Hybrid Work Revolution: Why European Companies are Turning to Coworking

The way Europeans work has changed forever. Hybrid work the blend of remote and office time has become the new normal. This shift has forced businesses to rethink how much office space they really need and where it should be located. Instead of committing to long and inflexible leases, more corporations are choosing coworking memberships that give them agility and access to high-quality, centrally located spaces.

Recent surveys show 59% of businesses plan to expand office space via coworking in the next two years. Across Europe, coworking spaces are hitting 80-85% occupancy, far above the 60% rates seen in traditional office buildings since the pandemic. For many companies, coworking has become not just a stopgap but a strategic solution.

What is Hybrid Work in Europe?

Hybrid work is more than a buzzword; it is now the dominant workplace model across Europe. Most organisations follow a structure where employees spend two to three days in the office and the remainder working remotely.

However, the way this balance plays out varies. In France, hybrid arrangements are often driven by collective agreements, while in the Netherlands, the right to request flexible work is enshrined in law. In the UK, large employers are experimenting with anchor days where whole teams gather in the office for collaboration.

The common thread is that companies no longer want to lock themselves into large, underutilised headquarters. Instead, they are embracing flexible space as a way to support rotating teams, project groups, and satellite locations.

Why Coworking is Winning in the Hybrid Era

Cost Efficiency & Flexibility

Traditional office leases often run for 510 years, with high upfront costs and limited flexibility. By contrast, coworking contracts are short, scalable, and tailored to fluctuating headcounts. Many corporates now adopt a hub-and-spoke model: a central HQ supported by coworking sites in suburban or regional areas, closer to where staff live.

Talent Attraction & Retention

Workplace strategy is now part of the war for talent. Employees expect choice, premium amenities, and reduced commuting. Coworking spaces often provide better design, wellness features, and networking opportunities than outdated corporate offices, making them a magnet for staff who could otherwise drift away.

Agility & Risk Management

For multinationals, coworking reduces risk. It allows quick entry into new markets without the cost of a permanent lease. If a project ends, companies can scale down their footprint with little penalty. This level of agility is invaluable in today's uncertain economic climate.

Sustainability & ESG Goals

European companies are under pressure to deliver against sustainability commitments. Coworking supports these goals by reducing commuting emissions and promoting shared use of resources. For ESG-conscious firms, flex space helps demonstrate tangible progress.

How European Companies Are Using Coworking

Large Corporates Testing Markets

A French investment bank recently placed a project team at a WeWork in Paris to trial hybrid arrangements before deciding whether to downsize its main HQ.

Hybrid Team Rotation

A German automotive manufacturer introduced coworking passes for employees based outside major cities, providing them with access to professional spaces closer to home while still facilitating collaboration.

Startups to Scale-Ups

A Spanish SaaS scale-up chose to expand into Lisbon through a coworking operator rather than leasing a permanent office. This allowed them to test the market, build a local team quickly, and avoid long-term costs.

Coworking Success Stories in Europe

London Enterprise Demand Surges

London remains the largest flex office market in Europe. In 2025, 40% of all desks leased in coworking spaces went to enterprise occupiers. For corporates facing sky-high rents, coworking provides both prestige and savings.

Berlin Tech & Creative Firms Thrive

Berlin's startup and creative industries have embraced coworking. Hybrid-first teams use shared spaces to collaborate in person while keeping costs predictable.

Amsterdam Occupancy Rates Near 90%

Dutch operators such as StartDock have reported occupancy rates as high as 90%, driven by hybrid memberships and strong demand from scale-ups.

Best Practices for Companies Shifting to Coworking

Start with Pilot Programmes

Instead of committing outright, many companies trial coworking memberships for 36 months. This helps evaluate employee uptake and ROI.

Choose Spaces Aligned with Culture

Not all coworking spaces are equal. For companies with strong sustainability goals, choosing operators with green certifications or renewable energy policies can align workspace use with brand values.

Integrate with Hybrid Work Policy

Coworking should complement, not conflict with, HR and real estate strategies. Clear communication ensures employees understand when and how to use flex spaces.

Prioritise Tech & Security

Corporate IT leaders need reassurance that coworking environments are secure. Operators offering integrated access control, private networks, and enterprise-grade data protection are best positioned to win large corporate clients.

FAQs

What is driving European companies toward coworking spaces?

The rise of hybrid work, cost pressures, and the need for flexibility have made coworking attractive. It provides agility without the risks of long leases.

How does coworking support hybrid work strategies?

It allows rotating teams to access professional workspaces close to home, supports collaboration, and integrates seamlessly with hybrid scheduling.

Are coworking spaces more cost-effective than traditional office leases?

Yes. While not always cheaper on a per-desk basis, coworking eliminates unused square footage, reduces overhead, and improves utilisation.

What occupancy rates are coworking spaces achieving in Europe?

Most European coworking operators report 8085% occupancy, compared to traditional offices at ~60%.

Will the demand for coworking continue to grow post-2025?

Yes. Corporate adoption is expected to increase as more businesses integrate flex space into long-term workplace strategies.

Conclusion

The hybrid work revolution is not a temporary experiment. It is a long-term restructuring of how Europeans work, and coworking is at its core. For companies, flex space delivers cost control, happier employees, and a future-proof workplace model.

Forward-looking organisations that embrace coworking today will enjoy higher productivity, lower costs, and stronger employer branding tomorrow.

Book a demo with PONT to see how coworking technology can power your hybrid work strategy.