There’s an emerging trend for working together. It’s coworking. Your remote contingent workers no longer have to plod away in the confines of their home with only the TV or dog for company.

Co-working refers to a collaboration space — for programmers, writers, graphic designers and other independent consultants who use the physical coworking premises. The way it works is that technology companies and startups, as they grow, lend out an extra room or an extra couple of cubicles that they may have for coworking. It’s often an informal arrangement and loosely coordinated using an online wiki. Consultants, fledgling business founders and other work-at-home individuals are some of the people who avail themselves of these coworking facilities.

Some of the advantages of coworking are that individuals can leave home for a work area that’s not too formal; bounce ideas off other people instead of the walls and can bring in a client for a meeting if so required. From a startup’s perspective, they get to tap suggestions and input from people in the same industry. Coworking is not a money-making opportunity. Rather, it’s way for people to connect and exchange thoughts.

Observing the success of coworking in the tech sector, other industries could follow suit. It’s up and running across the country and there are coworking groups in Europe, Asia, Australia, South America and even a couple in China. This is a grass-roots effort and the coworking wiki offers insights, tips and other resources to help both companies set up coworking spaces and individuals find them. Most have a paid model to offset the price for wireless, desks, utilities and such. Many offer a free drop in day rate. A contingent could be a drop in, get a heavy discount for multiple day/advance purchases or pay a monthly fee. For more details please see http://coworking.pbwiki.com