Community and the “soft” data on coworking

Something cool is happening in the coworking world: A growing number of data nerds are nerding out on famously hard to track things, including the ROI on community and connection.

This is a huge win for all of us—especially those of us who swim in the waters of hard-to-track things—like community and connection.

A recent Instant article rounded up some of the hard—and soft—benefits of coworking. The hard benefits include cost efficiency, location flexibility and access to high-quality amenities.

And here’s an overview of the soft benefits:

Increased Autonomy

Over the past year, 61% of flex occupiers said a hybrid work schedule has increased in importance. This flexibility can lead to higher motivation and job satisfaction.

Sense of Community

Flexible office environments foster a strong sense of community. Data confirms 44% of occupiers believe having access to on-demand coworking spaces would positively impact their company culture.

Improved User Experience

A well-designed flexible workspace can elevate the user experience by providing a vibrant office environment, further enhanced by a sense of community. Since many flex offices are often designed with modern aesthetics and ergonomic features, they offer a more comfortable and stimulating work environment that improves daily work experiences.

Networking Opportunities

Being part of a flexible office environment places businesses within a community of other companies and entrepreneurs, fostering networking opportunities, potential partnerships, and resource sharing that are less accessible in traditional office settings.

Enhanced Employee Well-being

Many flexible offices offer amenities focused on health and wellness, such as gyms, yoga classes, and wellness workshops, supporting employees’ physical health and mental well-being. Plus, flexible workspaces are often located closer to employees’ homes, reducing commute times and enhancing work-life balance.

The Takeaway

These insights should be encouraging for all community-focused coworking spaces. And they could be useful in your own sales and marketing outreach.

Personally, I am stoked to have “community” mentioned over and over and over as a selling point for coworking and shared space. We’ve known for a long time that community is the most valuable and interesting part of coworking. It’s fantastic to see it go from being dismissed as being woo-woo to being front and center as a tangible selling point.

Keep doing the good work!

🙌