Coworking has revolutionized the world of work in recent years, offering a flexible alternative to traditional offices and attracting more and more freelancers, entrepreneurs and small and medium-sized businesses. But beyond the growing popularity of these shared workspaces, what are the key statistics that show the real impact of coworking? This article presents the key data and figures you need to know to understand the scale and benefits of this trend.
1. Rapid growth in the number of coworking spaces
The coworking market is growing exponentially. According to recent studies, there are currently more than 26,000 coworking spaces worldwide, a figure that could exceed 40,000 by 2030. In 2021, the number of coworking spaces worldwide increased by 5% over the previous year, despite the impact of the pandemic. This trend shows that coworking is becoming an essential solution for the self-employed and small businesses.
2. Growing popularity with freelancers and the self-employed
Freelancers make up a large proportion of coworking space users. In 2023, around 60% of coworking members were freelancers, self-employed workers or entrepreneurs. This statistic highlights the key role of coworking in meeting the flexibility needs of freelancers, who can adjust their working hours and environment to suit their projects.
3. An increase in demand for private offices
Private offices in coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular. In 2022, around 40% of coworking members opted for private offices, a figure up 10% on the previous year. This trend is largely due to the COVID-19 pandemic, which has prompted many companies to adopt hybrid working models. The need for privacy and security in working environments has thus encouraged the growth of private offices within coworking spaces.
4. Coworking: a sustainable and cost-effective solution
Another advantage of coworking is its value for money. According to a study by Coworking Resources, nearly 75% of companies that choose coworking spaces do so because it costs less than traditional offices. Access to high-quality infrastructure (meeting rooms, broadband internet, relaxation areas) without the fixed costs of traditional property leases is a considerable advantage for small businesses, start-ups and freelancers.
5. More diverse coworking spaces
Coworking spaces are becoming increasingly diverse and specialised. One study found that 22% of coworking spaces worldwide offer services tailored to specific sectors, such as coworking spaces for creatives, engineers or even healthcare workers. This specialisation makes it possible to attract groups of professionals with similar needs and encourages a collaborative dynamic.
6. The impact of coworking on well-being and productivity
Coworking also has a positive impact on workers’ well-being. According to a study by the Global Coworking Unconference Conference (GCUC), 71% of coworkers say they are happier and more productive than in a traditional office. The opportunity to work in a stimulating environment, take breaks in relaxation areas and benefit from greater flexibility all contribute to a better quality of working life.
7. Average length of stay in a coworking space
One of the key indicators of member loyalty is the average length of stay in a coworking space. In 2023, the average length of a member’s stay in a coworking space was 15 months. This figure shows that more and more workers are enjoying these flexible and sustainable environments, which testifies to user satisfaction and the effectiveness of coworking as a long-term working model.
8. The rise of hybrid coworking spaces
With the rise of teleworking and the hybrid model, more and more large companies are adopting coworking for their teams. In 2022, 60% of large companies said they were using coworking spaces for hybrid teams or remote employees. This trend illustrates the adaptability of coworking, which meets the growing demand for flexible workspaces as companies seek to adjust to new ways of working.
Statistics on coworking show a growing adoption of this flexible and collaborative form of working, particularly among freelancers, the self-employed and small businesses. Not only does coworking offer a more stimulating and productive working environment, it is also a cost-effective and sustainable solution for businesses looking for flexibility. With the number of coworking spaces increasing all the time and the range of options diversifying, coworking looks set to remain a key solution for workers in the 21st century.
