Reading time: 4-5 minutes
Until recently, the term “workplace” was associated with a boring office full of desks and fluorescent lights. Today it sounds very different. It can now be a cosy space with designer décor, a coffee machine with aromatic espresso and an atmosphere that inspires rather than exhausts.
Welcome to the world of co-working spaces – where work meets freedom and professionalism meets creativity. Not only do these places turn our notions of the office on their head, they also create work environments that fully meet the new needs of the modern professional.
According to a study by Statista, the number of coworking spaces worldwide has grown from around 14,000 in 2017 to over 28,000 in 2023, with forecasts suggesting it will exceed 40,000 by 2025. Bulgaria is also experiencing growth – Sofia leads the way with over 30 active locations, and there are already some in cities such as Plovdiv, Varna and Burgas. This explosive trend is proof that people are now realising how important not only the work itself is, but also the environment in which it takes place.
While shared spaces started as workspaces for innovators, tech professionals and creative industries, over time they have managed to attract an increasingly diverse audience. Today, their inhabitants include not only freelancers and entrepreneurs, but also lawyers, consultants, educators and even doctors. Shared offices are no longer just the territory of ‘tech people’, but also for those who believe that work doesn’t just happen between 9am and 6pm.
Why are more and more people choosing coworking spaces?
These spaces offer something that traditional offices cannot: freedom of choice. You can work from a quiet focus room, hold an online meeting in a fully equipped cubicle, or recharge in a communal area with coffee and a garden.
Regardless of your hours or style, coworking spaces are exciting because they offer variety and the ability to adapt quickly. If you work from home and no longer feel inspired, a change of scenery may be all you need. And if you’re too busy with work commitments, a new space can surprise you with innovation and new ideas.
Suitable for every working style:
Freelancers love them for the flexibility and the ability to work at their own pace without being tied to traditional office hours.
Start-up businesses find coworking spaces not only affordable, but also a professional-looking office that is fully equipped and ready to go.
Corporate teams are starting to integrate them into their hybrid model as an additional location for working outside the office, combining the convenience of remote working with the benefits of shared space.
Digital nomads find a home in them all over the world – for them it’s not just an office, but a way of life that can be carried from city to city, country to country.
A bridge between efficiency and freedom
In a world where work is no longer a place but an activity, coworking spaces are a bridge between efficiency and freedom. They not only provide a space to complete tasks, but also an atmosphere that motivates and energises.
Whether you’re an entrepreneur with a vision, an employee on hybrid mode, or just looking for inspiring change, coworking spaces can be your new workplace.
The choice is yours – maybe it’s time to change your perspective and discover what it means to work not only effectively, but also with inspiration, passion and freedom.