Coworking versus remote working: which model to choose?

Long confined to the digital professions, telecommuting has now become increasingly popular. At the same time, coworking spaces have grown by leaps and bounds. As a result, companies, freelancers and employees are faced with a dilemma.

Between the flexibility of telecommuting and the collective dynamics of collaborative workspaces, which model is best suited? In this article, we take stock.

Teleworking: maximum autonomy, but at what price?

Since 2020, the teleworker has become a key figure in the professional world. According to a study by Malakoff Humanis, 38% of private-sector employees teleworked in 2023. This mode of working seduces with its promise of autonomy, time savings and reduced commuting costs. Yet this model also has its limitations: it increases isolation, blurs the boundary between personal and professional life, and doesn't always guarantee a comfortable working environment.

In many cases, working from home doesn't allow you to organize your work properly, especially in the absence of a dedicated workstation. For nomadic employees or self-employed entrepreneurs, this configuration quickly becomes an obstacle to productivity.

Coworking: a stimulating environment, without the constraints of the traditional office

Faced with the limitations of telecommuting, more and more professionals are turning to coworking. This hybrid model combines freedom with a structured professional environment. According to CoworkIntel's 2024 report, demand for coworking spaces in France has jumped 23% in one year.

Why this success? Because coworking meets real needs. It offers a fully-equipped, collaborative workspace, with unlimited Internet connection, individual or shared offices, and even closed offices as required. Users will also find meeting rooms, social spaces, a cafeteria and even a relaxation area. Everything is designed to enable mobile workers to concentrate, exchange ideas, collaborate and work in complete peace of mind.

At Deskeo, we see this trend taking hold. Startups, freelancers, project teams from major groups or project owners: they're all looking for new ways of working in workplaces designed to encourage synergies, collaborative working and desk-sharing.

Telecommuting or coworking: what does science have to say?

Recent studies show the direct impact of the modern work environment on performance. A Harvard Business Review survey (2022) reveals that full-time telecommuters are 67% more likely to feel isolated than their face-to-face or hybrid counterparts.

Conversely, an MIT study shows that interaction in collaborative spaces boosts productivity and innovation. The setting, informal exchanges and conviviality all contribute to a dynamic work environment.

Different profiles, different needs

There is no universal answer to the question of coworking versus telecommuting. The right model depends on working styles, expectations and profiles. Self-employed workers need their own personal workspace, as well as shared workplaces to break their isolation. Employees, on the other hand, find a balance between autonomy and teamwork in shared workspaces. As for companies, they choose spaces designed to accommodate their teams flexibly.

Why are more and more companies turning to coworking?

Companies are no longer just looking for a closed office or a traditional office rental. They want new spaces that can grow with their business. They are turning to coworking for its flexible model, its ability to pool resources, and its potential for new working environments.

They also find ready-to-use spaces available, enabling them to test a city, a team, or open a new space without constraint. And to top it all off, these places often integrate meeting rooms, but also modular areas that can host collaborative events, workshops or friendly work sessions. A concrete way of bringing the workplace to life on a daily basis.

In short: coworking or telecommuting, do you really have to choose?

What if the real solution isn't to choose? The world of work is changing, and with it are emerging new forms of organization, more flexible, more agile, in tune with employee expectations and realities on the ground. The success of coworking and the rise of telecommuting herald a more flexible, more human, more collaborative way of working in the future. Successful companies are those that know how to integrate these collaborative spaces into their strategy.

Hopper by Deskeo: the new generation of premium coworking

In response to these new uses, Deskeo has created Hopper Collections: a new generation of hybrid spaces, designed to combine total freedom with top-of-the-range surroundings. Designed to adapt to today's professional rhythms, these inspiring spaces are located in the heart of strategic districts, with a single objective: to transform each working day into a fluid and efficient experience.

With Hopper, there are no constraints or rigid commitments. You're free to book as you need it: a half-day brainstorming session, three days a week in a team, or a whole month to set up a new office. Thanks to a flexible credit system, you can create your own professional agenda. With Hopper, you're assured of being in control, without sacrificing comfort, quality and collective momentum. A tailor-made solution for those who want to work differently, and better.

Need a coworking space that suits your way of working?

At Deskeo, we design spaces that adapt to your needs, not the other way around. Whether shared or private, in Paris and throughout the Paris region, our offices combine comfort, flexibility and premium services.

Would you like to find out more? Contact our teams to design the space that's right for you.