Overview
Coworking, beyond the convenience and flexibility it affords to workers, has positive psychological side effects that help lead to better work. Less structured workspaces with people from many different companies and positions allow for many different working styles to coexist and therefore allow a greater proportion of people to bring their “full selves” to work. Community is the biggest impact – new connections, formal or casual, help keep people engaged and innovative.
Key Takeaways
- The space in which work is done has a quiet but fairly sizeable impact on the work done and the attitude pertaining to that work
- Community is an underrated but immensely important part of working culture, and it’s something of a unique advantage to community co-working spaces
- Community collaboration is so important that existing companies have opened their headquarters and offices to allow others to work there as well.
- Spaces and working structures that allow for many independent working styles to coexist mean that a greater proportion of people can bring their “full selves” to work.
Excerpts
- People who use coworking spaces see their work as meaningful.
- Coworking spaces consist of members who work for a range of different companies, ventures, and projects.
- Because there is little direct competition or internal politics, they don’t feel they have to put on a work persona to fit in.
- it is the norm to help each other out, and there are many opportunities to do so
- Coworking spaces are normally accessible 24/7
- Coworkers reported that having a community to work in helps them create structures and discipline that motivates them.
- Connections with others are a big reason why people pay to work in a communal space, as opposed to working from home for free or renting a nondescript office.
- Members can choose when and how to interact with others.
- Coworking spaces are one place to look for guidance, as they regularly offer networking events, training programs, social events, and even summer camp.
- Menlo Innovations in Ann Arbor, Michigan recently expanded their office space by 7,000 square feet so that start-ups and early stage entrepreneurs can work alongside Menlo programmers to spur community and innovation.
