What Is a Coworking Space and How to Make the Most of It

Coworking spaces are growing in popularity, but do you know what they are exactly? The first time I was in a coworking space, I had no idea there are shared offices in the world, one where people from different companies or industries can work together.

But I really liked the space I visited: its atmosphere, the people, and the beautiful design. The coworking spaces are created to make you feel creative and productive, and after visiting many more such places across the globe, I can say they are doing a very good job of offering the best of the best when it comes to your workday.

What Is a Coworking Space?

A coworking space is a shared, flexible workspace where entrepreneurs or remote workers work together, either in a shared office with hot desks (you can sit wherever you want in an open space) or in private office dedicated to a specific team.

Photo © Anca Serban

The main advantage of a coworking space is its flexibility—you go there when you need a professional environment, with all facilities included, and you can choose from different coworking spaces that are closer to home, in the city center, or even in another town.

Secondly, coworking spaces are beautiful, vibrant places with a sense of community that encourages collaboration and creativity. You go there because you enjoy being around other people—professionals like yourself—rather than working in isolation at home. They also provide all the amenities you might need, things many of us lack at home: flipcharts, projectors, phone booths for calls, fast Wi-Fi, free coffee or tea, and even networking events that help you connect with new people or companies.

Coworking spaces are for remote workers like you and me, whether employees or entrepreneurs—people who want their workdays infused with flexibility and energy.

What Is a Coworking Café?

I must admit, my favorite spaces for working remotely are coworking cafés or work cafés. These are regular cafés with coworking environments, suited for remote work: tables to sit at, good Wi-Fi, coffee, and snacks to keep your energy up. 

Most importantly, they encourage you to spend more time there. Cafés that sell coffee to go, with small, crowded spaces, are not remote-friendly, and you’ll need to move someplace else pretty soon.

Photo © Anca Serban

Why Work from a Café and Not from… Home or a Coworking Space?

In my case, the biggest reason is a change of atmosphere. If I have a day without online calls, very urgent tasks, and I want to focus on more creative projects in a nice place surrounded by people, I go to a café. I do this anywhere in the world, even in the most remote places, and I can confirm that other remote workers have the same need. 

You want to have a pleasant workday, not feel like a machine jumping from call to call or from one urgent task to another.

The joy of being a remote worker is also this: you can choose your workspace. You can switch between coworking spaces when you need a quiet space, phone booths, or meeting rooms, and work cafés when you need a casual workday, music, good food, and coffee.

Work cafés are easy to find in any city. If you have access to Pluria, just select the “work café” category in the app or website. If we’re not present in a city, just search for laptop-friendly cafés, and you’ll most likely find a blog article with reviews from other remote workers. :)

Photo © Anca Serban

Brief History of Coworking Spaces

The first coworking space appeared in San Francisco in 2005, when a software engineer named Brad Neuberg founded the first official coworking space. He named it San Francisco Coworking Space (very original for that time :) ), but in doing so, he established a new category in the office industry. As of 2025, the original San Francisco Coworking Space no longer exists. However, Neuberg’s idea set the stage for a worldwide shift in how people work.

In 2006, the first coworking space in Europe, Betahaus, opened in Berlin, Germany, paving the way for coworking culture across the continent. Later, in 2010, WeWork was founded in New York City, transforming coworking into a global industry by scaling the concept and creating spaces that blended work with lifestyle amenities. 

This period marked the rise of coworking as a serious alternative to traditional office leases.

After 2015, coworking spaces were no longer a niche. Major cities worldwide began boasting multiple spaces offering everything from hot desks to private offices. Smaller cities and even suburban areas started adopting coworking models to serve remote employees and growing startups. 

Corporations also began integrating coworking spaces into their operations, driven by the rise of hybrid work models. 

Today, coworking is not just a trend but a cornerstone of the modern office landscape, evolving to meet the needs of an increasingly flexible workforce.

Photo © Anca Serban

Global Growth Rate

Coworking spaces are experiencing a growing trend globally, with a double-digit growth rate—around 13%–15% annually—and the trend is expected to continue at this pace. The rise of hybrid work models and remote work has solidified coworking as a core part of the future of work.

According to Grand View Research, the global coworking spaces market size was valued at USD 14.91 billion in 2023 and is projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of 15.7% from 2024 to 2030. This significant growth highlights how coworking is transitioning from a niche option to a mainstream solution.

