Coworking spaces are defined as membership-based workspaces where diverse groups of freelancers, remote workers, and other professionals work together in a shared, communal setting.

‍People who use coworking spaces see their work as meaningful.  Unlike traditional offices, coworking spaces consist of members who work on a variety of projects, ventures etc. Since there is little competition and internal politics, people working in coworking spaces do not feel they have to put on a work persona to fit in.  This also can help make ones work identity stronger. With a variety of workers in coworking spaces means that ‘coworkers’ have unique skill sets to provide to other community members should they be interested. 

‍They have more job control.  With more and more people getting to work when they want to, many coworking spaces offer 24/7 accessibility allowing them to work whenever they want.  They can choose whether they want to work in a quiet space so they can focus, or in a more collaborative setting with shared tables where interaction is encouraged.  They can even decide to work from home, without repercussion. While people often value autonomy, they value some form of structure in their professional lives.  Often times too much autonomy can actually cripple productivity due to lack of routines.  Coworkers reported that having a community to work in helps them create structures and discipline that motivates them.

‍They feel part of a community.  Connections with other are huge.  They are a big part of of why people pay to work in a communal space, as opposed to working from home for free or renting a boring office by themselves.  Socializing isn’t forced or compulsory.  Members can choose when and how interact with other members.

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