When COVID-19 hit us, the world had to begin rethinking the typical office setup in order to accommodate the changing norms. Hybrid work and remote work, as well as working in isolation while social distancing, all came up as possibilities to explore during this time. However, after a while, people started getting fed up with staying at home during lockdown. Since humans are social beings by nature, we crave social interactions and close relationships with everybody around us, be it our coworkers, employers, friends or family. Here are some of the perks of coworking that will have a positive impact on your mental health-
- Reduced stress and boosted mood:
Working all alone might feel like it’s easier, at least initially, especially in terms of concentration and focus. However, when you have heavier work pressure, or are struggling with any issues at work, it always helps to have other people who are around to help or at least collaborate with you to ease pressure or to help solve work-related issues.
- Reduced loneliness and isolation:
During the lockdown days of COVID-19, we realized the hard way that not interacting with people face-to-face over long periods of time can have detrimental effects on a person’s mental and eventually physical well-being. When you are coworking with other individuals, you will feel less lonely and isolated. You can choose to take breaks and hang out with your coworkers, whether they are from your organization or not. It might help you connect, network and brainstorm about ideas as well.
- Opportunities for personal and professional growth:
If you are people-savvy, then you can definitely find multiple opportunities for professional and personal growth through basic networking at your coworking space. Coworking spaces will often also hold workshops, seminars and events, allowing for sessions on idea-sharing and networking to be nurtured organically. This can help improve your confidence, boost your mood, and provide a sense of purpose and fulfilment, leading to improved mental health.
- Improved productivity and focus:
Working with others might help you become more efficient and increase your productivity. Research shows that people working in groups can often tend to have more focus and concentration, and also better productivity compared to others who are used to working in isolation. A sense of accountability and motivation also develops when you are working with others in a shared space. Studies show that 74% of workers in coworking facilities are more productive and often experience higher levels of job experience.
- Autonomy and flexibility:
If you are looking for a high level of flexibility and autonomy in your working environment, coworking spaces will allow you to create a work-life balance that suits you best. A coworking space will give you the ability to work from different locations, choose your own hours, and have complete control over your work environment. This will allow you to reduce most of the stresses you would otherwise face in a traditional workspace. The flexibility and autonomy that coworking spaces offer can also help you avoid burnout, leading to improved mental health.
- Increased sense of community and belonging:
Freelancers, remote workers, and startups or smaller MNCs are frequently choosing coworking spaces because they can easily mingle with other individuals having a shared common goal. Aside from the practical benefits of collaborative opportunities and shared resources, coworking spaces have a profound impact on individuals’ well-being. The support and encouragement of like-minded peers can foster a positive environment, reducing feelings of isolation and promoting a sense of belonging.
- Access to resources and professional support:
There are a lot of coworking spaces that offer professional support and access to a multitude of resources. These services could include legal support, accounting services, business coaching, public speaking skills, mentorship programs etc. Sometimes these can also offer daycare facilities for employees’ children and mental health and counselling support for those who need it. The best coworking spaces go beyond the traditional offerings and provide advanced features that will add utility to workers’ lives.
- Simplifies work-life balance:
In modern businesses, coworking spaces provide flexible workspaces and a range of service contracts offering a range of benefits to tenants. Daily cleaning, mail handling, professional reception services, all of these contracts help the businesses renting the coworking space to focus on their core business. Coworking spaces can cater to specific needs and requirements with customized and personalized offerings available. This can reduce stress for tenants and simplify their business operations significantly.
These coworking spaces can also provide additional amenities like on-site gyms, childcare facilities, and various dining options, including bistros, restaurants, and coffee shops. Such amenities can help boost the morale of employees, increase productivity, and reduce employee turnover rates.
All in all, coworking spaces can have therapeutic effects on its workers alongside the regular advantages it already offers on a daily basis. In the long run, this could significantly reduce burnout related depression and other mental health issues that workers might face in a traditional workspace.
