The coworking market in Italy is experiencing a phase of strong growth. Today, there are over 700 spaces across the country, with a particularly high concentration in Northern Italy and Milan’s consolidated leadership, as the city alone hosts more than 120 coworking spaces.
Is it better to choose an independent coworking space or a large chain?
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More and more SMEs, consultants and large companies are using flexible workspaces to reduce real estate costs and give employees greater operational freedom. At the same time, both major international chains and independent operators have grown.
● On one side, there are groups such as Regus, Spaces, Signature, Copernico, Talent Garden and WeWork. ● On the other, there is an ecosystem made up of hundreds of independent coworking spaces, often deeply rooted in their local areas and specialized in specific professional communities.
The advantages of independent coworking spaces
Independent coworking spaces make up the majority of coworking locations in Italy.
Their main strength is identity. Each space develops its own culture, a specific community and an atmosphere that is often very different from that of large chains. Some are designed for creatives and designers, while others are aimed at professionals, consultants or innovative startups.
In many cases, it is easier to build long-lasting professional relationships, get to know other members and actively take part in the life of the community.
For those looking for a less impersonal environment that is more closely connected to local dynamics, an independent coworking space can be a particularly interesting choice.
The advantages of large chains
Operators such as Regus, Spaces, Copernico or Talent Garden focus on standardizing the experience and providing access to multiple locations while using the same services.
For those who travel frequently or work in different cities, this is an important advantage. A meeting room booked in Milan can be followed by a workday in Rome or Bologna within the same network.
Large chains also invest in advanced services, events, training programs and tools dedicated to companies. Talent Garden, for example, has built one of Europe’s largest digital communities, while Regus provides access to thousands of locations worldwide through the IWG network.
Why choose?
For years, the market forced professionals and companies to choose a specific workspace and stay within its ecosystem.
Today, a consultant may have a client in Milan, a meeting in Turin and an operational workday in Bologna all in the same week. In the same way, a company with distributed teams may need coworking spaces, day offices and meeting rooms in different cities every month.
Instead of choosing between independent coworking spaces and large chains, today it is possible to access both through platforms that aggregate hundreds of different spaces. NOTONLYDESK follows this philosophy.
● 314 spaces across 141 cities and 11 countries ● Book coworking desks, meeting rooms, day offices and private offices without being tied to a single operator. ● Use an independent coworking space in Brescia, a meeting room in a business center in Milan and a private office in Rome through one account and one management system.
What is the best solution?
There is no one-size-fits-all answer.
● If you always work in the same city and want to build relationships within a local community, an independent coworking space can offer you a highly engaging experience. ● If, on the other hand, you need an international presence, travel frequently or often use meeting rooms and private offices in different cities, large chains can provide greater continuity. ● However, for companies, consultants and distributed teams, the real advantage today is the freedom to choose the most suitable workspace for their needs each time.
In a market that now exceeds 700 coworking spaces and continues to grow at a double-digit rate every year, flexibility has become more important than loyalty to a single workspace.
Relevant FAQs
Do independent coworking spaces cost less than chains?
Not necessarily. Prices depend on the city, location and services included. There are premium independent coworking spaces as well as very competitive chains.
What are the main coworking chains in Italy?
The most widespread include Regus, Spaces, Copernico, Talent Garden, WeWork, Signature and Impact Hub.
Can a company use coworking spaces in multiple cities at the same time?
Yes. More and more companies are adopting flexible models that allow employees to access coworking spaces, meeting rooms and private offices in different cities.
What is the difference between a coworking space and a private office?
Coworking generally involves shared spaces, while a private office offers reserved environments dedicated to individual professionals or teams.
Is it possible to use a coworking space without a subscription?
Yes. There are platforms that allow you to book coworking workstations, day offices and meeting rooms on a pay-per-use basis, paying only for the actual use.
Unique price everywhereWith NOTONLYDESK the price is fixed throughout Italy: same cost in Milan, Rome and Bari, without surcharges for large cities.