In Latin America, the growth is even more impressive. The region experienced a 29% increase in demand for flexible workspaces, with Mexico City leading the surge with a staggering 163% year-over-year growth. 

Adaptable work environments are particularly popular across Latin America, where many remote workers live with their families, and access to a professional workspace offers a clear advantage. Additionally, smaller cities in the region are seeing coworking spaces flourish, providing employees with modern amenities closer to home.

With businesses and employees embracing coworking spaces globally, the industry’s rapid expansion shows no signs of slowing down as it continues to redefine how and where we work.

Photo © Anca Serban

Benefits of a Coworking Space

When you choose a coworking space, you expect certain standards and benefits.

Professional Setting

Coworking spaces provide a professional setting, from ergonomic furniture to all the amenities you would find in a corporate office. You have access to meeting rooms, phone booths for your calls, projectors or flipcharts, fast Wi-Fi, and open spaces where you can work in a quiet environment.

Sense of Community

Coworking spaces take pride in creating a community of like-minded professionals. Some spaces even specialize in certain industries, like tech or creative fields. You go there to meet new people—professionals like you. If the idea of working among strangers makes you anxious, bring your colleagues along on the first visit! :) 

You might enjoy the experience so much that you’ll forget to feel nervous next time.

Photo © Pluria

Flexible Office Space

Coworking spaces are ideal for hybrid work. You can work closer to home, in the city center, in another town, or wherever you need to be that day. Maybe you have a doctor’s appointment and then a call, and you want to work in town after your visit. You can simply book a coworking space in the neighborhood where you are.

Coworking spaces are called flexible spaces for a reason: they are everywhere in major cities, and you can choose the one you need. This is much more convenient than a traditional office, which is a fixed location on the map and often requires a long commute.

Cost-Effectiveness

Working from a coworking space, whether with hot desking or by renting a private office, is more budget-friendly than a traditional office lease. Reduced costs come with the advantage of flexible contracts, unlike the minimum five-year commitments typical for traditional office rentals.

Enhanced Productivity

Working from home often leads to isolation and teams feeling disengaged and disconnected, which ultimately affects productivity. A professional working environment helps you focus on your projects without the distractions of home. Coworking spaces near home reduce commuting time, making your workday more efficient.

Photo © Anca Serban

Types of Coworking Spaces 

Coworking spaces come in different forms—some are general, others are specialized in certain industries, and some are niche workspaces.

General Coworking Spaces

General coworking spaces feature open areas with hot desks, communal spaces, lounges, and shared resources. Impact Hub, WeWork, and Spaces are examples of general coworking spaces available in major cities across the globe.

Dedicated Desk Spaces

Coworking spaces with dedicated desks provide a specific desk or workstation assigned exclusively to you (no one else uses it). While other areas, like lounges and meeting rooms, are shared by the community, the desk remains yours.

Private Offices

Coworking spaces often include access to private offices alongside hot desks, but some spaces specialize exclusively in private offices. These secured offices are dedicated to a single company, offering teams the privacy of a traditional office with the added flexibility of coworking spaces.

Niche Spaces

Niche spaces cater to specific industries, demographics, or professional focuses, such as technology, creative industries, or software engineering. Some are tailored to certain groups, like women-only coworking spaces, providing a more personalized experience.

Photo © Anca Serban

Coworking Spaces in a Hybrid Work Model

Hybrid work is the best of both worlds: you get to work from home some days (hello, comfy pants) and in a proper workspace when you need to focus or meet with others. Coworking spaces help with the second part, offering the professional environment you don’t have at home, along with the flexibility that a fixed office cannot provide.

If you’re a remote worker, coworking spaces are like Excalibur—they’re the perfect tool to conquer your to-do list. They offer a professional atmosphere without the hassle of a long commute. Plus, they save you from working at home when your neighbor’s renovations sound like a construction site, or your kids hold their own board meeting while you’re on a Zoom call with clients. (Remember those hilarious videos of journalists interrupted by their kids?)

For companies, coworking spaces are a money-saver. Why pay for a big office that’s half empty when your team can use coworking spaces as needed? It’s a win-win: employees get a cool place to work, and businesses avoid long-term leases.

Coworking spaces are also great for team catch-ups. Instead of cramming everyone into a home office or a noisy café, you can book a meeting room and get things done. Whether it’s brainstorming or catching up face-to-face, these spaces make hybrid work feel seamless—and way less awkward than Zoom calls.

