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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The Birth of Empowered Eczema 

Michelle’s journey began with her own battle against eczema. After struggling with conventional treatments and experiencing limited results, she turned to natural methodologies in search of relief. As she witnessed significant improvements in her own skin, she realized the transformative power of holistic healing.

Driven by a desire to help others on their healing journeys, Michelle started sharing her experiences on YouTube. The overwhelming response and positive feedback from viewers inspired her to become a certified health coach, equipping herself with the knowledge and tools to guide others through their eczema challenges.

The Pillars of Empowered Eczema 

Empowered Eczema stands on three core pillars: education, support, and empowerment. Michelle firmly believes that knowledge is power, and she actively educates her audience through her engaging and informative content. Her Instagram page serves as a hub for valuable resources, including eye-catching infographics that cover topics like eczema-friendly foods, skincare tips, and the Topical Steroid Withdrawal (TSW) movement. By disseminating accurate and practical information, Michelle helps individuals make informed decisions about their eczema management.

Beyond education, Michelle offers unwavering support to her community. Through one-on-one consultations, she provides personalized guidance tailored to each individual’s unique needs. Her empathetic approach creates a safe space for individuals to share their struggles and receive guidance on dietary changes, supplements, and mindset shifts. Michelle understands that eczema is not merely a physical condition but also impacts mental and emotional well-being. Therefore, she emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach, addressing all aspects of an individual’s life.

However, it is the empowerment that truly sets Empowered Eczema apart. Michelle’s goal is to empower individuals to take charge of their healing journeys. By sharing her own success story, she instills hope and inspires others to believe in their ability to overcome eczema. Through her content and resources, she encourages self-advocacy, equipping individuals with the tools to make informed decisions and regain control over their skin health.

Overcoming Challenges and Inspiring Resilience 

Building a brand and impacting lives is not without its challenges. Michelle faced her fair share of obstacles along the way. Imposter syndrome and doubts about her niche initially plagued her entrepreneurial journey. She questioned whether she needed medical qualifications to make a difference. However, Michelle realized that her role as a health coach provided her with the necessary expertise to support individuals with eczema, while always advocating for collaboration with medical professionals.

On a daily basis, Michelle grapples with the demands of running her business. Staying updated with the latest research, refining her coaching techniques, and managing multiple aspects of her brand requires dedication and discipline. However, her unwavering commitment and growth mindset empower her to overcome these challenges and continue making a positive impact.

The Future Vision of Empowered Eczema 

Looking ahead, Michelle envisions expanding Empowered Eczema’s reach and impact. Her dream is to organize healing retreats that provide individuals with immersive experiences in the healing process. These retreats would foster a supportive community, combining educational workshops, therapeutic activities, and a nurturing environment to facilitate healing and well-being.

Furthermore, Michelle is on the brink of launching a new course focused on healing candida naturally. By addressing this underlying gut condition, she aims to provide individuals with comprehensive strategies to manage eczema symptoms effectively.

Ultimately, Michelle’s vision for Empowered Eczema is to become a leading authority in holistic healing for eczema. Through innovation, continuous learning, and unwavering dedication, she aims to empower individuals globally to overcome their eczema challenges and achieve optimal well-being.

Conclusion 

Michelle Mills and her brand, Empowered Eczema, are transforming the lives of individuals grappling with eczema. With her personal journey as a foundation, Michelle provides education, support, and empowerment to her community. Her commitment to holistic healing and her relentless pursuit of knowledge make her a beacon of hope for those seeking natural remedies. As she continues to grow her brand and expand her reach, Michelle’s vision of empowering countless individuals to overcome eczema and achieve optimal well-being is well on its way to becoming a reality.

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Tell us about who you are and what you do.

My name is Kelly Watt, I am in my mid-twenties, my pronouns are she/her/hers, and I am based out of New England. I teach yoga independently as I adventure down my path in the robust and inspiring yoga world! Through my practice, I discover with certainty that at the root of all that I love about life there is a common thread of creating and holding space for humans to get connected to their authentic selves and the (human, earthly, and spiritual) life around them. I treasure the opportunities to help create and facilitate these spaces through the avenues of yoga, expressive arts, travel/nature, and conversation. 

I consider it my work to ensure that everyone is welcomed with unconditional love in the community spaces I create and to let my heart lead my practice (and life) always into a more progressive, ethical, sustainable, and accessible love for people and the planet. My educational and professional backgrounds are in expressive therapies, counseling, and community work so my practice focuses on the intersection of the magic of yoga, creativity through music and movement, and community building. Often in my classes (and always in my life) my dog, Ash, is by my side–our hearts and souls are truly cut from the same cloth, so we strive to live a life full of adventure in our time together. I always joke that Ash had a career change when he flunked his service dog test but, honestly, he low-key seems to be thriving in his new career as a yogi support dog & certified good boy (& bolster haha).

What brought you to start teaching yoga independently and what do you hope to offer?

