Coworking is a popular solution for businesses and freelancers seeking flexibility, a professional environment, and the benefits of being part of a workplace community—without committing to long-term leases. In this article, we explain what coworking is, where the concept came from, and why more and more people are choosing this type of office space.
What Does Coworking Mean?
Coworking involves sharing office space with other companies or individuals. It can include open-plan work areas, dedicated desks, or private offices—all with access to shared amenities such as meeting rooms, kitchens, social zones, and high-speed internet. While many associate coworking with open, communal environments, most coworking providers today mainly offer private offices with shared common areas.
In other words, coworking can be seen as a modern version of a serviced office or office collective—where you rent your own space in a shared setting. The main advantages include greater flexibility, predictable costs, and a dynamic, collaborative atmosphere.
The History of the Coworking Trend
Modern coworking began in San Francisco in 2005. It was software developer Brad Neuberg who launched the first official coworking space, aiming to combine the freedom of freelance work with the structure and community of a traditional office. The trend quickly spread worldwide and has since become a central part of today’s work culture.
Why Do Businesses Choose Coworking?
There are many reasons why individuals and companies opt for coworking over traditional office leases:
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Flexibility: No long-term contracts, with the ability to scale up or down as needed.
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All-inclusive: Rent typically covers internet, electricity, cleaning, furniture, coffee, and more.
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Professional facilities: Modern meeting rooms, social areas, and reliable technical infrastructure.
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Community and networking: Become part of a professional community with collaboration opportunities.
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Reduced isolation: Especially important for freelancers and entrepreneurs working solo.
Coworking is ideal for startups, creative industries, consultants, and small businesses—and has become an integral part of the office market in Oslo and other major cities.
Frequently Asked Questions About Coworking
What’s the difference between coworking and serviced offices?
Coworking and serviced offices are often used interchangeably. The key difference lies in the terminology: coworking emphasizes community, flexibility, and shared resources, while “serviced office” usually refers to more traditional, fully-managed office spaces. In practice, many providers offer a combination of both, with private offices, dedicated desks, and communal areas.
Who is coworking suitable for?
Coworking is a great fit for small and medium-sized businesses, freelancers, startups, and consultants—as well as established companies needing project offices or a satellite presence in a new location. It’s ideal for those seeking flexibility, networking, and a professional setup without being locked into long leases.
How much does coworking cost?
Costs vary based on location, amenities, and type of space (hot desk, dedicated desk, or private office). In the Oslo region, prices typically start from NOK 2,000–3,000 per month for a flexible desk, with private offices starting around NOK 6,000 per person per month. Rent usually includes electricity, internet, cleaning, coffee, and access to shared areas.
How flexible are coworking agreements?
Flexibility is a hallmark of coworking. Most providers offer monthly agreements without long-term commitments or with short notice periods (e.g. one to three months). This makes it easy to scale your office needs up or down—perfect for businesses in transition or growth.
Can I get a private office in a coworking space?
Yes, most coworking providers offer private offices in addition to open workspaces. These offices offer more privacy and focus while still giving access to all shared services and amenities. They are especially popular among small teams that want flexibility without sacrificing dedicated space.
Is Coworking Right for Your Business?
If you’re looking for a flexible and professional office solution without long-term obligations, coworking could be the ideal choice. On Spacefinder, you’ll find a wide selection of coworking spaces in the Oslo area—from open desks to private offices in full-service environments.
About the Author
This article was written by Simen Strandos, advisor at Spacefinder. He specializes in workplace consulting and helps small and medium-sized companies find or rent out office space.