How Coworking Spaces Positively Impact Employee Well-Being

Loneliness was a widespread concern even before the pandemic hit, indicating that merely reverting to the old ways might not fully solve the problem. What holds significance is an intentional approach that takes into account employees’ requirements – the autonomy to select their work environment and meaningful opportunities for networking and interaction.

Nobody likes to stay stagnant in their position; there’s growth and comfort when there is social interaction.

This is where the concept of “third spaces” comes in. These places go beyond the usual home and office, like cafes, hotel lobbies, friends’ houses, and coworking spots. They blend work with social interactions in a fresh way. An interesting Harvard Business Review study found that many employees prefer working in coworking spaces when compared to homes or in a traditional office. This is mainly because of the positive impact coworking spaces have on mental health and overall well-being.

Let’s see how coworking spaces enhance the well-being, productivity, and engagement of employees.

Understanding Coworking Spaces

As workplace burnout became a severe concern, organizations promoted remote work modules. While it was an excellent initiative to reduce burnout and feeling stuck at work for prolonged hours, it didn’t turn out as successful as expected. Employees found it challenging to balance work and life when they work from home due to the remote work system.

So, in this case, a traditional work environment created a lot of mental health challenges. Meanwhile, a remote work environment made it challenging for employees to keep up with the workload at home since they needed a dedicated space and time to feel productive.

This is why third spaces, in other words, coworking spaces, became a good solution. It doesn’t require employees to work in a particular setting; they can decide when to use the coworking space. Employees have the flexibility to check the shared office space rental before deciding on the ideal space for their work. Simplicity, autonomy, and ease of use are some of the main reasons coworking spaces have become popular and beneficial to employees and organizations.

Positive Effects Of Coworking On Employee Well-Being

Bonds Like Community

Compared to rigid work structures and closed traditional offices, it’s apparent why employees feel like they belong to a community and enjoy the exposure they get from a coworking space. It promotes connections, idea exchanges, and partnerships. These aren’t possible in a traditional workspace.

Even the layout of the coworking space is comfortable and interactive. Employees can use the communal areas, shared spaces, and breakout spaces to relax and rejuvenate. These spaces make them feel relaxed and allow them to collaborate and create meaningful interactions.

Social Interaction And Networking

As you know, social interaction is a fundamental need for a healthy lifestyle. It’s vital for the overall well-being of employees, and this is why coworking spaces have garnered so much popularity recently. The ability to socialise has a direct positive impact on the mental health of employees without being stuck in a cubicle or four walls. Social interaction and networking make:

• Employees feel less lonely, so it makes them emotionally powerful.

• Employees feel motivated and productive when communicating and interacting with other professionals from various backgrounds. They also become better at handling problems creatively.

• Being around like-minded people offers a sense of emotional support and eliminates the feel of being lonely and left out.

• Compared to traditional work settings, functioning in coworking spaces causes fewer burnout sessions, leading to a better work-life balance.

Reduced Commute Stress

Having a coworking space nearby can be a game-changer when it comes to easing the stress of commuting. Imagine not having to deal with long, traffic-packed journeys to work. Instead, you’ve got a spot just a hop away from your home. This proximity means less time on the road and more time for yourself.

The relief from commuting stress is pretty clear. Say goodbye to rush-hour frustration and hello to a more relaxed start to your day. Less time in traffic means less irritation and a happier mood as you start your workday.

Reduced commuting also brings some cool perks to your work-life balance. With less time spent getting to work, you can do more things you enjoy. Imagine you have extra time for that morning jog, a leisurely breakfast, or quality time with family. And when work wraps up, you’re not dreading a long commute home – you’re already there.

Some people use this extra time to learn something new or simply unwind. Others cherish having a home-cooked lunch instead of grabbing something on the go.

So, when coworking spaces are just around the corner, the daily commute stress fades away, giving you back precious time and letting you strike a healthier balance between work and life.

Flexibility And Ability To Make Your Own Decision

Unlike traditional spaces, coworking spaces are flexible, and it’s a revolutionizing concept that allows employees to enjoy their work environment. When employees enjoy the environment, they don’t feel overwhelmed or stressed.

This space promotes modern work life by offering the chance to customize the working hours to the employee’s routines and requirements. When there’s liberty to make decisions and control your working hours, there’s work-life balance.

On top of all, those who use coworking spaces usually make their own decisions regarding their schedules as long as they meet their daily tasks, giving them freedom. The autonomy comes with the great advantage of having the time to focus on other areas of interest and passions. This enhances job productivity and makes them feel engaged and satisfied while lowering their stress.

Inspiring Work Environment

The work environment has much to do with employees’ moods, especially the interior, designs, artwork, and meeting room equipment. Workspaces create an appealing environment by taking aesthetics into account because they have the capacity to uplift employees’ moods and boost creativity. They use colors that have the capacity to impact moods, making them feel more relaxed and empowering them to come up with new ideas.

