Coworking
Also known as: Coworking space · Co working · Coworking · Shared Office Space · Flexible Workspace · Hot Desking
Definition
Coworking is a business services model where individuals from different organizations and self-employed professionals share a common working environment, office equipment, and utilities. In the Philippines, coworking spaces are the dominant format for flexible workspace solutions in Metro Manila CBDs, catering to freelancers, startup teams, and remote employees. These spaces provide high-speed fiber internet, private meeting rooms, and coffee bars, serving as flexible alternatives to traditional office leases. (Wikipedia)
Also Known As
- Coworking space
- Co working
- Coworking
- Shared Office Space
- Flexible Workspace
- Hot Desking
Identities
| Source Type | Identity |
|---|---|
| Wikipedia | Coworking |
| Wikidata | Q1018596 |
| DBpedia | Coworking |
| ProductOntology | N/A |
| Wiktionary | coworking |
| Library of Congress Subject Headings (LCSH) | Shared office space — Philippines |
| MeSH | N/A |
| NCBI Taxonomy | N/A |
| AGROVOC | N/A |
| Google Scholar | coworking shared office space flexible workspace remote work Manila |
| ConceptNet | coworking |
| OpenCyc | N/A |
Examples and Analogies
* **Hot Desking in CBD:** A freelance programmer booking a hot desk in a Bonifacio Global City coworking space for two days.
* **Office Space Philippines:** The main canonical article details the commercial office categories, BPO requirements, and leasing terms in the country.
Usage Scenarios
* **Launching a startup:** A small startup team leases a private dedicated suite in a coworking hub to secure a business address and amenities without high deposits.
* **Working remotely:** A remote employee visits a neighborhood coworking space to work during a home power outage, using the backup power grid.
Strategies
* Cross-reference commercial lease structures and layouts with the main Office Space Philippines article.
* Assess the availability of private call booths and meeting rooms before selecting a monthly coworking plan.
Security and Safety Measures
* Ensure that any sensitive business communications are conducted over secure VPNs when using shared public coworking Wi-Fi.
* Verify the coworking facility has robust physical lockers and 24/7 security access for members.
Historical Context
The coworking concept was popularized in the mid-2000s in San Francisco and quickly spread globally. In the Philippines, coworking expanded rapidly in the 2010s, driven by the growth of local tech startups, foreign freelancers, and BPO companies requiring flexible spillover space, leading to the entry of major international coworking brands and local boutique operators.
Challenges and Controversies
* **Noise and Distractions:** Open-plan hot desking layouts can be noisy and distracting, requiring members to use noise-canceling headphones.
* **High Membership Costs:** Premium coworking memberships in prime CBD locations can be expensive for independent freelancers compared to home offices.
Related Topic
* [[Office Space Philippines]]
* [[Commercial Property Philippines]]
* [[PEZA (Philippine Economic Zone Authority)]]
* [[Zoning]]