After the pandemic, we can say that it is almost unanimous that social life has changed. This mainly includes the world of work, which has experienced an avalanche of new formats and modalities for the routines of professionals and companies.
Rigid schedules, inflexible offices, and unchangeable hierarchies are things of the past. These aspects gave rise to a new reality, with much more flexibility and genuine connections.
It is in this scenario of transformation that what I call emergedCO effect. And no, I'm not just talking about sharing a desk in a coworking space – although this market is one of the biggest examples of this phenomenon, as we'll see later – but something much bigger.
This concept is the strength ofCOlaboration,COconnection,COmsharing and workCOfor the purpose. In other words, we are talking about a shift in mindset that reflects the appreciation of experiences and sharing rather than the possession of material goods.
Market impact
To understand how the CO Effect works in practice, let's think about some common "rituals" nowadays. We order cars through ride-hailing apps, stay in a rented room for the season, watch our favorite series on a streaming platform, learn a new language online, order food for delivery, and even buy or sell clothes on an online thrift store. From Airbnb to Uber, from Netflix to Duolingo, from iFood to Enjoei, clearly sharing already permeates various aspects of our lives and, consequently, the market.
Coworking doesn't shy away from that. Much more than working side by side, these flexible and collaborative environments are the essence of the business. The focus is on providing opportunities for clients and partners to interact and collaborate, ensuring they are part of a community where networking is organic.
There, a marketing professional, for example, can receive a valuable insight or a partnership proposal from another coworker in the field over a simple coffee. This sharing of common areas, events, and even informal mentoring encourages unique exchanges that can lead to promising opportunities.
In other words, interaction is what shapes the environment, not the bureaucracy of daily corporate processes. The people there, by possessing multiple perspectives, skills, and goals, create a true hub of diversity, a characteristic that is essential for a dynamic reality like the current one.
Therefore, it is not surprising that the CO Effect is growing alongside this business. Just to give a small proof of this movement, Fortune Business Insights reveals that the global flexible office market reached $35 billion in 2023 and is expected to surpass $96 billion by 2030.
Everyone's responsibility
It was clear that the CO Effect is not just any trend, isn't it? It is something that, literally, is leveraging careers, businesses, and lives through a collaborative vision.
It is precisely for this reason that all of us, individuals and companies, need to act in favor of this idea. Social responsibility is organically integrated into the sharing vision, fostering a conscious culture in various ways.
The reduction of individual investments and the efficient use of resources in coworking spaces demonstrate this. By promoting models such as hybrid work, these spaces not only help companies save on infrastructure costs but also boost productivity through optimization and sustainability strategies.
It is common, for example, to see initiatives to reduce energy and water consumption in these environments. Or still lectures and events to promote an ESG (Environmental, Social, and Governance) culture, highlighting values that encourage responsible entrepreneurship and environmental care.
This sense of collectivity is what makes the magic happen. May it be an invitation to embrace the new way of working, connecting, and building the future, seeking solutions that are truly capable of addressing the challenges of our time.
