How Does Coworking Work?
`Coworking involves creating a space for independent professionals to share equipment, ideas and experience. Freelancers, remote workers, entrepreneurs, and even academic professionals turn to coworking as the alternative to working from home. At times, this is accomplished by workers or employers purchasing a membership to coworking companies on a monthly (or even annual) basis so that they are granted access to a physical workspace when needed.
It is an evolving practice, and the people working in coworking spaces are innovative and engaging. What started as a simple alternative to noisy coffee shops with slow wifi connections has morphed into a global phenomenon that attracts independent workers from every sort of profession imaginable.
WeWork, LiquidSpace and Regus are just a few of the larger coworking space providers, and their ideas are all centered around making a place that fosters creativity, trust and family spirit. WeWork even states that their core mission is to “create a world where people work to make a life, not just a living.”
This points to the fact that coworking is about social engagement more than anything else. And the results are heightened productivity, innovation and employee satisfaction.
But how is a coworking space better than a traditional office setting? And why are coworking professionals happier and more productive at work?
The answer is found in the flexibility and community formed through coworking.
Capitalizing On Community With Challenge Coins
Remote workers thrive through autonomy. The flexible hours, no long commutes and the overall control of a working life yields heightened productivity. But working from home may not be the best option.
Distractions like dirty dishes, laundry or yard work pull remote workers away from a regular work day. And even more discouraging is the creeping shadow of loneliness. Humans are naturally social creatures, and working from home limits your ability to socialize.
Working in a traditional office comes with a loss of that autonomy, but there is plenty of opportunity to socialize.
Coworking is the best of both worlds! Members are still able to enjoy autonomy, and they also find that missing sense of community. But it's not just independent workers. Businesses have noticed the benefits of remote work and have started designing coworking spaces for their employees.
Building community spirit is essential for coworking. High-profile corporations like Microsoft and Facebook that use coworking spaces hand out challenge coins to build unity within a team. The custom coins align team goals and make remote workers feel welcome into the group, even when they are employed off-site.
Most spaces also have a community manager whose job is to cultivate team spirit within the work environment. They organize the coworking space in a way that encourages social interaction and collaboration. Events like meditation seminars, yoga class and group lunches are put together by the community manager to promote engagement.
Basically, it's their job to make sure everyone feels welcome and that the smell of fresh coffee is always bringing coworkers into the kitchen. The goal is to make it easy for new arrivals to slide right into to environment and mesh with the established identity of the space.
A small gift of welcome can go a long way. Custom challenge coins introduce coworking members to the culture of the group, acting as a physical token that all share. Coworking spaces house a diverse set of working professionals in a variety of fields, but challenge coins transcend these boundaries and help members feel like they are a part of the team.
People come and go in coworking spaces creating a revolving door of potential business associates and professional perspectives to share ideas with and learn from. Therein lies one of the most exceptional benefits of coworking over the traditional office setting.
A normal office can become stagnant over time. There is a general lack of variety when it comes to new perspectives and insight. A coworking space is alive and constantly evolving. It is a place to meet new people, network and bounce ideas around.
The Harvard Business Review conducted a survey on coworking and found that 82% of participants had expanded their professional network. Going even further, the survey found that 89% of participants reported being happier in their professional life since joining a coworking space.
Coworking spaces have an advantage over traditional offices because they allow members to hold onto their autonomy, while also giving them a community in which to socialize and learn. Challenge coins are a perfect source for building on the community remote workers seek when joining the coworking movement. They accentuate team identity and symbolize what the Harvard Business Review calls “working alone together.”
Ways To Capitalize on Community Building
The best ways to reap the benefits of increased productivity, innovation and employee satisfaction is to find unique ways to get members involved in the coworking space. The goal is to make everyone feel welcome and to encourage collaboration.
Some best practices include:
- Encouraging members to feel at home and utilize the entire space. Some coworking spaces have a hot-desk rule so that no one has an assigned space. It helps get people moving and comfortable in the entire office. When possible, centralize the kitchen so more people come together in the middle of the room to chat over coffee. Focus less on distracting things like pool tables and more on creating an inviting floor plan.
- Avoid stagnation by utilizing movable whiteboards, desks and furniture. The last thing you want is for people to feel like they are stuck in a cubicle farm. Let the workspace move and evolve over time.
- Small gifts like custom challenge coins commemorate time spent together and welcome new members into the space. Not everyone will have the time to make it to every event that a community manager organizes, but challenge coins ensure that everyone is a part of the unique identity of the coworking space. They can help stimulate conversation and community, even when members are away from the coworking office.
Coworking combines the best aspects of working in a traditional office with the independence of working from home. These spaces provide the much-needed sense of community and engagement that is missing from remote work but allow everyone to stay in control of their working life.
What are some of the other benefits of coworking? Share your thoughts on the growing practice!