In all corners of my life, I strive to create space for humans to connect with themselves and with others in a meaningful and authentic way- this is always at the heart of my practice. I consider it my work to set the stage for people to get there a little bit easier through offering them a loving space paired with the creative alignment of music, movement, and intention setting. In my own experience, when all of these ‘ingredients’ of yoga hit just right, the real magic of deep, meaningful, and authentic connection happens. For me, that’s the first goal- and then one step further, I explore how we can lean into that space a little more and tap into the amazing, authentic parts of ourselves that often lie dormant underneath heavy judgments or fears or other burdens that we carry daily which yoga has helped to peel off- even for a moment. It’s like if we have a great yoga class and feel great physically, spiritually, & emotionally afterward and then return to our lives off the mat and keep moving forward, that alone is amazing– it’s like catching a firefly in a jar and taking it around with us. However, I think it is a missed opportunity to let it end there- let’s say we capture that great feeling, that one firefly for ourselves, what would happen if we noticed all the other people around us in that class who also caught a firefly during class? What if we came together, even briefly, to lean in a little further and take advantage of that ‘best self’ space and let our fireflies free all at once. While awe-inspiring visual scene, I think the real beauty is in the authentic and connected community space that grows in this place- and I think that is a space we all need more of and the space I hope to elevate in our practice. 

Can you tell us more about how this all works?

For right now, my classes are all held via zoom to ensure that amid this pandemic all yogis can protect their peace and their safety and connect to their practice in their own spaces—all are always welcomed (whether it’s your first or your millionth time on the mat!!). 

Throughout the past few months, I have been collaborating with a variety of creative small businesses and artists in a Small Business Saturday Yoga Series where I spotlight a different business each class. For this series, yogis pay to sign up for each Saturday class and leave with a discount to the spotlighted small business, ideally sending them new orders and customers amid this particularly trying time for small business owners. For me, this series has been a really exciting new way to make my life and my practice more meaningful by elevating and spotlighting others who are out there making absolute magic, following their dreams & passions, and perpetuating goodness in this world. 

As an intentional space maker, I consider it my responsibility to ensure that all people have access and feel welcomed and protected in this community space. I believe in the foundational aspect of yoga, which is to be non-harming– this means that not only am I committed to not put harm onto others or myself, but I am also committed to being a fierce advocate for others when harm is put upon them. All are always welcomed with love and all classes are suggested donation-based; I believe yoga, self-care, and connecting to the community should never be closed off to a person because they cannot prioritize it financially. 

What is something you can offer readers of this interview?

In my small corner of the world, I hold collaboration and connection with so much love and care! I move forward in this passion project & business venture by letting each step forward be anchored to the words, “We are all just walking each other home.” And so when I have the opportunity to connect/collaborate with other people who are out there elevating goodness in the world- I consider it a huge honor to walk alongside them in this journey. I once had a professor who often said to grab ahold of the thoughts that we often let just float by…meaning, when a song pops into your head, if you are thinking of someone or get an urge to tell them something specific, or you think of something that feels random- it never is random. Everything has meaning and if it doesn’t make sense to you, it is great to get in the practice of saying those things out loud or acting on them because, most likely, it is something meaningful for that other person. I often let these kinds of signs or ‘pop up’ moments guide me to wherever it is that I may need to be– so if anything resonates with you while reading this interview or you feel like you/ someone you know may want to connect, I will always take that opportunity as an honor and never consider it to be weird or an inconvenience- so please reach out!!

What are some challenges you go through on an everyday basis in this work?

Something that I am still navigating is the complexity of monetizing something that holds your heart. In my perfect world, I would love to offer this space and this work for free because I think that everyone is deserving and it only will benefit us all. However, I am balancing knowing that to be able to expand my reach, serve more people, and continue down this path (and exist in this world) I do need to be paid and my time, service, and expertise is valuable. It is a tricky balance of knowing my worth and also ensuring that it never feels elite/exclusive and that money doesn’t taint the heart of my work. It is really important to me that this community is accessible to all people and that I never worry so much about the business/money end of this venture that I lose sight of why I want to share this work with the world in the first place. With every decision I make, I re-connect with the heart of my intentions so that I am always guided by my authentic internal compass. 

Tell us your future visions- what is your dream about taking it to the next level?

I am extremely excited to move this practice towards being an in-person practice once we eventually move through this pandemic and it is safe again to do so! I envision a loving group of humans coming together, under the warm sun, with fresh air on their skin, practicing side by side, and getting connected to the seat of their self and then sticking around after the physical practice to connect while going deeper through the avenues of art & creative expression. 

What message would you like to give to anybody who has a plan of creating something of their own and making a living through it?

Here is the same advice that I often have to remind myself; we are doing ourselves and the world around us a disservice by being small, hiding our gifts, and not going after our dreams. If something makes you radiate and feels like it truly gives you life because you love it so much, go after it and share it however you can. And why should that not be your work and your living? Life is way too fragile, and we spend way too much time working, to be unhappy at work or miserable over things that we can make choices about and control. Take hold of what lights you up and let it guide you to where you are supposed to be because you deserve to. <3

Follow Kelly Watt on Instagram: @kelwatt

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