Then, Now, Next: The evolution of coworking in Singapore

Post on August 12, 2025

Then: Affordable alternatives and early hubs (2009-2019)

Coworking started as a practical solution for cost-conscious freelancers and early-stage startups. Singapore’s coworking story began with HackerspaceSG, often hailed as the city’s first coworking venue, established in 2009 by tech enthusiasts seeking a shared workspace to code, prototype, and collaborate.

In those early days, coworking spaces were still a novelty. These pioneering spaces offered a straightforward value proposition: a professional desk away from the distractions of home, without a long lease. For many founders, they served as more than just a workspace – they were also community hubs, offering camaraderie, idea-sharing, and even impromptu mentorship within Singapore’s emerging tech ecosystem.

The early coworking landscape featured:

• Primary users: Freelancers, remote creatives, and tech startup founders seeking affordable office alternatives
• Basic offerings: Open-plan desks, shared Wi-Fi, and minimal amenities (think: a coffee pot in the corner pantry)
• Simple value: Professional space without long-term commitment

Now: Productive powerhouses and shared ecosystems (2020-2025)

Fast-forward to today, coworking spaces have transformed dramatically, far beyond just affordable desks. In fact, Singapore’s coworking footprint exploded from 1.2 million square feet in 2015 to 3.7 million square feet by 2022, demonstrating the industry’s rapid maturation and growing demand. 

A “second home” for modern professionals
Contemporary coworking spaces have elevated the experience far beyond basic desk rental. Spaces like The Co. Duxton and Crane Joo Chiat (both available on workbuddy) are known for blending boutique design with events and culture-building, earning a reputation as a “second home” for entrepreneurs. 

Other contemporary operators have embraced innovative design approaches too. The Work Boulevard’s Collyer Quay location exemplifies this trend through its commitment to sustainability, partnering with ChopValue to transform recycled chopsticks into custom furniture. The space celebrates local culture with meeting rooms named “Atas Assembly” and “Lah Lounge”, inspired by beloved Singlish terms. 

Productivity boost
Beyond aesthetics and culture, today’s coworking spaces deliver measurable productivity benefits. A 2023 study by Business.com confirms what many professionals experience firsthand: 74% of coworkers report being more productive, with nearly half seeing improvements in their professional skills, work quality and interpersonal satisfaction, addressing key challenges that most remote and hybrid workers face.

Today’s coworking ecosystem offers:

• Diverse options: Customers can choose between hot desks, private offices, meeting pods, and even wellness room to cater to varying work styles
• Premium, hospitality-style amenities: Barista-made coffee, on-site gyms, podcast studios, and creative lounges that rival high-end offices
• Strategic locations: Many workbuddy partner spaces – like WeWork Anson – are strategically located near MRT stations in prime CBD hotspots and lifestyle districts
  
   

Next: Niche, specialised spaces and lifestyle designs (2025 and beyond)

Looking ahead, the coworking model is still evolving, with several exciting shifts reshaping the landscape over the next few years:

• Family-friendly innovation: Forward-thinking operators are recognising the needs of working parents. The Executive Centre (available on the workbuddy app) provides private nursing rooms in their Singapore Land Tower and Capital Square locations, while The Work Boulevard at 20 Collyer Quay offers thoughtfully equipped nursing facilities – a commendable move to support working mothers
  
   
• Hyper-flexibility and technology: Expect expanded on-demand booking models, including pay-by-the-hour desk rentals and AI-powered workspace matching that adapts to individual preferences 
  
   
• Hospitality integration: The boundaries between work and leisure continue blurring as hotels and retail spaces offer work-friendly facilities. Case in point? Singapore’s Holiday Inn Express in Orchard Road has an onsite workspace featuring spacious seating, work zones, high-speed Wi-Fi and charging stations, perfect for business travellers and digital nomads
  
   
• Diverse specialisation: Coworking will also increasingly serve specific needs – whether that’s creator-friendly podcast studios for content producers, wellness-oriented environments for health-conscious professionals or corporate-scale suites like CSuites (powered by The Great Rooom) at Paya Lebar Quarter for established teams of 50+ 
  
   
• Sustainability and suburban expansion: Green certifications, recycled materials, and energy efficiency will become standard as the industry matures. Simultaneously, as hybrid work continues, suburban coworking spaces will grow to serve professionals seeking reduced commute times and convenience. workbuddy users can already book heartland spaces like The Workshop (Yio Chu Kang) and JustCo Asia Green (Tampines), demonstrating this emerging trend 
  
   

Why this shift matters, and where workbuddy leads

Coworking has transitioned from under-the-radar utility to indispensable business ecosystem. This transformation reflects the fundamental shifts in how we work, collaborate and integrate our professional and personal lives.

workbuddy exists at the forefront of this evolution, making coworking truly accessible, frictionless and flexible. Our app recognises that each modern professional has unique needs – whether you’re a freelancer seeking community, a startup requiring scalable space or an established team needed premium amenities and flexibility.

With comprehensive plans – ranging from Lite to Unlimited, plus on-demand day passes –  individuals and teams can navigate “then, now, next” with one app, discovering spaces that meet them at every stage of their professional journey.

Ready to experience the future of work? Try a workbuddy day pass today and discover why Singapore’s most forward-thinking professionals are choosing flexible workspace solutions. 

Sign up for a free trial here!