Employees who are in a visually pleasing environment think outside the box. Their creative juices flow better than working in a rigid workspace. These coworking spaces are more than desks and chairs; they set the mood through aesthetically pleasing decorations and interiors to uplift employees’ moods.

Access To Wellness Amenities

Coworking spaces make the workstations even better by offering mental and physical well-being perks. They often have comfortable seating areas, meditation and yoga corners, and areas just to chill when you are exhausted. It’s as if these spaces care for your well-being in all possible ways.

If you think about it, these amenities create a huge difference in how people work. When you’re exhausted, you’d love a cozy area to do some stretches or take a break because then you’ll be able to ease your tension.

These amenities not only help your mind but also work like recharge stations. When you are in front of the screen for long hours, these amenities will clear your mind, helping you lower stress and regain focus.

Even the smallest additions, like plants, can greatly impact your mood. In fact, there are workspaces that offer wellness workshops, meaning you can indulge in self-care.

Who Can Use A Coworking Space?

Coworking spaces are a place of diverse community engagement. They house various individuals, creating an environment that offers the path to collaboration, productivity, and creativity.

Let’s see who can benefit from these coworking spaces:

Independent Contractors And Freelancers

Some independent contractors and freelancers usually work from home or at cafes. These individuals come from various fields: developers, designers, consultants, artists, and writers. Coworking spaces come in handy for such individuals because they get the chance to network, access professional backdrops, and gather resources to enhance their brand and portfolio.

Small Businesses And Startups

Flexibility and cost-effectiveness are reasons why small businesses and startups use coworking space. These spaces provide access to high-end meeting rooms, essential amenities, and a collective community where businesses and startups can thrive. They can also find networking opportunities in coworking spaces.

Remote Workers

Remote professionals prefer coworking spaces over their homes because there’s a high chance that they might lose work-life balance if working from home to the 9-5 schedule. On the other hand, coworking spaces have office-like working areas along with the flexibility of enjoying a cup of coffee to relax. This helps you take a break from the monotonous work structure and rejuvenate your thoughts. You also get access to high-speed internet and high-end meeting rooms.

Corporate Teams

Certain large organizations and corporations use coworking spaces for their teams to cut down costs and avoid allocating additional space for meetings. This type of arrangement offers flexibility and better collaboration and allows employees to enjoy different work settings apart from regular offices. Plus, this is a great opportunity for companies to test whether their employees can work in hybrid work settings to increase efficiency.

Founders, Entrepreneurs, And Innovators

Founders, innovators, and entrepreneurs are people who often wait for that spark that will help them find new products or promote new services to solve people’s problems. So, when they spend time in places like coworking spaces, they tend to feel motivated and empowered. They get support and inspiration from other professionals excelling in the field. In fact, they might find that spark.

People Interested In Networking

Those who are looking for a career change or are interested in becoming better at their jobs can make use of coworking spaces. Various professionals from a wide range of niches come together in a place like this, so it’s not surprising that they are going to find great networks in coworking spaces. Most spaces host networking events, interactive sessions, and workshops. This is a place of innovation and creativity, so you’re going to find what you’re looking for – a chance!

How Can Employers Make Coworking Spaces Better For Employees?

Although these spaces already support employees’ mental health, there are other strategies employers can use to improve the overall impact. This is important because the business landscape is competitive. If you want to keep up with the competition, becoming better or doing what others aren’t doing is vital. If you encourage and support employees to do better, it’ll, in return, help your organization’s productivity. You will also create a happy and productive workforce.

Some of the strategies employers can utilize are:

Let The Employees Know About Benefits

While employees might already know the benefits, educating them is best because some might not understand the overall advantages. Let them know how they can improve their productivity, increase their knowledge, and become better at their jobs by using coworking spaces.

The furnished office space uses ergonomic furniture, so it will positively impact their health, and they don’t have to worry about sitting for prolonged hours. Similarly, they will be able to use other amenities such as a play area, library, and so on. Make sure your employees get full use of coworking spaces.

Provide Convenience

Simple adjustments like providing power cords and noise-canceling headsets at these sites improve the work environment for employees. Discounts for parking and commuting can also motivate employees to leave their homes.

Offer Training

Employers can provide training on interpersonal skills, especially for junior professionals, to help them network. These skills can be sharpened in the collaborative environment of coworking spaces, qualifying employees to practice ice-breaking and networking with like-minded individuals.

Employers can make the transition to coworking spaces smoother through practical adjustments like accessible amenities, training, and discounts, which can invigorate engagement.

Conclusion

As discussed above, shared spaces effectively manage feelings of isolation, stress, and daily commuting challenges. When employees know that they can bond like a community while having the freedom to feel themselves, their output becomes incredible.

Creating an environment that emphasizes health and contentment enhances productivity and job satisfaction. Even through aesthetics and creative approaches, employees’ moods and well-being can be uplifted. This is what coworking spaces do.

Also, focusing on ergonomic furniture, sound solutions, and natural lighting boosts employees’ moods and physical health. It’s understandable that coworking spaces designed with employees’ mental and overall health in mind can go a long way in terms of growth and success.