professional working on a laptop with her dog on her lap in a coworking space
OneCoWork Press
Why Coworking?

What is Coworking and How Coworking Spaces Work?

OneCoWork Community Team photo

OneCoWork Community Team

13 November 2026

Share
onecowork blog facebook share icon onecowork blog twitter share icon onecowork blog linkedin share icon
Featured Posts

What is Coworking and How Coworking Spaces Work?

Press Release: Ágora Building to Host OneCoWork’s First location in Málaga

Why Choose OneCoWork Recoletos as Your Coworking Space in Madrid
Coworking is a concept, and behind the concept is a specially designed space that lets you work independently or collaboratively with others in an environment with everything you need. 

Our guide walks you through coworking spaces, covering everything from what they are to what makes a good one.

What is a Coworking Space?

A coworking space is a flexible workspace arrangement. It can be a shared office or workspace environment designed for professionals with all the amenities needed to work solo or collaboratively.

Members usually work for different companies or for themselves. This is one of the clearest differences between coworking and a commercial or home office. You get flexible access to a space, surrounded by like-minded, focused people, without committing to commercial rent or facing the isolation and restrictions of working from home.   

You could be in a room full of remote workers, digital nomads, self-employed professionals, or business startups, all with one goal in mind: to be in an environment tailored to every need of a working day. Whether they're avoiding distractions at home or want to access professional facilities without locking into anything long-term, it's the perfect space to focus.

Typically, you share facilities such as meeting rooms (which need to be booked in advance), a small kitchen, lounges, and front desk service, among others.

How Does a Coworking Space Work?

To use a coworking space, you’ll need a membership or a short-term pass. You can choose the amount of space and access you need, from an occasional desk to a permanent workstation or a private team office.

Each coworking space typically has an on-site management team that oversees the building and shared facilities, including cleaning and maintenance, so you can focus on your day-to-day work rather than what's around you.


The newest OneCoWork Poblenou

Membership Types

Some of the membership types and passes you're likely to see are:

  • Daily Pass: Designed for occasional users who need workspace access for a single day.
  • Weekly Pass: Often available for use across consecutive business days (Monday-Friday).
  • Flexible Desk: These are desks within shared areas that aren't permanently assigned to an individual. The contracts are flexible, either monthly or annually.
  • Dedicated Desk: A dedicated desk gives you a permanent workspace, but the contracts are still flexible, usually monthly or annually.
  • Private Office: You get an enclosed, lockable space that's ideal for startups and growing or established teams. You can usually pick from monthly or annual plans that fit your needs.

At OneCoWork, we have a range of membership plans, including daily and weekly passes for short-term access. These are perfect for freelancers and digital nomads who need to escape home distractions and don't want to sit in a busy cafe with even more distractions. Our One Member pass gives you access for up to four days per month.

You can also book flexible desks, dedicated desks, and private office spaces (great for all types of businesses, from start-ups to large companies) month to month if you need a more permanent space.

Access, Booking and What's Included

At OneCoWork, we've made it easy for you to book and access our coworking spaces. Browse our website for available plans, contact our team for a quote, or book a tour before you sign up to get a feel for our spaces. Your access depends on your membership type.

Once you're inside, you can enjoy:

  • High-speed Wi-Fi
  • Desks and chairs
  • Cleaning and utilities
  • Front desk services
  • Private phone booths
  • Complimentary tea, coffee, water and other refreshments
  • Community events
  • Networking opportunities
  • Gym access at selected locations
  • Shower facilities at selected locations
  • Parking available at selected locations for an additional fee

Printing, mail handling, meeting rooms and guest access vary by membership. Some services cost extra.

Why Use a Coworking Space?

If you're looking for a workspace that promotes building new connections, collaboration, and fuels productivity, you need a coworking space.

It can give you a new lease of life, especially if you're a remote worker or freelancer used to working alone at home all day. There are fewer distractions, such as the comfy sofa and Netflix that call your name when you're working from home. Instead, you get a cost-friendly, quiet, private space that allows you to focus on your work.

Or, if you’re a startup or business with the need of a space to establish and ground yourself, a coworking space is ideal. The lower office management responsibilities are a blessing compared to the expensive costs of renting a full commercial office.

You'll feel part of a professional community, surrounded by everyday social interaction without necessarily collaborating on the same projects (unless you want to).


OneCoWork Portal de l'Àngel


What Makes a Good Coworking Space?

A good coworking space is more than a desk, chair, and a nice coffee machine (although the coffee machine is a massive perk). Some of the best qualities of a good coworking space are:

  • A balance of functionality, productivity, social interaction, and privacy.
  • A good, central and easily accessible location surrounded by bustling communities and professionals from all backgrounds. At OneCoWork, we strategically position our coworking spaces and private offices in thriving communities in Barcelona, Madrid, Malaga, and Preston (UK).
  • Flexible access hours, with 24/7 availability for businesses operating across different time zones.
  • High-speed Wi-Fi so you're always online when you need it.
  • Fully equipped meeting rooms for privacy, ready for either online or in-person meetings.
  • Contract flexibility so you can cancel when you want rather than locking into anything you don't necessarily want to commit to.

Is a Coworking Space Worth It?

A coworking space is absolutely worth it if you need a space specifically tailored to working professionals. Whether you're freelance, remote, or a large company exploring a more flexible way to work, a coworking space gives you everything you need to thrive.

At OneCoWork, we've designed our spaces so you can move in and get straight to work. Contact our team today to enquire about a OneCoWork office space near you.