Co working space empty

Empty coworking spaces reflect the transformation of hybrid work: between on-demand booking and the abandonment of fixed subscriptions.

About this subject

The sight of empty coworking spaces has become a symbol of the post-pandemic reconfiguration of work. Data from CBRE shows that the average occupancy rate of coworking spaces in Brazil dropped from 85% in 2019 to 55% in 2023, with a slow recovery in 2024. This phenomenon is not isolated: in the United States, FlexSA reported that 30% of seats in shared spaces remain idle even during peak demand. The main cause is the adoption of the hybrid model, where companies maintain central offices but reduce the number of in-person days, leading professionals to book coworking spaces only when necessary, often through platforms like WeWork or Spaces that have shifted from monthly contracts to daily passes or hourly rates.

The proliferation of vacant coworking units is also linked to oversupply. Between 2020 and 2023, the number of coworking units in Brazil jumped from 1,200 to 2,800, according to the Brazilian Coworking Association (ABCoworking). Many were opened by entrepreneurs betting on the return to in-person work, but they face competition from traditional leases and the consolidated home office. In São Paulo, neighborhoods like Pinheiros and Vila Olímpia concentrate empty rooms, while peripheral areas register higher occupancy, suggesting a decentralization of work hubs.

This emptiness, however, does not mean the model is failing. Empty coworking spaces have become experimentation labs: some turn into podcast studios or event venues during off-peak hours, others adopt corporate subscriptions with discounts for hybrid teams. The trend points to specialization: themed spaces for technology, healthcare, or creativity that attract specific niches. Meanwhile, documentary photography of these empty environments has gained relevance as a historical record of the transition to more flexible work, capturing empty desks and stacked chairs that tell the story of a silent revolution in the corporate world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why are so many coworking spaces empty these days?

The main reason is the consolidation of hybrid work: professionals and companies have reduced in-person frequency, opting for on-demand bookings rather than fixed subscriptions. Additionally, an oversupply of coworking units, more than doubling in Brazil between 2020 and 2023, contributed to vacancies.

Does the emptiness mean the coworking model has failed?

Not necessarily. Many spaces are adapting by offering daily passes, drop-in rates, and complementary services like podcast studios and event rooms. The trend is toward niche specialization, such as coworking spaces focused on technology or healthcare, which may see higher occupancy.

What is the outlook for coworking spaces in Brazil in 2025?

A gradual recovery is expected, with emphasis on flexibility and personalized services. The decentralization of work hubs, with higher occupancy in peripheral areas, is likely to continue. Coworking spaces that offer short-term contracts and event infrastructure have a competitive edge.