Why Coworking Needs a Global Quality Standard
How independent grading can define flexible workspace as a credible asset class for landlords, investors, and occupiers
Defining quality in flexible workspace
As flexible workspace continues to mature from trend to global mainstay, one question keeps surfacing:
“If coworking is to stand as its own asset class, how can the industry clearly communicate, and credibly validate, the quality it delivers on a global scale?”
The coworking and flexible workspace industry has grown exponentially over the past decade. What began as creative hubs for freelancers has evolved into a sophisticated, multi-billion-dollar global network of operators, landlords, and enterprise clients.
Yet, despite its scale and impact, there remains no universally recognized system for evaluating the quality of a space. Operators proudly differentiate through brand, design, or community ethos, but for clients, brokers, and investors, the lack of consistent benchmarks makes comparison difficult.
For large occupiers and landlords, however, the question is one of risk and reassurance. Independent, third-party grading provides a measurable benchmark, a way to understand the true value and performance of their investment.
Without a common language of quality, the industry risks confusion and missed opportunity.
Learning from hospitality
Consider the hotel industry.
When travelers book accommodation, they can instantly gauge expectations from a simple rating; one star to five. Behind those stars lies a rigorous system assessing everything from safety and cleanliness to service, amenities, and guest experience.
That framework doesn’t limit creativity; it builds trust.
A boutique three-star hotel and a luxury five-star resort can coexist because both communicate clearly what guests can expect, and both deliver on that promise.
Why quality data matters
Why does quality data matter?
Reliable, independent assessments are not about aesthetics alone. They are about trust, consistency, and performance.
For clients and occupiers, quality ratings would simplify decision-making, ensuring workspace choices align with corporate standards, safety, and employee experience expectations.
For brokers and consultants, ratings would add measurable benchmarks to support recommendations and build confidence with enterprise clients navigating multiple markets.
For landlords and investors, quality data offers insight into operational excellence, long-term asset performance, and partnership potential.
A well-rated flexible space can signify both brand value and operational resilience.
Towards a global standard
The next step in the evolution of coworking is not just growth; it’s definition.
A transparent quality framework could help position flexible workspace as a stand-alone asset class, comparable to hospitality or traditional real estate categories.
The future of flexible workspace depends on collective effort, operators, brokers, landlords, and occupiers aligning around shared measures of excellence. The hospitality sector set its standard decades ago; coworking now stands at the same threshold.
This thought leadership content is brought to you by The Flex Workspace Industry’s First-Ever Quality Standardization
 | A guest post by
|