Understanding Coworking Spaces in the Netherlands – 10 Key Insights

Exploring the Rise of Coworking Spaces in the Netherlands: Insights from the Dutch Experience

Coworking spaces have become a global phenomenon, offering a fresh alternative to traditional office settings. If you’ve ever wondered what drives this trend, you’re not alone. The coworking concept has grown significantly over the past decade, particularly in the Netherlands. But surprisingly, it’s a topic that hasn’t been extensively explored in academic research—until now. Let’s dive into a recent study focused on the coworking landscape in the Netherlands, revealing key insights about the people who use these spaces and what makes them tick. These are the topics covered:

1. When did coworking spaces start?
2. Who uses coworking spaces the most?
3. Are coworking spaces worth it?
4. Coworking what does it mean?
5. Two types who uses coworking spaces

When did Coworking Spaces start?

Coworking has been on an upward trajectory, with the number of spaces worldwide skyrocketing from just 310 in 2009 to a staggering 7,800 by 2015. The number of people utilizing these spaces has also seen a dramatic increase, from 43,000 in 2011 to over half a million in 2015. Despite this impressive growth, coworking hasn’t garnered much attention in academic circles, leaving a gap in our understanding of who uses these spaces and why.

This study, centered on coworking spaces in the Netherlands, aims to fill that gap. It sought to identify distinct user groups based on their preferences for coworking space features and explore the differences between these groups.

Who uses Coworking Spaces the most?

The study surveyed 219 coworkers across 25 coworking spaces, collecting data on where they live, their demographic background, and their psychographic profiles—essentially, their motivations and attitudes. The results paint a fascinating picture of the typical coworker in the Netherlands.

One of the most striking findings is that nearly 90% of Dutch coworkers are highly educated, with many holding bachelor’s, master’s, or even PhD degrees. This is a much higher percentage than in the general Dutch workforce, where only 28% have similar educational backgrounds. Coworking spaces seem to attract a particular crowd: freelancers, self-employed individuals, and entrepreneurs. Over half of the survey respondents fall into these categories, which aligns closely with global trends. Furthermore, about 70% of these individuals hold leadership positions, whether as owners or board members of their organizations. It’s also interesting to note that nearly half of the respondents work in consultancy (25%) or IT (21%), sectors that often favor flexible and dynamic work environments.

Are Coworking Spaces worth it?

When it comes to why people choose coworking spaces, the study revealed three top motivations:

1. Separating Work from Private Life: Many individuals find that working from home can blur the lines between their professional and personal lives, leading to challenges like isolation and distraction. Coworking spaces offer a solution by providing a distinct work environment that helps maintain that separation.
2. Creative and Energetic Atmosphere: Coworking spaces in the Netherlands are often designed to be vibrant and creative, which many users find appealing. These spaces foster collaboration, networking, and a sense of community, which can be incredibly energizing, boosting both productivity and creativity.
3. Affordability: Especially for freelancers and entrepreneurs in the early stages of their careers, traditional office spaces can be financially out of reach. Coworking spaces provide a more affordable alternative, offering flexible lease terms that don’t require long-term commitments.

Interestingly, while global studies have emphasized the importance of community and social interaction as the main draws of coworking, the Dutch coworkers in this study placed more value on the physical characteristics of the spaces, such as their affordability and creative atmosphere. Community, while still important, wasn’t the top priority.

Coworking what does it mean?

So, what exactly do coworkers want from their workspaces? The study identified several key characteristics that are most valued by coworkers in the Netherlands:

1. Flexible Lease Contracts: The top priority for many coworkers is flexibility. They prefer short-term leases, such as daily, weekly, or monthly contracts, which allow them to adapt their workspace arrangements as needed. This flexibility is particularly attractive in urban areas where mobility is key.
2. Accessibility: The location of a coworking space matters, with users favoring spaces that are easily accessible by both car and public transport.
3. Space Layout: Coworkers appreciate a half-open layout, which combines collaborative workspaces with private, closed-off areas for more focused work. This balance of spaces promotes both collaboration and networking opportunities while ensuring privacy when needed.
4. Diversity of Tenants: A mix of different types of businesses and industries within the same coworking space is seen as a plus, creating a dynamic and varied work environment.
5. Events and Extras: Occasional events and a premium feel to the coworking space are also appreciated, particularly by those who spend more time working there. These events can enhance community building and provide additional networking opportunities.

Two types who uses coworking spaces

The study didn’t just lump all coworkers into one group; it identified two distinct user profiles based on their preferences:

1. The Flexible Flyers: This group is pretty laid-back about the specific features of their coworking space. They don’t have strong preferences and seem to be satisfied with the basic offerings, focusing more on the flexibility that coworking provides.
2. The Feature Lovers: These folks know what they want and spend more time in coworking spaces. They prefer spaces that offer extra perks, such as events, premium facilities, and strong tenant diversity. Interestingly, while the type of lease contract is generally the most important factor, this group places more emphasis on the extras when they’re spending a lot of time in the space.

Wrapping Up

Coworking spaces are more than just a trendy alternative to traditional offices—they’re a lifeline for many freelancers, entrepreneurs, and self-employed professionals. This study sheds light on what makes these spaces so appealing, particularly in the Netherlands, where flexibility, creativity, and affordability are key. The benefits of coworking, such as enhanced productivity, increased collaboration, and a strong sense of community, are driving the popularity of coworking spaces in cities like Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Utrecht and The Hague.

As coworking continues to evolve, understanding these user preferences will be crucial for providers looking to cater to the diverse needs of their visitors. Whether you’re a flexible flyer or a feature lover, there’s a coworking space out there that’s just right for you. And with an increasing focus on sustainability and eco-friendly practices, coworking spaces are not just about innovation and entrepreneurship; they’re also about building a better, greener future.