Many businesses are discovering the invaluable benefits of joining a coworking community. With the global coworking workspace market estimated to be worth $24 billion by 2030, the number of businesses looking to engage with a coworking community is only set to increase.
Flexible working spaces aren’t just helping companies to support their teams without committing to the cost of traditional office space. They’re helping people and businesses to thrive by giving them access to a prosperous coworking community.
Indeed, as many businesses are discovering, a coworking office space is nothing without a community that inspires and motivates teams by enabling professional connections and business growth.
So, what exactly are the benefits of coworking office communities and how can businesses build one?
Why are coworking spaces good for building a community?
Coworking spaces are good for building communities because they bring together like-minded individuals into a shared office space.
No matter what type of coworking space businesses opt for, they’ll soon discover the importance and advantages of engaging with the community there.
1. Encourages organic collaboration
With all individual employees and businesses using the same kitchen facilities, creative spaces and desks, coworking locations allow social interactions and collaborations to emerge naturally.
Whether it's chatting in the kitchen, being sat next to each other at hot desks or networking at a coworking office event. Members are often keen to get to know each other, chat about their challenges or request regular and casual feedback.
By creating a relaxed environment, a sense of belonging and an inclusive culture, shared office spaces enable valuable relationships to be developed organically between team members.
2. Connects people with an entrepreneurial mindset
Community workspaces are ideal for meeting like-minded business people. They don’t just bring ambitious and entrepreneurial people into proximity, but fulfil a desire to connect with others and create a sense of belonging amongst members.
Indeed, these values sit at the base of every co-space community, creating a sense of partnership that supports and inspires each professional.
3. Encourages social interaction and group communication
In-person communication isn’t only important for productivity and project results. It’s also essential to maintaining workers’ mental wellness.
Indeed, in a 2023 business.com survey, 45% of workers said their mental health improved when they joined a coworking space.
Plus, almost 50% saw an improvement in their collaboration with colleagues, creativity and social circle as a result of joining a community space.
4. Reduces isolation
Without a community space to work in, it’s easy for remote team members to feel isolated from their team. This can lead to poor mental health, with businesses losing 12 billion working days globally as a result of their employees’ depression and anxiety.
However, reducing isolation can help to relieve these psychological challenges. According to a BetterUp survey, workers who feel like they belong to a team can:
- Increase job performance by 56%
- Reduce turnover risk by 50%
- Reduce sick days by 75%
Also, workers who feel they belong to their workplace are 167% more likely to recommend their company to others. Being part of a community with a strong sense of belonging can have benefits for both individuals and businesses.
5. Builds and develops connections
Teams in flexible working spaces have the opportunity to meet people from outside of their businesses. This makes it more likely for them to find and develop genuine connections with individuals they align with.
This doesn’t just grow each professional’s support network but opens up new business opportunities. As coworking businesses understand, nurturing a community is vital for the health of an organisation and its team members.
6. Cultivates diversity
Flexible coworking spaces bring people from diverse backgrounds together. This gives people the opportunity to learn from each other’s experiences and understand how to work productively with those who have different opinions and values.
Plus, having a diverse coworking community enables businesses to solve problems more creatively and effectively by giving them access to a range of perspectives.
7. Encourages professional socialising
A coworking building is an ideal location for team members to socialise in a professional environment.
Whether it's asking for feedback from a group at lunchtime, bouncing challenges around over a coffee or getting advice from other businesses that share the space. Being in a supportive shared office allows businesses to communicate and socialise with a wider circle of professionals.
8. Boosts engagement and motivation
Working alone can leave a team feeling disparate without the joint direction and morale of a group. Bringing your team together in a coworking community can inspire each member to play their part in a wider project, boosting both engagement and motivation.
9. Offers networking opportunities
Many coworking offices have a schedule of events, talks and advice sessions that members can attend.
These networking opportunities enable individuals to meet many other professionals and build useful connections. As such, coworking locations with strong communities are ideal places to build partnerships and share valuable insights.
How to develop a community in your coworking space
Getting a membership to a coworking space is only the first stage of building an effective coworking community. To get the full benefit, businesses and individuals don’t just need to join these groups but help build them too. Here’s how.
1. Encourage communication
If your colleagues have only worked with each other before joining a coworking office space, then it's important to set out some ground rules and incentives for communicating with others in the workspace.
You might want to avoid talking about certain projects or clients publicly. However, giving your team some best practices and encouraging them to share ideas, collaborate and gather feedback wherever possible will help them make the most of the coworking facilities.
2. Stay connected
Once your team has connected with others in the shared office, it's important to maintain these relationships inside and outside the coworking building. Again, it's important to set out guidelines for these interactions to ensure individuals feel comfortable in their community.
Create a group via Slack or LinkedIn or encourage community members to sign up for your newsletter. By connecting regularly and effectively with individuals you can position your business at the forefront of the coworking community.
3. Connect with other coworkers
Where they believe it's valuable and productive to do so, colleagues who spend time in the community workspace should be encouraged to connect professionals they’ve met there with their coworkers. Particularly those working remotely.
This way, your business can grow its network beyond the confines of the coworking building.
4. Build a positive reputation with trust and respect
Team members who work in the co-space represent your business. They are the face of your brand. It's important to make it clear to your colleagues that they should uphold your culture’s values and treat those they meet (alongside the office facilities) with trust and respect.
This will help to maintain and build the business’s reputation within the workspace.
5. Expand your network whenever opportunities arise
Coworking locations are hubs for networking opportunities. When they arise, your team should be proactive. Encourage your colleagues to make the most of every opportunity by giving them individual support and advice.
This may involve helping them to identify potential opportunities or mentoring them to improve their networking confidence.
6. Share experiences and knowledge
Community workspaces are ideal places to share experiences and knowledge. Plus, doing so is a great way of giving back to the community you’ve built.
Member upskilling events, social clubs and webinars are all great ways for your colleagues to share their expertise. Actively participating in events or casual brainstorms run by other businesses is also a great way to support others with your own experience.
7. Organise events
Organising events is another effective way to connect and cultivate a coworking community. When planning your event, consider the people you’d like to join your community and tailor it to their needs.
Your business could:
- Host lunch in the shared office to brainstorm a challenge or creative project
- Organise a happy hour to relax with community members at the end of the day
- Run a skills workshop for professionals who use the community space
- Plan a day trip for community members to help a local charity
Enhance your coworking experience by building a community
Whether you’re a solopreneur or a manager, Regus can help find an office that meets your coworking space requirements. This includes finding a like-minded and supportive community.
With sociable workspaces, shared breakout areas, and regular networking and personal growth events, you can join our global community of eight million professionals as part of your tailored coworking space package.
Learn more about how you can work your way in Regus coworking spaces. For more help with working your way, you can reach out and enquire today. You can also find out more about our Regus membership, which allows you to work in coworking spaces all across the world.