Who Uses Coworking Spaces?

As a coworking space owner or operator defining your ideal customer profile (ICP), you’re probably wondering who is most likely to use a coworking space.

In this Coworking Quick Tip, we’ll share the most common users of coworking spaces including how these users have evolved since coworking’s inception.

For more information about aligning your ICP with what you have to offer as a coworking space, we recommend checking out our guide to finding and defining your ideal customer profile. 

1. Entrepreneurs and solopreneurs

It’s common to find people who are just starting a business or who are working for themselves as a consultant or advisor working out of a coworking space. They may join a coworking space because they’re looking to network with others, develop a routine, or access resources that are otherwise unavailable to them. 

Entrepreneurs, solopreneurs, and freelancers are often considered the original coworking space demographic for the unique networking opportunities and community it provides. A 2022 survey by Coworking Resources found that 82% of coworking members reported expanding their professional network through coworking spaces.

2. Freelancers

Freelancers are frequently found in coworking spaces. Similar to entrepreneurs, they typically work for themselves and may find the company of a coworking space to be preferable to working at home. For example, a study by Forbes found that 84% of freelancers feel more productive working in coworking spaces compared to working at home.

Coworking spaces can also be a great place for freelancers to find clients, especially for those working in marketing, graphic design, or web design.

3. Agency owners

You’ll often see agency owners working out of a coworking space, especially small boutique agencies, be it in marketing or web design. They may have a small private office for two or three teammates, or you may find the founder working from a dedicated desk, talking via Zoom with their clients or employees.

Agency owners like coworking spaces because it gives them just enough space to meet with one or two teammates (or clients!), while also offering networking and professional development opportunities.

4. Remote workers

Remote workers are one of the latest demographics to jump on the coworking space trend. According to the New York Times, “refugee” remote workers made up about 15% of all coworking space members in 2023. 

Coworking spaces work for remote workers because they’re looking for a sense of community and an excuse to get out of their house. Conversation and connection can spark new ideas for their day job, too!

5. Start-ups

Did you know that Uber started out of a coworking space? Many start-ups find themselves operating out of coworking spaces because they are more affordable than having their own office. Coworking spaces also provide start-ups with all of the space and resources they need before they’re ready to take the next step in their journey.

According to the 2022 Small Business Trends report, 75% of startups that use coworking spaces say the flexibility allows them to scale their team without the burden of a long-term lease.

6. Corporate clients

Along with remote workers, corporate clients are the latest to start using coworking spaces. Typically, these clients are looking to downsize from their HQ or they have gone fully remote, but still want a space for their employees to gather in-person.

These are great clients for coworking spaces because it is reliable, consistent income. For corporations, they’re saving a lot more money than if they were to pay for a space for themselves.

BONUS: Everyone!

One coworking trend that we’ve followed closely over the last three years is the rise of niche coworking spaces.

Niche coworking spaces are coworking spaces created for individuals in a specific industry, be it medical coworking or micro-gyms.

With this democratization of space, we’re seeing coworking spaces serve a wider variety of members. With that being said, it really isn’t too far off to say that coworking spaces can and will be able to serve everyone!