Good News! Coworking is Making Us Smarter

coworking-smarter

Coworking makes us happier.

We coworking lifers know this anecdotally, but there’s data to back it up.

A study by Emergent Research and GCUC found that among coworking members surveyed, 89% reported they are happier, 83% reported they are less lonely, and 78% reported that coworking helps keep them sane.

The combination of social interaction, mutual support, productivity, work-life balance, wellness and flexibility that coworking offers suits many of us quite nicely.

Coworking as a Career Boost

Coworking also offers a huge career boost.

If nothing else, when you cowork, you’re surrounded by a diverse community of professionals, so your network grows exponentially from the day you join a space.

I have found this to be true, over and over again.

The in-house network at NextSpace Santa Cruz, my home coworking space for the past six years, has helped me grow a career (and saved my ass) in countless ways, large and small.

Working Below the Surface

There’s now evidence that, in addition to the tangible benefits of working in community, there are more subtle ones. We’re actually motivating and inspiring people on a level below-the-surface.

A study published in the journal Motivation and Emotion showed that emotions, such as motivation, are contagious. As Outside reports, “If someone is working in the same room with people who are internally driven, their attitude also improves. If, however, someone is working in the same room with those who aren’t too excited about their work, then their motivation decreases.”

Another study out of Northwestern University found that “sitting within 25 feet of a high performer at work improved an employee’s performance by 15 percent. But sitting within 25 feet of a low performer hurt their performance by 30 percent.”

Remember that old wisdom about being mindful of the company you keep?

Turns out (like most old wisdom) that it’s true—in coworking and beyond.

Our Surroundings Matters

Who we sit next to matters.

Who we spend our days with matters.

If we want to be smarter, more successful, more emotionally present, or more productive, we should surround ourselves with people who are smart, successful, emotionally present and productive.

Stating the Obvious

It sounds obvious, but consider the implications.

By joining a coworking community, you do far more than simply expand your professional network.

You expand your mind, intelligence and career.

As the Outside article further explains:

“This science all points toward the same basic truth: we are mirrors reflecting onto each other. The people we surround ourselves with shape us, and we shape those around us, too. The implications of this truth are important and actionable.”

Choose wisely, friend. 🤓

Coworking space operators: Join us April 24 for the next Coworking Content Training: 13 Ways to Attract Members with Content Marketing.


Coworking space operators: Subscribe to the Coworking Out Loud Newsletter to get curated articles, resources and content tips sent to you every Thursday.


Photo by Anthony Ginsbrook