Are you curious about the impact of coworking spaces on employee well-being? We’ve got some exciting findings to share with you!

A recent research study¹ delved into the influence of coworking spaces on employee well-being, and the results are in.

According to the study, individuals working in coworking spaces reported higher levels of satisfaction and overall well-being compared to traditional office settings.

Here’s why coworking spaces make a positive difference:

1. Enhanced social connections: Coworking spaces provide a unique opportunity for professionals from diverse backgrounds to connect, collaborate, and share ideas. This sense of community fosters a supportive and inclusive environment, promoting improved mental health and reducing feelings of isolation.
2. Increased work-life balance: Coworking spaces offer flexibility and autonomy, allowing employees to have more control over their schedules. With non-traditional working hours and greater freedom to prioritize personal commitments, individuals experience reduced stress levels and a healthier work-life balance.
3. Inspiring work environment: Coworking spaces are designed to be open, vibrant, and conducive to creativity. The atmosphere boosts motivation and productivity, inspiring employees to reach new heights in their work.
4. Learning and growth opportunities: Coworking spaces often host workshops, networking events, and skill-sharing sessions, creating ample learning opportunities for professionals. This exposure to new knowledge and perspectives contributes to personal development and career growth.

Employees and employers face a common challenge: how to optimize hybrid work policies that benefit both sides. One issue that needs attention is employee loneliness, which can have a negative impact on their well-being and performance. But here’s the good news: coworking sites hold promise in reducing this loneliness.

Remote and hybrid work arrangements can sometimes exacerbate feelings of isolation. However, returning to the traditional office environment isn’t the only solution. Before the pandemic, workplace loneliness was already on the rise despite the prevalence of office work. Employees also crave flexibility and autonomy, including in how they fulfill their social needs during the workday.

The Impact of Coworking Spaces on Employee Well-Being

But there’s a better option—exploring third spaces. Third spaces can include coffee shops, hotel lobbies, friends’ homes, and coworking sites. Our research indicates that coworking sites, in particular, show special promise in addressing employee loneliness.

Researchers Constance Noonan Hadley, Ben Marks, and Sarah Wright conducted a survey with 819 office employees from different industries and locations. Surprisingly, the results showed that working from a coworking site was perceived as more socially fulfilling than working from the office or home (64% vs. 67%). One of the main reasons is that coworking spaces provide both the flexibility employees desire and opportunities to engage with others.

Here’s how coworking sites boost relational job crafting and alleviate loneliness:

1. Escape from coworkers: 52% of survey respondents appreciated the benefit of avoiding unnecessary interactions with colleagues, which can be especially helpful for underrepresented populations facing workplace microaggressions and exclusion.
2. A variety of relationship partners: Coworking spaces gather professionals from different occupations and companies, allowing for diverse experiences and expanding networking opportunities.
3. A respite from office pressures: Interactions in coworking spaces don’t directly impact an employee’s performance reputation or rating, creating a safer environment for socializing and networking.
4. Communal norms and enforcement: Coworking sites establish codes of conduct and employ community managers who ensure adherence to these norms, fostering a sense of belonging.
5. Pro-relational activities: Community managers organize workshops, lunches, and other informal gatherings to facilitate relationship-building and professional growth.

To optimize the use of coworking sites, here are five steps employers can take:

1. Educate employees about the potential benefits, productivity gains, and data security offered by coworking sites.
2. Provide stipends to cover coworking fees, as it incentivizes employees to use these spaces more.
3. Mitigate the convenience trap of working from home by offering amenities and discounts to make switching to coworking sites easier.
4. Support participation in relational programming by providing incentives and collecting feedback to improve these offerings.
5. Provide training and guidance on interpersonal skills and professional networking, which can be practiced and developed in coworking spaces.

Employers don’t have to navigate the coworking landscape alone. Enterprise platforms and coworking consultants are available to assist in implementing coworking policies effectively. Remember, maintaining employee flexibility and involving them in the decision-making process are crucial for success.

Feeling connected to others is vital for employee well-being. Coworking spaces offer a professional and socially fulfilling environment that can help alleviate loneliness.

So, the next time you consider where to work, why not give a coworking space like Bluenose Business Hub a try? Experience the positive impact it can have on your well-being and unlock new possibilities in your career!

Share this post if you’re ready to embrace a workplace that supports your overall well-being! Like and share if you believe that employees’ social health matters!

1. (source: original article on HBR- https://hbr.org/2023/02/research-how-coworking-spaces-impact-employee-well-being) ↩︎