8 Different Types of Coworking Spaces for Your Business

What was once utilized by IT engineers in Berlin as a way to pool resources and knowledge, has become the worldwide phenomenon we call coworking. From luxury to nomadic, there are different types of coworking spaces that cater to a range of professionals and industries. Below are a few examples of coworking spaces available to your business.

1. Conventional / Traditional Coworking Spaces

As the progenitor of more specialized coworking environments, conventional coworking spaces come with the basics you’d expect: hot desks or dedicated desks, private office space, meeting rooms, tenant lounges, and kitchen facilities.  Currently, the largest group of coworking spaces available, these places attract like-minded individuals.

Primed for collaboration, these types of workspaces attract consultants, solopreneurs, and small start-ups from a range of industries. Recently, there’s been an uptick in corporations turning towards coworking spaces in an effort to modernize their operations and accommodate flexible working needs. Regardless, you’re bound to find a congenial environment, with many opportunities to network, both at events and more informally.

2. Ascetic / Minimal Coworking Spaces

If no-frills, no-fuss, and lower membership fees sound appealing, then minimal coworking spaces may be a good option for your company or line of work. Affordability is the primary factor with these spaces. You can expect fewer amenity benefits, although most will still provide Wi-Fi and coffee, but perhaps not an additional boardroom for meetings or any private office space options. Minimal coworking spaces provide the bare-bones, and for some freelancers without a home office, it may be the ideal solution.

3. Niche-Specific / Specialized Spaces

Whether it’s female-only, family, tech, entrepreneurial, or creatively orientated, industry-specific coworking spaces offer services that cater to the community they target. For example, a coworking space slanted towards wellness might have a yoga studio and standing desks, whereas one geared towards family may provide childcare services.

Niche services are about optimizing work environments for specific industries that may seem out-of-the-ordinary compared to traditional coworking spaces.  The greatest convenience of industry-specific spaces is that businesses and individuals will automatically belong to a community of industry-related individuals, which can lead to beneficial collaborations.

4. Luxury / High-End Coworking Spaces

High-end design, all-inclusive memberships, private spaces, and plush interiors separate luxury coworking spaces from the run-of-the-mill. They’re designed with functionality and professionalism in mind, while leveraging the cost-effectiveness of traditional coworking. These spaces may offer memberships that include discount dining benefits in the city, access to VIP events, gyms, bars, and other lifestyle conveniences.

The rise of these coveted spaces is attractive to large, multinational firms and businesses which are client-facing or need to maintain a level of prestige at work. Generally speaking, these coworking spaces tend to be costlier due to the level of full-service amenities and memberships offered.

5. Coworking Spaces for Digital Nomads

These types of coworking spaces offer desk space with no membership required, as they usually charge per hour or day. Because they’re kitted out for work, they limit the self-consciousness that comes with overstaying at a coffee shop to get work done. Nomadic coworking spaces will offer basics like Wi-Fi, coffee, and occasionally dining options.

Additional services provided by nomadic coworking spaces depend on where they are located. Some may be part of skateboarding, cycling, or surfing communities and offer services related to these activities, like bicycle repair or surfboard rentals, for example. Regardless, they provide connectivity, a power supply, and a place to work.

6. Corporate / Professional Spaces

Professional coworking spaces are designed similarly to luxury co-working spaces, but with corporate pragmatism in mind. These spaces are created for receiving clients at the office, so aesthetic, design, and decor are especially considered. Some professional coworking spaces also offer a private office for this very purpose, while others have beautiful lounges with secluded booths or fully kitted meeting rooms.

These types of coworking spaces typically appeal to what we deem more traditional professions, like law firms, financial services, consulting, and such. Even with increased privacy, companies are still part of a coworking space that provides networking opportunities, rather than being in a stand-alone office.

7. Lifestyle Coworking

At its core, lifestyle coworking encompasses a broad variety of industries and appeals to many professionals, as it’s designed to achieve greater work-life balance. There’s great emphasis placed on furniture, lighting, decor, and additional amenities like fitness centers and meditation classes.

This category encompasses and appeals to a wide range of industries and professionals. Coworking space providers may integrate restaurant discounts or even have one in-house. Prices vary depending on the nature of the amenities and services offered.

8. Private Workspaces

Orientated towards professionals or businesses concerned about being in the same space as others, private coworking spaces mean a lockable door and dedicated desk.  Most times it includes personalized corporate branding on the door and sometimes means a private floor and kitchenette. Essentially, it comes with all the co-working perks and can name as a hotel desk, as well as a private space.

These types of coworking spaces are suitable for companies interested in longer rental periods, although many coworking space providers tend to offer month-to-month, 6-monthly, and yearly memberships. Private workspaces usually accommodate up to eight people, but at 620 N LaSalle it’s also possible to rent for one, two, or even three-person companies.

Conclusion

An environment that encourages networking and provides the amenities needed for optimum workflow are two key distinctions to consider when searching for a coworking space. If you’re interested in working in Chicago, then 620 N LaSalle may be the perfect option for you. Contact us to learn more about our coworking spaces for rent in Chicago’s River North today!