Sustainability in Coworking Spaces

Coworking spaces aren’t just about cool vibes and great coffee—they’re also making strides in sustainability. Sharing workspaces means sharing resources, and that’s already a win for the planet. Think about it: one building full of people working together uses far less energy than dozens of separate home offices or corporate spaces.

Many coworking spaces go even further by embracing green initiatives in creative ways. Some use energy-efficient lighting and appliances, while others invest in solar panels and renewable energy sources. Recycling bins are a standard feature, and many spaces encourage people to ditch disposable cups and bring their own mugs. (Bonus: no one steals your favorite cup.)

You’ll often see indoor plants everywhere, not just for a natural vibe, but also to improve air quality and make the space feel more alive. Some coworking spaces even have natural gardens where you can work outdoors, use recyclable materials in their design, or partner with local businesses to offer eco-friendly snacks or composting programs.

Photo © Pluria

Coworking Beyond Big Cities

Coworking spaces aren’t just for big cities—they’re transforming smaller towns across Europe, Latin America, and North America into ideal work hubs for employees who want a professional environment without the hustle of major urban centers. This allows companies to recruit talent from anywhere without the stress of long-term leases, while employees enjoy the comfort of working in their hometowns with access to a professional setting.

In Latin America, countries like Colombia, Mexico, and Argentina demonstrate that you don’t need to be in the capital to work effectively. Pereira, in Colombia, is known as a gateway to the country’s famous coffee region, but it also offers coworking spaces that are both professional and relaxed. Employees working remotely for larger companies can enjoy quiet, well-equipped workspaces without the distractions of a bustling metropolis.

In Mexico, Querétaro combines a strong industrial base with a growing coworking scene tailored to employees in tech, finance, and manufacturing. Many coworking spaces in Querétaro provide private offices and meeting rooms, perfect for remote employees who need to collaborate virtually or host occasional in-person meetings.

Photo © Pluria

In Argentina, Rosario—smaller than Buenos Aires but still a regional hub—features coworking spaces designed for remote employees in various industries. Rosario offers a great balance of professionalism and accessibility, with well-connected transportation networks and an affordable cost of living.

In Romania, Cluj-Napoca is a significant regional hub, but smaller cities like Iași are making waves too. Known for its academic and tech communities, Iași hosts coworking spaces that cater to employees working remotely for IT companies, multinational firms, or startups.

This trend is expanding, providing remote workers access to professional workspaces regardless of where they live, whether it’s a small town or a major metropolis.

How to Choose the Right Coworking Space

Choosing the right coworking space can make a big difference in your productivity and overall work experience. Whether you’re working remotely full-time or occasionally need a professional environment, here’s what to consider before making your choice:

1. Location

Choose a space that is convenient to reach, whether it’s close to your home or in a central spot in your city. Public transport options are important if you don’t want to spend time in your car. Ideally, you want a place that fits seamlessly into your daily routine.

2. Amenities

Different coworking spaces offer different perks. Check if the basics like high-speed internet, ergonomic chairs, and meeting rooms are covered. Extras like free coffee, printing facilities, or even wellness areas (think gyms or quiet zones) can add to the value.

3. Flexibility

Look for spaces that suit your schedule. Not all coworking spaces have the same hours—maybe you need one that’s open on weekends or starts early at 7 a.m.

Photo © Pluria

4. Community Vibe

While coworking spaces are primarily about work, the atmosphere matters too. Some spaces focus on networking and collaboration, while others are quieter and more individual-focused. Check out the events they organize and what they’re posting on social media.

Ultimately, the best coworking space is one that helps you stay focused and provides the right balance of professionalism and comfort.

How to Access Coworking Spaces with Pluria

Pluria offers your company access to over 800 coworking spaces and work cafés across Latin America, as well as several countries in Europe. The mobile app includes digital features to enhance team collaboration and provide organizations with data for their workplace strategy. Furthermore, you can manage your own office with the Pluria app, and your employees can book desks at your HQ just like at any flexible space.

Once your employer provides you with this service, you’ll have access to:

• A network of over 800 coworking spaces and cafés for remote work
• Lunch included in café-style spaces
• The option to work together with your colleagues

Fill out the form to get in touch with us—we’ve got everything ready for you to enjoy an amazing work experience!