Co-Working Works Better With Promo

Many employers are calling their staff back to the office, but that doesn’t mean it’s all about traditional office setups and rigid desks. Instead, the future of work is increasingly flexible. Around the world, there are more than 19,000 co-working spaces. Just 15 years ago, there weren’t even 500. By 2030, nearly a third of all corporate space could be dedicated to co-working spaces, up from just 2% in 2023.

• These communal work areas give people access to things like Wi-Fi, desks and meeting rooms.
• Some offer unique amenities like childcare services, on-site cafes and pet-friendly zones.

These perks are nice, but to really inspire professionals and businesses, it requires a personalized approach. That’s why about 90% of companies implement branding in their co-working spaces, proving that personalization is key to creating an impactful work environment. It’s not enough to give someone a spot to plug in their laptop and tackle a project – today’s professionals want to feel connected to their workspace and those around them.

Promo provides a way to forge those connections. For example, custom coffee mugs make every coffee break feel special. Branded notepads make every task feel intentional. And promo laptop bags make every commute feel more cohesive. Promo items like these aren’t only useful – they also strengthen people’s sense of belonging to a co-working community.

Think co-working campaigns are only for city dwellers? Co-working is becoming more popular and accessible in cities and suburbs alike, and nearly half of global co-working users (45%) live in the U.S. Some studies suggest co-working spaces will also begin popping up in unexpected places, like airports and shopping malls, as a way to provide both convenience and work-life balance for professionals.

While freelancers currently comprise 41% of co-working members, the demand is shifting to larger businesses. Looking ahead, 40% of the demand for co-working spaces is expected to come from large corporations. There’s also a shift toward private offices compared to on-demand desks, with 80% of space dedicated to private offices compared to 20% for open spaces.

The way people work continues to change. Over 3 million professionals currently use co-working spaces, and this number is projected to double in the coming years. With the right promo, co-working spaces can stay ahead of the game.

The Perks Of Co-Working

When professionals join a co-working space, they report improvements in all kinds of areas. For example:

• 82% say they have expanded their professional networks.
• 80% have benefited from the guidance of other co-working professionals.
• 69% have learned new skills.
• 68% have improved their existing skill sets.
• 87% have met up with other co-working members socially, with 54% socializing with other professionals after work or on the weekends.
• 89% of co-working professionals say they’re happier, and 83% say they’re less lonely.

Promo can add to these positive experiences. Items like custom squeeze toys can help improve focus during meetings. Gifts like branded mugs are universally appreciated and fit seamlessly into professionals’ daily routines.

Welcome, Guest!

In co-working spaces, don’t overlook the guests and clients that members bring in. They could become future members and generate even more revenue. For reference, Nexudus, a company that manages flexible workspaces, processes nearly 100,000 visitors every month.

Companies should think about going beyond a visitor’s badge with promo items like branded pens or journals. Not only does promo reinforce a brand, but it makes visitors feel welcomed from the start, increasing the chances they’ll go from guest to member.

The Demographics Of The Co-Working Crowd

All kinds of professionals use co-working spaces, from solo entrepreneurs to startups to established businesses. Most are millennials, which make up about 61% of all members, and most are men, who account for around 54% of all co-working members.

Co-working spaces typically attract college-educated professionals, with 80% of members holding a college degree. They’re also leaders, with 3 out of 4 co-working members serving as directors, managers or executives within their organizations.

Considering these demographics, look for promo that aligns with their active, on-the-go lifestyles. Items like branded portable chargers make useful gifts that members can use throughout their busy day – whether they’re at work, on the move or in a meeting.

Use Promo To Encourage More Visits

Most members of co-working spaces work there just one day a week. To attract people back to the facility more often, some co-working spaces are incorporating “retreat areas” into the building. These could be library-style areas with cozy chairs and soft lighting or meditation rooms with plush cushions and large windows to let in natural light. Whatever these retreat spaces happen to look like, promo can add to the experience and inspire people to return more often.

Most Popular Amenities At Co-Working Spaces

Here’s what’s on offer at most co-working facilities:

Whether a co-working space provides standard offerings like coffee and Wi-Fi or unique benefits like on-site childcare, branded items can further differentiate the facility. Everyone loves the added value of a great promo they can use every day.

Campaign Collateral

Welcome new members to co-working communities with a useful combination promo, like the Manhattan Gift Set. It includes a soft-touch journal with a built-in bookmark along with a recycled aluminum pen with a bamboo plunger. It’s gift-ready, packaged in a brown gift box.

Logomark / PPAI 110898, Platinum / logomark.com

The Valencia Ceramic Mug makes a great gift from on-site coffee bars at co-working spaces. This quartz ceramic mug features a dip in the rim to secure a tea bag and a wooden push-on lid that doubles as a coaster.

HPG / PPAI 110772, Platinum / hpgbrands.com

Use a tech tool like the Anker MagGo 5K Power Bank at a workshop or seminar held at a co-working space. It’s about the size of a credit card and includes a lithium battery and built-in kickstand.

Gemline / PPAI 113948, Platinum / gemline.com

Spark some bright ideas during brainstorming sessions with the Light Bulb Stress Reliever. It’s made from a soft, squeezable material and available in white and yellow.

Jornik / PPAI 111065, Silver / jornik.com

Use the Silicone Bento Box to encourage less plastic in the office kitchen. Made from food-grade silicone, it’s stain-resistant and safe for the freezer and microwave. Four compartments keep snacks and meals fresh and organized. Choose from three colors: blueberry, melon and tofu.

PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com

A compact, functional bag like the KAPSTON Jaxon Slingpack comes in handy for workers who frequently change locations. Features include a padded laptop sleeve, an adjustable shoulder strap and an easy-access pocket for storing a phone or keys.

Koozie Group / PPAI 114187, Platinum / kooziegroup.com

The Hush Active Noise-Cancellation Bluetooth Headphones make it easy for people to focus in a busy office environment. They block out up to 23 decibels of sound when noise cancellation is turned on and feature built-in music controls and a microphone that allows users to control their audio and answer calls.

PCNA / PPAI 113079, Platinum / pcna.com  

Sellers is a California-based freelance writer and former associate editor at PPAI.