Coworking or Co-Working
Let’s Set the Record Straight!
At iThrive Coworking, we’ve heard this question more times than we can count: “Is it coworking or co-working?” I get it—it’s one of those little details that can leave you scratching your head, especially if you’re new to the coworking community or just trying to get it right in your writing. So, let’s break it down.
A Brief History Lesson
The term “coworking” was first coined by Brad Neuberg in 2005 when he opened the very first coworking space in San Francisco. His vision was to create a place where independent workers could come together, share resources, collaborate, and build a community. As the coworking movement grew, so did the use of the term “coworking”—without the hyphen.
The Power of Language
So why does this distinction matter? Well, the difference between “coworking” and “co-working” is subtle but significant. “Coworking” refers to a specific kind of work environment where individuals from different companies share a space, resources, and, most importantly, a sense of community. It’s a movement, a philosophy of how we work in a modern, flexible, and often collaborative way.
On the other hand, “co-working” with a hyphen can simply mean people working together, not necessarily in a shared, community-oriented space. It’s more of a general term for collaborative work, whether it’s in an office, at home, or any other environment.
Industry Standard
Today, in the coworking industry, the consensus is clear: “Coworking” is the correct term, and it doesn’t need a hyphen. This term represents not just the physical spaces we work in but also the broader community-based approach to work. When you drop that hyphen, you’re not just talking about sharing space—you’re talking about joining a movement that values connection, collaboration, and flexibility.
The Benefits of Coworking (Without the Hyphen)
At iThrive Coworking, we see firsthand the benefits that come from being part of a coworking community:
- Flexibility: Members can work when and how they want, with various membership options.
- Community: It’s more than just working in the same room; it’s about building relationships, networking, and supporting one another.
- Cost-efficiency: Sharing resources such as meeting rooms, internet, and amenities helps everyone save.
- Inspiration: Working alongside others often sparks new ideas and innovation—something that doesn’t always happen when you’re working solo at home.
So, What’s the Verdict?
If you’re writing or talking about shared workspaces, skip the hyphen and go with coworking. It’s not just a spelling choice; it’s a nod to the vibrant, supportive, and collaborative nature of the environment.
So, next time you’re writing an email, a blog post, or social media content, you can confidently type “coworking” and know that you’re part of something bigger—an evolving and dynamic community that’s reshaping the future of work.
If you haven’t yet experienced the power of coworking, come by iThrive Coworking and see for yourself. We’d love to welcome you into our space (hyphen-free)!