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Life as a remote worker, freelancer, or small business owner often feels like you’re running from the laundry room to your desk and to feed the dog without much time in between, let alone any boundaries. If you’re like us, you’ve taken calls from your kitchen table, bribed a kid or two while you’re on a deadline, or had to apologize for a literal cat fight while on a conference call.
And, if you try to leave your house to work from a coffee shop, you’re competing with lots of background noise, sometimes spotty internet, and trying to decide the over-under on whether your stuff will still be there when you need to run to the bathroom.
Sound familiar?
That’s where coworking comes in, and at Workhorse Coworking in Edmonds, WA, we’ve seen firsthand how a dedicated workspace can transform not just how people work, but how they live.
So, why is coworking such a big deal? Let’s dig in.
What Does “Coworking” Mean?
But first, let’s clarify what we mean by “coworking.” Simply put, coworking is when people from different companies work together in a shared office space.
You might be a freelance graphic designer sitting next to a data scientist who’s sharing a table with a startup founder. Everyone’s working on their own projects, but you’re all in the same professional environment. It’s like having office colleagues without actually working for the same company.
How Coworking Spaces Work
At its core, coworking is about sharing. It’s an arrangement where people from different companies, often independent professionals or remote employees, work together in a shared office environment. Think of it as an office without the overhead of a traditional lease, but with all the perks. You get access to amenities like high-speed internet, conference rooms, and sometimes even printing services and coffee, all included in your membership.
The benefit lies in the flexibility—you can choose a membership that fits your needs, from a choose-your-own Hot Desk to a Dedicated Office.
A coworking space provides more than just a desk and Wi-Fi, though (ours even has wired internet if you want it). It’s a designed environment that fosters productivity and connection. Instead of the isolation of working from home or the constant background noise of a coffee shop (one of our members used to work from the Whole Foods deli!), you find yourself surrounded by a community of people just like you. This shared infrastructure helps keep costs down for everyone, making a professional workspace accessible to many, reducing commutes, and increasing happiness.
Finding Your Focus in Seattle-Area Coworking
For anyone working remotely from home, distractions can impact productivity. Home delivers endless temptations: a quick chore, a snack from the fridge, a podcast or show that somehow starts itself.
Coffee shops, while often a vibe, come with their own set of challenges: inconsistent Wi-Fi, the hunt for an outlet, and the temptation to eavesdrop on all the conversations around you.
A coworking space carves out a dedicated environment for work. When you step into a place like Workhorse Coworking, you’re signaling that it’s time to get down to business. The space is designed for focus, with designated quiet zones and collaborative areas, allowing you to choose the setting that best suits what you’re working on.
This separation of work and home life can significantly boost your output and mental clarity. It’s about having a place where your work brain can fully switch on, and then switch off again when you leave.
Building Community In The Best Coworking Space in Edmonds, WA
Beyond productivity, one of the most compelling reasons people choose coworking is the community. And when people ask us what we’re selling, that’s what we answer: Our core product is community.
Working alone can feel isolating. Even if you’re connecting with colleagues virtually, there’s just something special about the shared energy of a physical space. Coworking gives us all a sense of belonging and informal networking that simply doesn’t happen when you’re isolated at home or in a coffee shop. At a coworking space, you’re sharing space with entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote employees who all do something really cool.
It’s not forced networking, either. You get to enjoy organic interactions that can spark new ideas, collaborations, or even friendships. Even the US Chamber of Commerce says so.
At Workhorse Coworking, we believe in the power of connection. We’ve seen members share leads, give advice, and collaborate often. This supportive environment can reduce feelings of isolation and provide an informal support system that’s hard to find elsewhere. For us (and for our members), it’s all about relationships.
Flexibility and Cost Savings
For small businesses, startups, and freelancers, the cost of a traditional office can be prohibitive. Long leases, utility bills, and maintenance all add up. Coworking spaces deliver a flexible, cost-effective alternative. Instead of committing to years of overhead, you pay a monthly membership fee that often covers everything from internet to cleaning. This flexibility allows businesses to scale up or down as needed without the burden of a long-term commitment.
Whether you need a full-time Private Office or just a few days a month at a Hot Desk, Workhorse has membership options to fit your budget and schedule. This financial freedom and adaptability are crucial for growing businesses and independent professionals alike.
Access to Amenities
Think about all the things a traditional office has inside: reliable high-speed internet, meeting rooms for client calls or team brainstorms, printing and scanning capabilities, and, of course, (debatably) decent coffee. Setting up all of this on your own can be costly and inconvenient. A coworking space gives you access to a fully loaded professional space without the upfront investment or ongoing hassle.
At Workhorse Coworking, we’ve got the amenities covered. Need to print a big report? No problem. Hosting a client meeting that requires a big screen? Check check. And yes, there’s always good coffee brewing. We even have cold brew on tap! And a literal water cooler! These are the practical considerations that often go overlooked but make a real difference in the quality of your workday.
