The Coworking Alliance Summit showcases collective resilience

Before I started as a marketing intern at Coworks, I knew very little about coworking communities or their importance. 

As a college student, the term “coworking” didn’t mean much to me beyond shared office spaces. But through my experiences—both in my role at Coworks and in my personal life—I’ve grown deeply connected to the concept of community building, especially when it's rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Community-building has always been dear to my heart. On campus, I’ve seen firsthand how inclusive spaces empower people to thrive, and I’ve come to believe that strong communities are key to long-term success.

That’s why attending the Coworking Alliance Summit was so meaningful to me.

What stood out wasn’t just the insight into policies or the structure of alliances—it was the tone of the summit itself. It wasn’t purely about corporate strategy; it was about people. The diversity of work being done across the globe in the name of coworking truly opened my eyes to what’s possible when we center connection and equity.

A tapestry of unique initiatives in the coworking community 

One of the most striking aspects of the summit was the diversity of approaches among coworking organizations. While every alliance shared the common goal of advancing coworking as the future of work, their strategies were uniquely tailored to their regional and cultural contexts. From grassroots initiatives to large-scale policy advocacy, coworking alliances are driving change in ways that reflect the needs of their communities.

For example:

• The Coworking Health Insurance Plan will now be available to all members of the Coworking Canada alliance, demonstrating the power of pooling resources for collective benefit. 
• Meanwhile, The European Coworking Assembly is spearheading RES-MOVE, an EU-funded initiative that creates inclusive coworking networks for refugees and immigrants. 
• The Japan Coworking Community Manager Organization is navigating a developing coworking market with government support. 
• Across the globe, the Mexican Coworking Association is preparing for a surge in digital nomads by promoting transparency and expansion. 
• In the U.S., the Future of Work Alliance is conducting valuable research on how coworking affects rural communities, even bringing testimony to the Congressional Oversight Committee on federal remote work options.
  
  

Looking ahead, the Coworking Operators’ Summit, hosted by DeShawn Brown, CEO of Coworks and board member of FLOC, is tentatively set for September 2025 in Raleigh, NC. This event will further solidify the role of alliances in shaping the future of work. 

Reimagining and reinforcing DEI in coworking spaces

A major theme throughout the summit was the evolving role of diversity, equity, and inclusion in coworking spaces. 

While DEI can be a polarizing topic, the summit challenged organizations to go beyond checklists and embed these values into the very fabric of coworking culture.

The goal is to ensure that coworking spaces don’t just aim for diversity but actively empower the communities they serve. 

The Future of Work Alliance outlined three key pillars for fostering a culture of fairness and respect: 

1. Adopt Clear, Universal Policies – Establish and enforce guidelines that guarantee fair treatment for all employees. 
2. Encourage Open, Multi-Channel Feedback – Provide diverse avenues for employees to voice concerns and share experiences, ensuring that workplace realities align with intended policies. 
3. Model Ethical Leadership – Lead with fairness, transparency, and accountability, setting the standard for workplace culture. 

Strengthening global connections 

Another powerful takeaway from the summit was the need for stronger connections between rural and urban coworking spaces. These connections aren’t just about expanding reach—they're about creating a more equitable and resilient coworking ecosystem. 

Rural spaces often face unique challenges like limited funding, broadband access, or workforce retention, while urban hubs may benefit from greater visibility and resources.

By intentionally linking the two, coworking alliances can foster shared learning, resource distribution, and collaborative innovation that benefits both. It’s about recognizing that every space, regardless of size or location, has something valuable to contribute to the larger movement.

As Maria do Ceu Bastos of the European Rural Coworking Project emphasized, rural coworking hubs play a crucial role in local revitalization and talent retention. However, they thrive even more when integrated into global networks. Developing partnerships, talent exchanges, shared events, and collaborative projects can help bridge the gap between rural and urban coworking communities, ensuring mutual growth and sustainability. 

Building the future, together 

As coworking continues to evolve, alliances will remain essential in shaping the future of work. Whether it’s through health initiatives like COHIP, freelancer advocacy, or DEI efforts, these organizations prove that coworking is more than just shared office space—it’s about building resilient, interconnected communities.

For regions without established alliances, the summit served as a call to action. As Stacey from rural Devon, UK, shared:

“We have 24 independent coworking spaces in our network, but we don’t do much beyond regular meetings. I’m here to get inspiration on how we can work together better.”

That quote sums up the opportunity ahead. By collaborating, sharing knowledge, and strengthening our networks, we can ensure coworking remains a force for innovation, inclusivity, and collective resilience.