The future of coworking
Spaces are constantly being transformed as new entrepreneurs try to break into the coworking scene -- a movement that supports the values of community, openness, collaboration, sustainability, and accessibility. The entrepreneurial spirit is felt more strongly than ever by pioneers initiating the launch of new spaces and those who choose to become active members once launched.
Coworking is just one of the many trends revolutionizing and challenging the notion of “how things should be,” now that the workforce is experiencing a shift away from traditional norms. At the same time, workspaces are appearing around the country in order to accommodate the growing number of wandering workers.
According to the Harvard Business Review, the coworking industry has been growing at a rapid pace for the past five years. Their current forecast is for this growth to continue, with the number of coworking space members increasing from roughly 1.6 million today to about 3.8 million in 2020. In fact, The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that by 2020, about 65 million Americans will be freelancers, temps, independent contractors and solopreneurs, making up about 40% of the workforce-- the perfect contenders to enter a co-working space.
Why the shift? Why are people leaving their cubicles, home offices, and local coffee shops? The average size of a cubicle was brought down from 500 square feet to 200 square feet. And there are so many distractions at home and in coffee shops, no matter how convenient they may seem.
Coworking spaces help workers find momentum. Freelancers can bounce ideas off small business owners, entrepreneurs can inspire those who have left the corporate life, and inexperienced startups can quickly build a diverse social network all in one interactive space.
Find the co-working space in your town and experience this momentum for yourself.
In Bellefonte, the time for coworking is now. With a membership to Bellefonte SpringBoard, you'll have access to our coworking space, a wide variety of amenities and more.
Fill out the form below to learn more about our facility and become a member.
Author: Katey Crean, Hello Social Co.