Pro-working created to fill a gap in the market that appeared last year, when the co-working trend hit its peak. Many long-established and professional businesses became conscious of the benefits that sharing a workspace has to offer: collaboration, networking and exchanging skills and knowledge. The problem they faced was that many locations on the market just didn’t fit with their identity; they are preparing towards younger, more informal startups and lacked a formal space in which to meet clients. Pro-working is targeting at professionals who want their work-space to match their image. Think of it as co-working’s mature older sibling.

Pro-working and co-working

are two fairly new concepts, but how do they compare and what do they offer? Here we give a rough guide as to what you can expect from either solution. Co-Working

Co-working

is now a very familiar concept in the work place sector. The flexible office model is primarily known for hosting freelancers and start-ups. Co-working communities are typically comprise of young, trendy, tech and media entrepreneurs.

The space normally consists of a shared office environment where tenants have access to meetings rooms and communal break out areas. Co-workers can also attend events organised by the office provider, join a yoga session or even take a nap.

Now that companies operating on a more traditional structure are learning about the benefits of sharing workspace with like-minded businesses, the market is looking to accommodate their needs.

Pro-Working

As much as pro-working is a play on co-working, it has actually evolved from a typical serviced office set up, but with the added element of five star “hotel hospitality”.

In addition to that, the pro-working offering is inspired by the community spirit that co-working has brought to modern office life. Thus, pro-working presents itself as a formal alternative.

This unofficial term has only recently  is gradually distinguishing itself from the other options on the market. Providers aim to push serviced offices to the next level by offering high-end business lounges, a concierge service and on-site management with hotel/hospitality backgrounds.

Pro-working aims to allow formal businesses to create communities with like-minded professionals. Co-working made this transition effortless for lone workers and small companies who depended on flexible work options.

Conclusion:

Co-working remains primarily geared towards media and tech companies. The set-up is an idea choice for start-ups and entrepreneurs looking to establish themselves in a fun and vibrant atmosphere. For those wanting to experience the community aspect in a formal environment, pro-working may be a more suitable fit. Whatever you choose, it should go hand in hand with the company culture and brand.