Boosting Your Productivity
The mere act of going to a dedicated workspace can put you in a productive mindset. Have you read Atomic Habits? If not, you should.
Leaving your home office means a physical separation from distractions and a mental shift into “work mode.” Surrounded by other focused humans, there’s a subtle but powerful peer effect. It’s harder to procrastinate when you see others diligently working around you. This collective energy can be a significant motivator, helping you stay on task and achieve more. Studies often show that people report increased productivity and motivation in coworking environments.
Coworking FAQ
Q: What’s the difference between what you provide and café coworking?
A: The difference is significant. Café coworking means you’re essentially borrowing a table for the price of a coffee, dealing with inconsistent Wi-Fi, hunting for outlets, and never quite knowing if you’ll get a seat. And you have to take your entire setup with you just to use the restroom or grab another drink. At Workhorse Coworking, you get reliable, high-speed internet, ergonomic seating, designated quiet zones, meeting rooms, and a professional space designed for work. We even host fun member events! Plus, you can leave your laptop exactly where it is when nature calls.
Q: Can I deduct a coworking membership?
A: Yes, generally speaking, a coworking membership can be a deductible business expense for freelancers, independent contractors, and small business owners. It’s considered an ordinary and necessary expense for your business operations. However, tax laws can be complex and vary. We highly recommend talking to your accountant to confirm eligibility and ensure compliance with all IRS guidelines. Several of our members run their entire businesses from Workhorse and happily claim their membership fees. We also have accountants who work from Workhorse, so if you need recommendations, just let us know.
Q: Do employers pay for coworking?
A: Yes, some employers absolutely do. As remote and hybrid work models become more common, many companies are recognizing the benefits of providing a dedicated workspace for their employees beyond the home office. They understand that a professional environment can boost productivity, improve employee well-being, and even foster networking opportunities that benefit the company. It never hurts to ask your employer if they provide a stipend or will cover a coworking membership. Frame it in terms of how it benefits your focus and productivity—and their bottom line.
Q: How do coworking spaces work?
A: Coworking spaces operate on a membership model. Members typically choose a plan based on their needs, which can range from daily passes or “hot desk” access (where you use any available desk) to dedicated desks or private offices. Memberships usually include access to shared amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, printing facilities, and communal areas. You get the benefits of a professional office without the long-term lease or high overhead. It’s about providing a flexible, community-driven work environment.
Q: When did coworking spaces start?
A: The concept of shared workspaces has roots that go back further, with “hackerspaces” in Berlin in 1995 often cited as precursors. The term “coworking” and the modern coworking movement as we know it today began to take shape in the early 2000s, with the first dedicated coworking space often credited to Brad Neuberg in San Francisco in 2005.
Coworking was born out of the need for freelancers and remote workers to find an alternative to isolated home offices or noisy coffee shops. They wanted both structure and community. We opened our doors in March 2020, an admittedly very weird and challenging time to launch a communal space, but we quickly adapted to serve the evolving needs of our community—and we learned a ton along the way.
Q: Who uses coworking spaces?
A: Tons of people use coworking spaces! We’re talking:
- Freelancers and independent professionals who want structure, community, and a professional setting away from home.
- Remote employees who work for companies based elsewhere and need a dedicated workspace.
- Small business owners and startups that are looking for flexible, cost-effective office solutions that can scale with their growth.
- Consultants and coaches who need professional meeting spaces for clients.
- Digital nomads who travel frequently and want reliable workspaces in different cities.
Essentially, anyone who needs a productive environment, a workspace with other cool humans, or access to professional amenities without the commitment of a traditional office can benefit.
Q: Are coworking spaces worth it?
A: For many, absolutely. The investment in a coworking membership often pays for itself through increased productivity, reduced distractions, access to professional amenities, and networking opportunities. Coworking is about joining a community and creating a better work-life balance by separating your home and work environments. The positive impact on focus, mental well-being, and professional connections makes it a worthwhile decision for hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
Q: Are coworking spaces open 24/7?
A: Not all coworking spaces are, but many, including Workhorse Coworking, provide 24/7 access to members. At Workhorse, any Hot Desk Membership or above gives you round-the-clock access to the space. This flexibility is crucial if you work odd hours, allowing you to work when inspiration strikes—early morning or late night.
Visit Workhorse Coworking!
Ready to ditch the distractions and boost your productivity? Discover how Workhorse Coworking in Edmonds can change the way you work. Explore our membership options and amenities, or claim your free day pass and schedule a tour today.
We’d be thrilled to be your new professional home.
Explore our other blogs about membership at Workhorse!
How My Business Uses a Virtual Office
Seven Reasons Why Coworking Spaces May Be Right for You
The Skinny on Our Local Business Membership (And Why You Need One)
