How Co-working and Co-living Spaces Can Create a Sense of Community

For many people, life can feel very isolated. Working and living alone can take its toll on our mental wellbeing, which is why it’s important to explore options that give us a chance to interact with others. Co-working and co-living spaces can help create a sense of community, boosting mental health and giving others a feeling of being part of a wider social group.

Co-working and co-living arrangements are coming to the forefront as the future of modern society. Residents and workers aren’t happy with being cut off from the rest of the word and are looking to disrupt the status quo.

Data from the National Office of Statistics showed people living alone were less happy, more anxious and less satisfied with their lives than cohabiting couples, proving we need to be around others to find happiness. This is backed up by findings that show working alone leads to people suffering from mental health issues, a feeling of isolation and a lack of self-discipline.

Creating a viable sense of community is what keeps us happy at home and at work. Co-working and co-living spaces ensure even solitary people have enough opportunities to form bonds with others, through intelligent Interior Design, a range of amenities and a willingness by co-working and co-living providers to adapt to a market that’s constantly evolving.

Intelligent Interior Design

On average, Brits spend an approximated 90% of their time indoors. This means it’s crucial our interiors reflect a positive outlook on life, and we have to put more thought into how we present and utilise the space around us. Residents and workers want to socialise and unwind when the opportunity comes up, as it’s one of the best ways to improve their quality of life.

Designing co-working and co-living spaces that fulfil this need requires a thorough and unique understanding of the issue. The key is to promote social interaction as much as possible. Spaces with plenty of comfortable seating and eye-catching designs invite conversation and enable meaningful connections.

Intelligent Interior Design in co-working environments can also help people who predominantly work by themselves feel more connected. Recent statistics reveal there are over 2 million freelancers in the UK with designers, developers and writers in high demand. Without a support network in place, these roles can lead to workers feeling isolated.

The ability to engage with other freelancers and start-up businesses can give a solitary worker someone to bounce ideas off, make friends with and even a partner to collaborate with on large, complex projects. To make this a reality, though, coworking layouts have to cater to different needs.

Sofas, lounge chairs and quirky accessories help produce a laid back atmosphere where workers can go to have informal chats and brainstorm ideas. On the other hand, a traditional office set up may be necessary to help freelancers host potential meetings.

Whether it’s purely for the need of some company or whether to find a suitable collaborator, co-working and co-living spaces help create a sense of community by bringing people closer together. The more time these individuals spend in each other’s company, the stronger their bond will grow.

A Wide Variety of Amenities

It can be difficult for people who are shy or simply unused to being around others to form a meaningful connection. After the initial meeting and conversation, it’s up to both parties to keep friendships going while looking for ways to expand the social circle. A wide variety of amenities in co-working and co-living spaces provide interesting and unique opportunities for residents and workers to create a strong community.

Co-living spaces have created a revolutionary way of living. BTR properties have gyms, games rooms, restaurants, cinemas and even rooftop terraces catering to the growing need for social stimulation.

As modern life has made it difficult for social interaction to be more accessible, a broad range of amenities within the building provides residents with different ways to bond. This means they can share common interests more easily and invite others to take part in group events such as exercise classes and dinner parties.

Even co-working spaces are being used creatively to help encourage mental and physical wellbeing amongst workers. Yoga sessions and fitness classes are becoming more widespread, as one in five workers claim they don’t feel active enough in the workplace and

are looking for ways to keep fit. This gives solo staff a chance to partake in shared activities, which can be used to open up a dialogue with others who are attending these sessions.

Large and expertly furnished communal spaces are also excellent areas for hosting networking events. Freelancers and small businesses may struggle to land clients, but a reliable spot for networking presents opportunities without the need for travelling far, saving time and expenses on growing a network.

Do Your Coworking and Co-living Spaces Create a Sense of Community?

Without others to surround us, life quickly becomes lonely and isolated, affecting our mental health in a whole host of negative ways. Humans are sociable by nature, so creating coworking and co-living spaces that foster a sense of community are a must.

These days, wellbeing is one of the biggest factors our society takes into consideration. We’ve gone from pushing ourselves to breaking point to realising life can be simpler, as long as we focus on the environment around us. The best way to do this is by instructing the experts in social, design-led furniture to furnish your coworking and co-living spaces.

We have advised providers on their Interior Designs to fashion spaces that encourage residents and workers to relax, socialise and build lasting relationships with each other. In turn, our assistance has helped boost mental wellbeing and productivity levels across the board.

Our focus is on the end user. If we keep them happy, they’re more likely to resign an agreement with you to stay longer. For more information on how LOFT can help you, and residents and workers, get in touch with a member of our team today. www.loft.co.uk.