How can we get the most out of these spaces? And, relating to the design, what aspects of the space are important to maximizing productivity, appealing to as many different working styles as possible, as well as enhancing well-being and inspiring user creativity?

What is Coworking?

First, we need to understand exactly what coworking is. Coworking is a type of working space in which people from different teams and companies come together to work in a single shared space.

Using a coworking space can have many benefits, both on an individual and an organisational level, and we will look at how the design and features can impact this.

Who Would Use a Coworking Space

Various businesses can use a coworking space effectively, however, when launched in the early 2000s, they would mainly attract solo workers and web entrepreneurs.

They can be a good fit for businesses entering new markets, those who don’t want to the risk of a long-term lease, as well as companies who are seeking to cut down on large amounts of unused office space, as remote working increases.

As well as the traditional start-ups and sole traders utilising the spaces, users now also include well-known and even multi-national, global organisations.

Important Features of a Coworking Space

To ensure users get all of the benefits out of a coworking space, there are elements that need to be considered in relation to how they look and the facilities they contain.

Types and design of workspaces are important

The core functionality of a coworking space is as a place to work, and it is paramount that this aspect is the focus.

It is vital to have quieter areas, as even in a shared space there are times where individuals will need to focus on something intensely. There should also be areas in which workers can take private and confidential calls, so consider a soundproofed booth, away from the rest of the space.

Also important is having practical spaces to work – i.e., making sure there are sufficient sockets to plug in laptops and chargers. Consider usability, but also the finish and design – for example making sure that any fixtures and fittings, including the sockets and any electrical enclosure boxes are of the highest standard and finish.

For everyone it is important to have practical places to work, different seating types and even features like beanbags and steps can all provide places for optimum productivity. Natural lighting throughout has many benefits, including creating a welcoming atmosphere, enhancing vitamin D and energy levels and generally elevating workplace satisfaction.

A change in scenery from the normal desk can increase productivity – 69% of office workers say that their productivity increases if they are able to work in a variety of settings throughout the day. This can also open the door to collaboration with others in the space – a potential breeding ground for a fresh set of ideas.

A meeting of minds

As well as ensuring individuals have enough practical spaces to work, a coworking space should also have areas or rooms for team meetings.

Just like the working areas, meeting room offerings should vary. There is a place for the more traditional meeting room, but consideration should also be given to booths, sofas and spaces in a kitchen or foyer, where teams can break out and discuss ideas.

As well as a range of designs, think about alternative sized meeting rooms to cope with different teams, to help reduce the risk of larger spaces being wasted for smaller teams, and vice versa – large teams being unable to find a suitable space.

Facilities and collaboration

With workstations and meeting rooms covered off; attention should be given to what other facilities your space will contain, as well as the emphasis on the collaboration.

Just as a kitchen area can become the heart of the home, a well thought out kitchen in a coworking environment can become one of the most important and collaborative places.

When teams are making teas and coffees, as well as lunches, this can be a source of interaction and spark a conversation.

As well as potentially developing ideas for work, interaction can boost the social aspect – 79% of users say that being in a coworking environment expanded their social networks, with 83% feeling less lonely.

A nice kitchen area could couple as a meeting and breakout space and could be where company updates and briefings are held.

Coffee machines, water coolers fresh fruit or even beer fridges can encourage people to leave their desks and contribute towards creating a collaborative culture. Again, ensure enough power sockets are in place, to allow people to work in these spaces too.

Offering a comfortable working environment is an essential aspect of the coworking space. With the right facilities, design, and ethos, your coworking space can become a collaborative location for business to thrive.

Sources

33 Captivating Coworking Statistics [2023]: Facts And Trends You Need To Know – Zippia

What is coworking? (wework.com)]

25 Trending Remote Work Statistics [2023]: Facts, Trends, And Projections – Zippia

Meeting Rooms for Hire in London | TOG (theofficegroup.com)

The kitchen is the heart of the home | BBC Good Food

9 Benefits of Natural Light in the Workplace (Office Spaces) (avantisystemsusa.com)

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Even more alarmingly, there is the strong possibility that the Covid pandemic will be replaced by a mental health pandemic and this one could last years. Both the government and employers will have to tread the next few months very carefully if they want to ensure that the working population stays on the mental straight and narrow.

However, there is an unlikely source of help to be found and it’s available to everyone.

Creativity!

Yes, creativity is good for your mental well-being.

How does creativity boost your mental health?

There are a number of factors that contribute to the therapeutic effect that creativity can have on mental well-being.

1. Meditation Plus: When you are creative, your brain enters a state of flow and becomes totally absorbed by what you are doing. It’s like meditation or mindfulness, but better, because you have something tangible to show for it!
2. Dopamine feel-good factor: The reward centers in our brain release dopamine; it’s this chemical surge that boosts your mood. Dopamine, sometimes referred to as the feel-good chemical, is a neurotransmitter that acts as a natural antidepressant. When we engage in creative pursuits and the neurons in our brain start firing, we receive positive re-enforcement. So not only does being creative feel good at the time, but our brains are also essentially telling us to keep going. More of the same, please.
3. Therapy: The British Journal of Health Psychology published a study that highlighted the benefits of journaling as a way of improving mental health. The study showed that writing about an emotional topic lowered people’s cortisol levels. Similarly, painting or drawing about the struggles a person is going through is a good way of expressing emotions or experiences that they are not able to verbalize or write down.
4. Socializing: Creativity doesn’t need to be an individual pursuit. It can be something that is enjoyed collectively. During Lockdown, this could be an easy, effective and entertaining way of staying connected with others……as well as being good for your mental state of mind. And when we do return to the workplace, we will be returning to a social environment.

But not only is creativity good for everybody’s well-being but it is also greatly beneficial for the commercial welfare of every single company emerging from the grip of Covid-19. Never before has creativity been more important than it is today.

What can companies do to foster creativity during Lockdown…and beyond?

1. Zoom control. Stress and pressure are not conducive to creativity. If employees are now working from home, it is counter-productive to fill up the day with back-to-back Zoom or Microsoft Teams calls. If 2 hours of commuting time a day has been saved by the mandate of Lockdown, avoid the temptation of filling this time with the more day-to-day nitty-gritty. Give this time back to employees and ask them to get creative.
2. Creative oases – Have employees got places and spaces in the home that can serve as ‘creative oases’? A home office or a corner of a room full of color, photos, and quirky little objects? A ‘Costa Kitchen’ where they can meet up daily with housemates or family to banter and brainstorm. A bathroom infused with gentle music and lavender smells to reward body and mind!
3. Moving with your mood – Do your employees know where their brain is at its creative best throughout the day? Which room in the house is good for what kind of thinking?
4. Creative twists and turns – What are you doing to encourage creativity at the very tactical level? Does every Zoom call have to follow the same format? Why not set the team a creative challenge for the week, something useful for the company, but also playful at the same time? How about sending the team a great example of creativity demonstrated during Covid-times every day at 4 pm and ask for comments? Little boosts of dopamine every day will help keep the stress away!
5. Ready for the return – What plans do you have in place for the return to normality once Covid has left our shores? Three days at the office, two days working from home? A more creativity-friendly working environment? Employers have a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to re-think the workplace and work routines. We mustn’t waste it.

Biologically speaking, creativity is good for the preservation of mental health! It’s free and there are no side-effects. Mental health is also good for creativity. So, if companies can create an environment that fosters both creativity and mental well-being, then it really is going to a big win-win all around.

Mark Simmonds is a creativity, insight, and innovation expert and the founder of GENIUS YOU – a company that helps teams develop winning ideas by strengthening creative muscles

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