An example of co-working spaces in Nairobi

Co-working spaces

Introduction

Co-working spaces have become a popular choice for remote workers in recent years, offering a professional and collaborative environment for individuals to work and connect with others. While the physical amenities and resources offered at co-working spaces are certainly important, the role of community in these spaces should not be overlooked.

What is a Co-Working Space?

A co-working space is a shared office space where individuals, often freelancers or remote workers, can work independently or collaborate with others. These spaces typically offer a variety of amenities such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and printing and copying services. Some co-working spaces also offer social events, networking opportunities, and access to resources such as professional development workshops.

The Benefits of Co-Working Spaces for Remote Workers

Co-working spaces offer a number of benefits for remote workers, including:

1. A professional environment: Working from home can be isolating and lack the structure and separation of work and personal life that an office provides. Co-working spaces offer a professional environment that can help remote workers stay focused and motivated.
2. Collaboration and networking opportunities: Co-working spaces often attract individuals from a variety of industries and backgrounds, providing an opportunity for remote workers to connect with and collaborate with others. These connections can lead to new business opportunities and professional development.
3. Access to resources: Co-working spaces often offer resources such as meeting rooms, printing and copying services, and professional development workshops that can be difficult for remote workers to access on their own.

4. Cost-effective: Renting a private office can be expensive, especially for remote workers who may not need a full-time workspace. Co-working spaces offer a more cost-effective option, with flexible plans that allow individuals to pay for only the amount of workspace they need.
5. Flexibility: Co-working spaces offer flexibility for remote workers, as they often have different membership plans and options for daily, weekly, or monthly use. This allows individuals to choose a plan that fits their needs and schedule.
6. Location: Co-working spaces are often located in central areas or business districts, providing a convenient and accessible location for remote workers.
7. Environment: Co-working spaces can offer a more dynamic and stimulating environment compared to working from home, which can lead to increased productivity and creativity.
8. Professional image: Using a co-working space as a business address can give remote workers a professional image and credibility, especially for those who may not have a physical office location.
9. Access to shared resources: In addition to amenities such as meeting rooms and printing services, co-working spaces may also offer access to shared resources such as kitchen facilities and office supplies. This can save remote workers time and money on these expenses.

The Role of Community in Co-Working Spaces

While the physical amenities and resources offered at co-working spaces are certainly important, the role of community in these spaces should not be overlooked. Building a sense of community in a co-working space can lead to a number of benefits for remote workers, including:

1. Social support: Working remotely can be isolating, and having a sense of community in a co-working space can provide much-needed social support and connection.
2. Professional support: Building a network of colleagues in a co-working space can provide opportunities for professional support and collaboration. For example, a remote worker may be able to seek advice or assistance from a colleague with a specific area of expertise.
3. Sense of belonging: Co-working spaces can provide a sense of belonging and connection for remote workers, who may not have the opportunity to be part of a traditional office setting.

4. Mentorship opportunities: Building a sense of community in a co-working space can lead to mentorship opportunities for remote workers. For example, a more experienced colleague may be able to provide guidance and support to a newer member of the community.
5. Professional development: Co-working spaces may offer professional development opportunities such as workshops or speaker series, which can provide remote workers with valuable skills and knowledge. These opportunities may be facilitated by members of the co-working community who are experts in their field.
6. Personal growth: Building a sense of community in a co-working space can also lead to personal growth for remote workers. For example, joining a co-working community may provide individuals with opportunities to develop leadership skills, learn from others, or take on new challenges.
7. Cultural exchange: Co-working spaces often attract individuals from diverse backgrounds and cultures, providing an opportunity for cultural exchange and learning among members of the community.
8. Social activities: In addition to work-related activities, co-working spaces may also offer social activities such as group fitness classes or community service projects, which can foster a sense of community and connection among remote workers.
9. Conflict resolution: Building a sense of community in a co-working space can also lead to the development of conflict resolution skills, as individuals learn to work and collaborate with others in a shared workspace.

Tips for Building Community in a Co-Working Space

There are a few ways that co-working spaces can foster a sense of community and connection among remote workers:

1. Encourage social interactions: Co-working spaces can encourage social interactions by hosting events such as happy hours, workshops, or networking events. These events can provide an opportunity for remote workers to connect with others and build relationships.
2. Encourage collaboration: Co-working spaces can encourage collaboration by providing resources such as meeting rooms and shared work spaces. These spaces can foster a sense of collaboration and teamwork among remote workers.
3. Encourage communication: Co-working spaces can encourage communication by providing tools such as Slack or Google Hangouts, which can facilitate virtual meetings and conversations among remote workers.
4. Encourage in-person interactions: In addition to hosting events, co-working spaces can encourage in-person interactions by creating spaces specifically designed for socializing, such as a common area or kitchen. This can provide an opportunity for remote workers to have casual conversations and build relationships.
5. Encourage participation in community activities: Co-working spaces can encourage participation in community activities by offering opportunities for remote workers to get involved, such as volunteering for community events or participating in group projects. This can help foster a sense of belonging and purpose among co-working space members.
6. Foster a welcoming and inclusive environment: Co-working spaces can create a welcoming and inclusive environment by making an effort to understand the needs and preferences of their members and catering to them. This can include providing amenities such as snacks and beverages, as well as accommodations for different cultures and lifestyles.
7. Encourage feedback and involvement: Co-working spaces can encourage feedback and involvement by soliciting input and ideas from their members. This can help create a sense of ownership and belonging among co-working space members, as they feel that their opinions and ideas are valued and taken into consideration.
8. Foster a culture of support and collaboration: Co-working spaces can foster a culture of support and collaboration by promoting a positive and collaborative atmosphere. This can include things like encouraging members to help each other out, offering mentorship and coaching opportunities, and providing resources to help remote workers succeed.

Take away

In today’s increasingly digital world, remote work has become the norm for many professionals. While working from home has its perks, it can also be isolating and lack the sense of community that many people thrive on. This is where community-focused co-working spaces come in. These spaces are designed specifically to meet the needs of remote workers by providing opportunities for connection and collaboration.

When you work in a community-focused co-working space, you have access to like-minded individuals who are working on similar projects. These spaces often provide access to networking events, workshops, and mentorship programs that allow you to meet and collaborate with other remote workers. Additionally, being around other people can be beneficial for your mental health and overall productivity.

Another benefit of community-focused co-working spaces is the sense of belonging they provide. When working from home, it can be easy to feel disconnected from your profession and peers. These spaces serve as a homebase for remote workers, providing a sense of community and a physical location that you can call your own.

Having a designated space for work also aids to separate work-life balance, which can be hard to achieve when working from home. You are less likely to work around the clock and have better work-life balance when you have a designated place of work.

Moreover, by participating in a community-focused co-working space, you have access to resources that may not be available to you otherwise. Many co-working spaces offer things like meeting rooms, printing and scanning equipment, and even social activities that can make the workday more enjoyable.