Our recent Harvard Business Review article, Coworking Is not About Workspace - It's About Feeling Less Lonely, covers research we conducted on the social side of coworking.
Some of the key survey findings from our coworking space member research show that:
- 87% of respondents report that they meet other members for social reasons, with 54% saying they socialize with other members after work and/or on weekends
- 79% said coworking has expanded their social networks
- 83% report that they are less lonely since joining a coworking space
- 89% report that they are happier since joining a coworking space
The bottom line from this research - and the research of others - is that there are very clear social benefits from belonging to a coworking space. This is especially true for those who work on their own.
Given the concerns over the growing "loneliness epidemic" and its impact on those working remotely and/or alone, these are important findings.
But coworking is obviously not just about being more social. Our research also shows significant business benefits accrue to coworking members:
- 82% of respondents reported that coworking has expanded their professional networks
- 80% reported that they turn to other coworking members for help or guidance
- 64% said their coworking networking was an important source of work and business referrals
Most importantly, most coworking members (84%) reported that working in a coworking space improved their work engagement and motivation.
The bottom line is coworking improves both the social and business lives of members.
We'll be exploring the social side of coworking more this year and will, of course, report our findings here.
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