, the inventor of the Twitter hashtag, Chris Messina, developed an online resource called The Coworking Wiki to connect workers from around the world through a coworking space. Plus, it helped coworking spaces amplify their brand.
That same year, the first coworking hub, Brooklyn Coworking, opened in New York City. This was the start of our industry’s exponential growth. By 2012, there were more than 2,000 dedicated coworking spaces worldwide. Today, there are an estimated 35,000 coworking spaces across the globe, and the market is valued at approximately $26 billion.
The rapid growth of shared workspaces in such a short time is partly due to the global pandemic and the worldwide shift toward a healthy work-life balance. Workers around the globe have realized coworking spaces provide a host of benefits, including improved socialization, increased productivity, access to networking opportunities, better work-life balance and so much more.
Needless to say, the coworking industry has changed dramatically since the first Austria-based space opened its doors. Twenty years later, we know without a shadow of a doubt coworking spaces are not a fad. They’re here to stay because people love all the benefits they provide.
The Future of Coworking: Innovation & Work-Life Balance
Experts estimate there will be over 40,000 coworking spaces worldwide by 2024. As VIDA Coworking looks toward the future, we’re excited to have multiple locations included in that estimate. We have our original Portland location and our newly opened Beaverton coworking space, and we can’t wait to continue expanding our footprint in the coworking market.
In addition to expanding our coworking reach, we’re also taking the original “coworking” concept and adding to it. We take an innovative approach to each of our spaces, transforming them from regular office spaces to a beautiful, productive environment ideal for a healthy work-life balance.
We offer some of the best amenities in the business, including a front desk concierge, onsite fitness (Hello, Peloton bikes!), life and career coaching, nursing rooms, childcare resources and so much more. Plus, VIDA is part of a national network of Women-Owned Community Partner Coworking Spaces, so our Members also get complimentary access to these amazing, women-led spaces – from LA to NYC and so many cities in between.
Here at VIDA Coworking, we’re so honored and privileged to be a part of such an incredible industry – an industry designed to support and uplift professionals. We take that job very seriously! And every day we’re constantly looking for new and exciting ways to do so.
Thinking about joining a coworking space to increase your productivity and work-life balance? Let us show you everything VIDA has to offer! Contact us today for more information and to schedule a tour.