Exploring The Rising Trend Of ‘Niche’ Coworking Spaces

By the end of the year, almost 2.2 million people are expected to work in over 22,000 coworking spaces worldwide.

Pretty impressive, ain’t it? And, these ‘workplaces of the future’ seem to be evolving too. 

A new trend is being observed as far as coworking spaces are concerned, that may become a reality in the future. A lot of coworking spaces are aiming at creating ‘personalised’ spaces aimed at individuals’ specific requirements. Let’s take a look at what these niche coworking spaces are, and how they differ from the regular coworking spaces… 

Specialised Coworking Spaces: The Future?

With the coworking concept is graduating speedily from ‘fad’ to ‘necessity’, people are now looking for spaces that can be ‘customised’ based on their exact needs. This requirement is slowly leading to the emergence of a new crop of coworking spaces.

What Are Niche Coworking Spaces?

A coworking space that aims for the precise requirement of a target audience is called a niche shared workplace. The tailoring can be based on:

• Genders 
• Lifestyles
• Industries
• Demographics
• Personal Tastes

How Are Niche Shared Workplaces Different From Regular Coworking Spaces?

Coworking spaces have become popular because of the sense of community they encourage. They are hubs of collaboration and networking opportunities. The sheer diversity is why so many people continually choose them over work from home arrangements or even the typical corporate office. 

However, there is now a need for more focused diversity, coupled with all the other benefits a coworking space offers. 

A niche coworking space is designed solely based on community. Every service and amenity they provide is based on the segment the coworking targets. Primarily, a niche coworking area provides those services that the community members sincerely appreciate. 

For instance, coworking for artists and musicians comes equipped with studios or soundproof rooms. A shared space for wellness enthusiasts has standing desks and a pantry full of healthy food items. 

Examples Of Niche Coworking Spaces

1. Female-Focused Spaces

Some coworking spaces are meant for females only. These are built to provide women with a safe space to work, a place that not only protects, but also empowers them. These coworking areas accommodate their every preference (like nursing rooms) and host female-centric events.

2. Green Spaces

With the rising awareness of climate change and the impact of our choices on the planet, several boutique coworking areas are constructed based on the principles of sustainability, zero waste, and solar power.

3. Industry-Focused Spaces

A lot of niche shared spaces are all about the industry. For instance, a shared workspace concerned with construction would have a massive storage area for equipment or material. A workspace that appeals to writers or creators would have silent work sections (banning all external noise) to help members concentrate on writing. 

What Are The Benefits Of Niche Coworking Spaces?

The fundamental benefits of a coworking space and niche coworking space will be the same – flexibility, collaborative environment, freedom from administration woes, and unparalleled networking opportunities. The niche ones just go a step further, and personalise these services based on their target audience.

An example will make it clearer. Let’s say you are a new mother who is stepping back into her role as a graphic designer after a maternity break of six months or so. What if a coworking space allowed your infant to come along for work? What if the niche shared workplace had designated breastfeeding areas or even events focused on new parents?

Sounds like the perfect place to work? That’s exactly what niche coworking spaces are!

1. Ideal For Small Businesses

Another merit of coworking spaces designed for niches is that they serve small businesses better. Boutique and smaller shared workspaces emphasise on creating locations that cater to the specific needs of start-ups, entrepreneurs, SMEs, etc.

2. Perfect For Inclusivity

We said it before, and we repeat it – the feeling of cohesion and community is central to coworking. At the heart of niche shared places is inclusivity. When a group of people who have the same interests or tasks work side-by-side, it builds opportunities for natural conversations which creates deeper relationships.

Plainly put, each member of the niche community is included in collaborations and partnerships and each member grows alongside others. 

3. Idyllic For Learning

One more benefit of niche coworking spaces is resources. Because the entire community is either of the same gender, industry, lifestyle or demographic, it can concentrate on a specific set of wants. 

For example, a shared workplace that caters to techies can host events revolving around topics such as machine learning and data analytics. It can also hold networking sessions that invite mentors and experts related to the segment. Essentially, the coworking space will be offering resources that are custom-made for learning in one particular field. 

Dedicated Coworking Space: The Future

A CBRE report predicts that in the coming years’ coworking spaces dedicated to a category of individuals will thrive. For instance, fitness lovers would find a shared workplace equipped with a gym quite easily. The change is already visible with coworking areas which are open 24 hours for night owls.

There is not an iota of doubt that boutique coworking will continue to sprout. And why not? Think about it. If you wish to be a master of Indian cuisine, where are you more likely to learn better – a fast food joint that offers all types of food or a restaurant that specialises in Indian dishes? It is evident that being surrounded by people who either possess the knowledge you need or the resources you require will help you more. 

Coworking is no different. With niche spaces, you will get bespoke amenities, tailored events, and the right contacts. 

It remains to be seen how these personalised coworking spaces will fare. For the time being, conventional coworking spaces are finding a lot of appeal with millennials and generation Z, purely for their diversity.

If you are looking for a coworking space in Mumbai that offers both open and private areas, get in touch with us at WorkWise!