The way we work has changed — and so have our expectations. The rise of coworking spaces reflects a deep shift in workplace culture, business operations, and employee priorities. What began as a solution for freelancers and startups has transformed into a mainstream option for businesses of every size looking for greater flexibility, collaboration, and community.
Are coworking spaces on the rise?
Yes — rapidly so. The growth in coworking spaces has been remarkable in recent years. According to SME Today, coworking spaces increased by 125% from 2018 to 2023, reflecting a growing demand for flexible work environments that support productivity and wellbeing. Whether you’re a solo consultant, a growing team, or an established business exploring hybrid models, coworking is no longer a fringe trend. It’s a preferred model.
Several factors are driving this:
- A sharp rise in remote and hybrid working.
- Greater demand for flexibility and reduced overheads.
- A new generation of professionals seeking community and purpose at work.
As a result, coworking is now a credible alternative to traditional office leases—and in many cases, a preferred one.
When did coworking spaces become popular?
Coworking began as a niche movement in the early 2000s, primarily in cities like San Francisco and Berlin. Its growth was steady until the 2010s, when the tech startup boom and rise in freelance work gave coworking significant momentum. Post-pandemic, the appeal surged again. Workers who had experienced the benefits of flexibility didn’t want to go back to rigid office structures.
More recently, we’ve seen large corporations turning to coworking spaces to support hybrid strategies and satellite teams. This shift signals that coworking has firmly moved from trend to standard.
What are the advantages of coworking spaces?
Coworking offers clear and immediate value:
- Flexibility: Pay for the space you need, when you need it.
- Community: Work among others without the isolation of working from home.
- Cost-efficiency: No need to commit to long leases or large upfront investments.
- Amenities: From barista coffee to podcast studios, coworking spaces are often fully loaded.
- Wellbeing and culture: Many spaces include yoga, talks, events and even dog-friendly policies.
Coworking also supports productivity and performance, especially in hybrid teams. When employees have access to comfortable, collaborative, well-designed workspaces, they’re more likely to feel engaged and motivated.
Is coworking really the future?
All signs point to yes. Coworking is no longer about shared desks — it’s a strategy for scaling operations, retaining talent, and improving the employee experience.
Coworking spaces are not static environments; they adapt quickly to what people and businesses need. Operators are introducing on-demand meeting rooms, soundproof pods, and event spaces to support everything from team workshops to investor meetings. They're also responding to rising interest in sustainability, accessibility and wellness.
As expectations continue to shift around where and how people work, businesses that embrace flexible office solutions will be better equipped to attract top talent, control costs and scale efficiently.
What is the difference between coworking spaces and an office?
A traditional office is typically leased, fitted out, and maintained by a single company. Coworking spaces are shared, fully serviced environments designed for multiple businesses and individuals.
The key differences include:
- Commitment: Coworking offers short-term, pay-as-you-go or rolling contracts.
- Setup: Everything from Wi-Fi to meeting rooms is already in place.
- Community: Rather than being closed off, coworking offers spontaneous connection and collaboration.
Coworking is ideal for businesses that want the benefits of a professional office without the burdens of ownership or long-term leases.
How to find the right coworking space for you
Start by identifying your team’s priorities. Do you need breakout areas, on-site cafés, or client-facing meeting rooms? Are you looking for a sociable vibe or a quieter, focused setting? Tally Workspace allows you to filter by all of this — and more.
Our coworking search tool lets you:
- Explore thousands of coworking spaces across the UK.
- Filter by amenities, budget, and style.
- View detailed images, floorplans, and local guides.
How to book a coworking space with Tally Workspace
Once you’ve chosen your ideal coworking space through our coworking search, securing your hot desk is straightforward and quick. Just specify the date and time of your planned visit, along with the number of attendees, and hit the 'BOOK NOW' button. Should you encounter any issues during the booking process, don't hesitate to reach out to us.
Why businesses are turning to coworking
From scaling startups to global brands, businesses are shifting away from traditional leases to models that allow greater freedom. With coworking, companies can:
- Test new markets with minimal risk.
- Support hybrid working.
- Create satellite hubs for regional teams.
- Reduce real estate costs.
These benefits are particularly attractive in today’s fast-changing business landscape, where certainty is rare and agility is key.
Find your perfect coworking space with Tally Workspace
With the rise of coworking spaces showing no signs of slowing down, now is the time to rethink how your team works best. Whether you're looking for a full-time desk, a drop-in hot desk, or something in between, Tally Workspace can help you find the right fit.
Talk to our team today and we’ll help you find a coworking space that supports how you want to work.
