Salt Lake City is no longer a quiet mountain town with tech dreams, it’s officially a fast-growing hub for innovation, flexible work, and coworking. By 2026, the ways we work, where we work, and what we expect from workspace will continue to shift. Here are the coworking trends we believe will shape the next year, and why The Shop embraces them.

1. AI Readiness & Smart Tools Integration

Salt Lake is leading in AI readiness. According to a 2025 index, Utah ranked #1 in AI adoption among all U.S. states. Companies across industries are using intelligent tools daily.

What this means for coworking:

• Spaces will need to include smart infrastructure—fast, reliable internet; access to cloud tools; perhaps shared AI/ML-friendly labs or rooms.

• Tools that automate desk scheduling, manage occupancy, or adjust environmental factors (light, temperature) based on needs will become baseline expectations.

2. Hybrid & Flexible Workspace Models

Hybrid work isn’t going away—it’s becoming the heart of how teams operate. Coworking spaces must adapt:

• Flexible leases: terms that allow teams to scale up or down depending on hiring, seasonality, etc.

• More modular, redesignable space layouts to support both collaborative work and quiet focus.

• Day passes, hot desks, and fractional use plans that support people working part-time in office. This flexibility helps workers who split time between home and office.

3. Growing Demand from Tech, Life Sciences, & Specialty Industries

Salt Lake’s strengths in tech talent are rising fast. It’s ranked among the top 20-25 tech markets in North America, with strong numbers of tech grads and a good wage vs cost balance.  Also, the life sciences and medtech sectors show potential in Salt Lake’s emerging market profile

Coworking in 2026 will cater more to niche industry needs:

• Labs or rooms built for equipment if possible

• Privacy/secure spaces for confidential or regulated work

• Membership tiers or community nods tailored to industry type (tech, legal, med-tech, creative, etc.)

4. Lower Vacancy & Higher Quality Demand

In recent data, Salt Lake City’s office vacancy rate has been falling, now below the national average. This means companies seeking quality space are more selective. They want:

• Upgraded amenities (well-designed meeting rooms, wellness features, rooftop or outdoor space)

• Spaces in transit-accessible, downtown or walkable neighborhoods.

• Transparency in cost and no surprises (all-inclusive pricing, predictable leases).

5. Coworking + Community, Wellness & Social Impact

People want more than a desk—they want connection. Coworking spaces will double down on programming, community, wellness, and values:

• Wellness-focused design: quiet zones, meeting room acoustics, lounges for decompression.

• Social impact: nonprofit partnerships, local art, sustainability practices.

• Community programs like mentorship, networking, peer learning & opportunities to showcase work.

What This Means for The Shop & You

At The Shop, we’re already working ahead of these trends. Here’s how we aim to stay in step with what’s coming in 2026:

• Investing in tech infrastructure & smart tools so our members can use workspace and tools efficiently.

• Flexible office offerings that let teams move between private offices and shared space as needed.

• Curated programs that support special industries, community impact, connection, and wellbeing.

• Downtown central location with walkable access and high-amenity surroundings.

Final Thoughts

2026 promises to be a year where coworking spaces must be more than “just office”, they must be growth partners.

For Salt Lake City, the rise in tech, the demand for hybrid flexibility, and community-oriented work will make flexible, thoughtfully designed coworking spaces essential. Whether you’re a startup, a nonprofit, or an expanding team, you’ll want a space that adapts with you, connects you, and helps you thrive.