Co-working spaces exclusively targeting women began to spring up in greater numbers in 2018, and are growing.
Many have wholeheartedly embraced an overtly girly approach, reflected in everything including their interior design and the member services they offer (think both flower arranging and female empowerment). Although the whimsical wallpaper and lactation rooms may be a deterrent for some, these spaces are attracting female entrepreneurs in droves. This success has arguably been about timing – a direct reaction to the proliferation of male-focused, fraternity-style private members clubs and tech-bro incubators, home to beer kegs, ping-pong and networking festivals.
But does this rapid rise of female-only workspaces – and now entire offices – signal something about how women feel about traditional work environments? Disruption has been a long time coming. Women may be half the workforce – propelling countries such as the US to record economic performance – but we’re also much more likely to be paid less than our male peers. These women-only work hubs claim they focus on mentoring, training and camaraderie. Some even go for a spa-like ambience. And who wouldn’t like to experience a bit more of that in their working day?