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Exploring the multifaceted world of coworking can be both inspiring and informative. To help you navigate this dynamic landscape, we've curated a selection of essential books featuring insights from pioneers and industry leaders who continue to shape and influence the coworking community.
Essential Coworking Books
- Coworking: How Freelancers Escape the Coffee Shop Office by Angel Kwiatkowski & Beth Buczynski
A foundational book for understanding the coworking movement, this read combines 30 inspiring stories with actionable advice for freelancers and operators alike.
Back in 2018, we had the opportunity to sit down with Angel for an interview, where she shared her journey, insights, and advice for aspiring coworking operators. If you’re curious to learn more, you can read the full interview here. - I’m Outta Here: How Coworking Is Making the Office Obsolete by Drew Jones, Todd Sundsted & Tony Bacigalupo
A historical and cultural exploration of the coworking movement, this book celebrates its impact on reshaping traditional office environments. - The Coworking Handbook: Learn How to Create and Manage a Successful Coworking Space by Ramon Suarez
This practical guide covers everything from creating your space to managing finances and building a strong community, all from the perspective of an experienced coworking founder.
If you'd like to hear from Ramon directly about his journey and the inspiration behind the book, check out our interview with him on our blog. - Coworking Space: A Potent Business Model for Plug 'N Play and Indie Workers by Mathias Schuermann
This book explores coworking's creative potential and its role in shaping the future of work. With case studies and practical examples, it’s ideal for entrepreneurs and managers eager to embrace innovation.
Foundational Coworking Concept Books
- Around the World in 250 Coworking Spaces by Pauline Roussel & Dimitar Inchev (official website)
A visually stunning journey through 250 coworking spaces across 48 cities, showcasing the diversity of design and community stories.
Plus, you can read our interview with Pauline to discover more about this beautiful edition, brought to you by the co-founders of Coworkies. - The Cult of We: WeWork, Adam Neumann, and the Great Startup Delusion by Eliot Brown & Maureen Farrell (official website)
A gripping account of the rise and fall of WeWork, this book offers lessons on what to avoid when scaling a coworking business. - The Style of Coworking: Contemporary Shared Workspaces by Alice Davies & Kathryn Tollervey
Showcasing 30 uniquely designed coworking spaces, this book is perfect for operators seeking inspiration for creative and functional interiors.
Community Building and Management Books
- The Art of Community: Building the New Age of Participation by Jono Bacon (official website)
Building a community takes more than good intentions, and this book provides the right frameworks for collaboration, engagement, and participation. - The Daily Co by Cat Johnson (official website)
The Daily Co is more than a book—it’s a daily dose of inspiration for coworking space operators and community builders. Packed with wisdom, insights, and heartfelt encouragement, it’s designed to uplift those navigating the challenges and joys of fostering connections in coworking spaces. - Citizens: Why the Key to Fixing Everything Is All of Us by Jon Alexander and Ariane Conrad
This book challenges organizations to move beyond consumer-focused strategies and embrace a citizen-centric approach to tackling global issues. Through case studies and actionable insights, it’s a guide to empowering communities and driving meaningful change. - Get Together: How to Build a Community With Your People by Bailey Richardson, Kai Elmer Sotto & Kevin Huynh (official website)
Packed with actionable tips and relatable stories to help you cultivate a vibrant, engaged community, this guide is perfect for operators looking to transform their coworking spaces into places where people truly belong. - No More Sink Full of Mugs by Tony Bacigalupo
Running a coworking space comes with its quirks, and this book tackles them head-on with humor and practical advice. From managing shared spaces to keeping your community happy, it’s a relatable and enjoyable read. - Unreasonable Hospitality by Will Guidara (official website)
This book emphasizes the importance of exceptional customer service and hospitality, essential for fostering a welcoming and productive coworking environment. - The Art of Gathering: How We Meet and Why It Matters by Priya Parker (official website)
Hosting events and meetings that leave a lasting impact is an art, and this book is your guide. Transform your coworking events with Parker’s insights on creating meaningful and memorable gatherings.
Business and Entrepreneurship Books
- Business Model Generation by Alexander Osterwalder & Yves Pigneur
A revolutionary guide to using the Business Model Canvas for strategic planning and innovation. Moreover, its visual approach makes it engaging and easy to apply to coworking operations. - Running Lean by Ash Maurya
A step-by-step approach to achieving product-market fit, tailored for entrepreneurs and coworking operators. - The Tiny MBA: 100 Very Short Lessons about the Long Game of Business by Alex Hillman
This compact guide delivers big lessons in bite-sized pieces. From long-term success strategies to decision-making tips, it’s packed with wisdom you can apply immediately. - Traction: Get a Grip on Your Business by Gino Wickman
If your operations feel overwhelming, this book is a lifesaver. This book introduces the Entrepreneurial Operating System (EOS), a practical framework to help you simplify processes, focus on priorities, and achieve sustainable growth
Productivity and Personal Development Books
- Deep Work: Rules for Focused Success in a Distracted World by Cal Newport
In the hustle of coworking life, staying focused can be tough. This book offers strategies to master deep work, helping you and your members unlock peak productivity in shared spaces - Getting Things Done: The Art of Stress-Free Productivity by David Allen
Running a coworking space is no small task, but this guide teaches you how to manage your workload effectively. With its stress-free approach, it’s a game-changer for anyone juggling multiple responsibilities. - Essentialism: The Disciplined Pursuit of Less by Greg McKeown
This book encourages you to focus on what truly matters, an invaluable mindset for coworking operators looking to balance growth and well-being.
Design and Space Management Books
- The Style of Coworking: Contemporary Shared Workspaces by Alice Davies & Kathryn Tollervey
Looking to transform your coworking space? This book showcases innovative design ideas from around the world, providing inspiration for creating functional and inviting environments. - Space for Creative Thinking: Design Principles for Work and Learning by Christine Kohlert & Scott Cooper
Explore what makes spaces work for people. This book dives into the principles of design that encourage creativity and collaboration, making it a must-read for operators planning or revamping a coworking space. - The Other Office 3: Creative Workspace Design by Lauren Grieco & Marlous van Rossum-Willems
Focused on branding and employee well-being, this book equips operators with key design insights to enhance workspace appeal. - Best Workspaces (2022, 2023, 2024 Editions) by Andreas K. Vetter
Showcasing award-winning designs, these annual publications are filled with innovative ideas and expert insights. They’re a valuable resource for anyone focused on creating spaces that balance aesthetics with functionality.
Finding Your Next Great Read...
For anyone diving deeper into coworking research and inspiration, The Coworking Library is an incredible resource. It’s one of our go-to places for discovering publications that explore the coworking movement. The Library has built a collection dedicated to coworking research, making it an essential companion for curious minds.
Swing by and see for yourself! We also interviewed Johanna Voll, one of the founders, back in 2020! If you’re curious about their project, read what she shared with us, and what the Library has been up to, on our blog.
Do you have a favorite read that we missed or a new release that you think we should add to our recommendations? Let us know! You can reach out to us on LinkedIn or Instagram, and we’ll be sure to get back to you.
And if you're curious how Cobot can simplify your operations, book a quick demo with our friendly team and see how we can help your space grow!
