Deskmag’s third Annual Global Coworking Survey examines the nature of collaboration within coworking spaces, and investigates what conditions are necessary for it to occur organically. Along with its partner Deskwanted, Desmag invites all to take part and support it. The coworking industry is an important part of the collaborative economy, and it is growing at an incredible rate. To promote sustainable growth of the movement, however, it is necessary to examine the following questions: How do we measure collaboration? When does collaboration occur? What environment facilitates collaboration? How can we encourage it? Does the average person want it? How do we define it, and what does it entail? We talk at length about collaboration - particularly in the realm of coworking, which are, by definition, community-based collaborative workspaces. But understanding the extent to which it occurs, and why, is a different kettle of fish.
Why measure collaboration?
Coworking spaces trade in collaboration. The mission statement of most coworking spaces is to provide an environment where their members can communicate, interact, and work together on common projects; each being examples of hard and soft collaboration.
But in order to encourage collaboration within a workspace, and, eventually, establish collaborative economies of scale, we much first truly understand the nature of this collaborative work, and what facilitates it. Through diligent monitoring of the industry we know that the existence and demand of collaborative workspaces are growing consistently. To ensure this growth remains sustainable, and to assist coworking spaces in creating environments that foster collaboration without compromise, Deskmag, for the third year, has launched its Annual Global Coworking Survey.
The survey, which is taken by coworkers, non-coworkers, and space operators alike, aims to understand various facets of the international coworking movement in order to support and encourage sustainable growth.
Last year, Deskmag collected data from over 1,500 respondents, making it the world’s largest survey dedicated to coworking. It is currently the most comprehensive study of collaborative workspaces. It helps shed light on the development and evolution of various topics within the industry, drawing comparisons from last year’s data. Different to last year’s survey, this year, the focus will be on the hard and soft collaboration that takes place within these workspaces - a topic yet to be thoroughly explored.
Participate and support the Survey
To participate in the survey, visit www.coworkingsurvey.com. Everyone, including those who have no prior affiliation to a coworking space, are invited to participate. In addition, those who support the survey by sharing it with their communities will be acknowledged in the booklet of results that will be published, as well as their company or space name with a link listed at the end of the first article published on the results. Those interested in supporting the survey should send an email to survey@deskmag.com with their logo and a copy of the newsletter mentioning the survey. The survey runs for a further 1½ weeks, and the initial analysis will be presented at the Coworking Europe Conference. Guest post written by Anna Cashman.
Communications for Deskwanted, head writer for Deskmag: I'm all about coworking, collaboration and community. Header image: SharePoint