International Coworking Day is celebrated on August 9th because that’s when, in 2005, software engineer Brad Neuberg famously published an article that introduced the coworking concept to the world. The article is still live and its message continues to resonate to this day: “If we work at a traditional 9 to 5 company job, we get community and structure, but lose freedom and the ability to control our own lives. If we work for ourselves at home, we gain independence but suffer loneliness and bad habits from not being surrounded by a work community.”
It is a day for coworking spaces around the world to host events, open houses, and other festivities that celebrate the concept of coworking. Each of our seven Hera Hub locations will be celebrating with free coworking for anyone in the community.
It’s a day to acknowledge the global shift towards more flexible and communal workspaces and the positive impact that these environments can have on individual productivity, professional growth, and overall well-being.
Since 2011, when Hera Hub was founded, the coworking industry has exploded, with thousands of spaces around the world catering to diverse communities and professionals who seek flexible work environments and opportunities for networking and collaboration.
A Unified Voice for the Coworking Industry
GCUC (pronounced “juicy”) stands for Global Coworking Unconference Conference. Founded by Liz Elam, GCUC is a series of events and conferences that focus on the coworking industry. Since its inception, it has become one of the most significant and influential gatherings for those involved in the coworking space, from operators to service providers.
The term “unconference” refers to a participant-driven meeting format where attendees determine the agenda and discussion topics, ensuring that the content is relevant and dynamic. While GCUC includes traditional conference elements, the unconference approach fosters collaboration, participation, and spontaneous discussions among attendees.
GCUC events feature a mix of panel discussions, breakout sessions, keynote presentations, and ample networking opportunities. Topics typically cover various aspects of the coworking industry, such as business best practices, design, community building, and the future of work.
Since its early days, GCUC has expanded globally, with events taking place in various countries around the world, reinforcing the idea that coworking is a global movement. Liz Elam’s vision for GCUC has always been about advancing the coworking community, sharing knowledge, and fostering connections among industry stakeholders.
Coworking Continues to Grow
Based on historical data from 2018 through 2022, the total number of coworking spaces is set to reach nearly 42,000 worldwide by the end of 2024.
The projected value of the global coworking market is estimated to surge to $15.5 billion by the year 2027. This anticipated growth signifies a remarkable shift towards coworking spaces, appealing to both businesses and individuals and indicating a sustained trend in the foreseeable future.
In the year 2023, it is projected that approximately 5.07 million individuals will join the ranks of coworking space members. The rising number of people embracing coworking is a testament to the numerous advantages it offers, underscoring its potential to shape the future of work.
