Let’s be honest, few people enjoy their work all the time. A majority of people have at least once complained that their work is messing with their physical and mental health.
A 2023 report by Pew Research Centre showed that the pandemic led to an increase in the number of people wanting to work from home; they found that almost one third of the US population wants to work from home! When work from home emerged as a popular trend, we were quick to blame traditional office spaces for creating unnecessary stress and discomfort due to the way they are designed.
Before we delve deeper into this topic, let’s start by looking at the drawbacks of a traditional workspace.
What goes wrong with traditional workplaces
Time and space constraints
For many individuals, the traditional workspace can be a source of stress which can take a toll on their mental well-being. The pressure to conform with rigid schedules and meet strict deadlines can lead to increased levels of stress and anxiety.
This is not only detrimental to employees’ mental health but also results in burnout which decreases productivity rates among other things. Employers should recognize such impacts on employee’s mental health and create more supportive workplaces by implementing stress-management programs or offering resources for mental health while promoting a healthy work life balance and-life balances.
Having limited control over what you do can also contribute to a stressful work environment. It’s hard to keep one engaged or motivated when they are forced to stick to a given schedule with little say over their tasks or work methods. Moreover, the competitive atmosphere found in many traditional offices can worsen feelings of inadequacy and fear of failure.
Mental health-wise, constant pressure will take its toll on anyone; fostering cynicism, emotional exhaustion and reduced professional efficacy as described by WHO (World Health Organization) in a report about burnout. Such states will not only affect individuals but also cause an overall reduction in productivity within an organization.
Moreover, traditional workplaces usually aren’t that supportive of people with mental health problems. This is a really bad cycle because if you don’t have an outlet to deal with stress or even find help for it, the stress will keep building and building.
Perils of remote work
As we have discussed, cubicles and desks do no good to social creatures like us. They make us feel like we are locked up and forced to work, and that can be extremely demotivating. At the same time, most of us were quick to declare that work from home arrangement is the solution to all work related stress.
That may not be true. Imagine, you decide to work from home so that you can manage your household chores better. Now you are in a meeting, and you want to cook meals, go on errands, and supervise your child’s homework during work hours. How do you think that’s going to work out? Where is the work life balance?
Take for instance, this article by Stich (2021), which discusses workplace stress in a virtual office. Reduced social interaction, poor communication, and increased chances of deviant behaviour, are some threats that may arise in a remote work environment. The article doesn’t say that remote work is bad. The point is, we should be cautious before celebrating, because remote and flexible work arrangements, with their important benefits, also have some drawbacks.
Enter, co-working spaces. A co-working space is an arrangement where remote workers of all kinds- full time, freelancers, entrepreneurs- come together in one space to sit, work, take breaks and motivate each other as a group. Doesn’t that sound amazing?
On one hand, you don’t have to travel all the way to your office. On the other hand, you also don’t have to lock yourself in your bedroom all alone, typing on your computer all day. You take the good things from an traditional office setting- social interaction, collaboration, and separation of work and personal space. Then you take all the good things about a remote work arrangement- flexible hours, no commute, and freedom. And you put them together- that’s a co-working space.
The Bright Side of Coworking Spaces
Community Spirit and Social Support
There are a lot of differences between coworking spaces and traditional offices. Unlike the latter, coworking spaces focus on community and social support. And while you’ve probably heard this before, it’s true — these spaces encourage interaction and networking among members. The social aspect is also why many members say they feel a sense of belonging in coworking spaces. They attribute this to the relationships with their coworkers who support each other.
Another thing the “non-traditionalists” love about these environments is that you can choose where you work within the space. Some days you might want to be near the door while others, by the window. Either way, this autonomy gives workers peace of mind in dynamic environment which reduces stress levels drastically.
Personal Growth
In addition to all of this, there are often events hosted by these buildings meant to help personal growth or professional growth. This furthers mutual respect between coworkers. Coworking spaces provide valuable networking opportunities that result in new collaborations and business ventures. All the people out there with incredible ideas on their mind- confined to a desk, cubicle, a spreadsheet- they get to come out of their shell and discuss these ideas with people who want to listen.
Challenges of Coworking
Your experience with a coworking space depends on the space, yes. But it also depends on how you approach it. Enrolling in a coworking space doesn’t magically take away our problems with organization, planning and achieving work life balance. While a coworking space can cerainly help you get there, here are some challenges you might face before you figure out your routine in such a space.
Maintaining Work-Life Boundaries
On top of everything else, keeping up your proper work-life balance is a constant struggle in these environments. You can enter the coworking space whenever you want, so it becomes hard to separate personal time and home life from your professional life. Some individuals may find themselves working longer hours or struggling to switch off after work, which can have detrimental effects on mental health.
It is crucial for individuals to establish clear boundaries and adopt strategies to separate work from personal time. This might include setting specific work hours, using different areas within the coworking space for work and relaxation, or physically leaving the space to mark the end of the workday.
Networking vs. Mental Wellness Priorities
Another challenge faced by many coworking spaces and space users is finding the right balance between networking and mental wellness. While networking is one of the advantages of such spaces, it can also become overwhelming and counterproductive if it takes precedence over well-being. The pressure to constantly engage with others and seize every opportunity can lead to stress and burnout.
Members should be mindful of their own limits and prioritize self-care.Coworking spaces that understand this balance often provide quiet zones, wellness programs, and encourage members to take breaks and participate in activities that promote mental health.
Tips for Choosing the Right Coworking Space
When selecting a coworking space, it’s important to find one that fosters a supportive atmosphere. Look for spaces that value community, collaboration, and well-being.A good coworking space will offer more than just a desk; it will provide opportunities for learning, socializing, and relaxation.
Don’t just jump into picking a spot. Take your time, poke around, and see what works best for you. Find out how the space makes you feel, take notes on what current members say, and see if it has any bonuses that could help you like fitness classes.
At the end of the day, work needs to remain productive without being harmful to mental health and personal lives. So choose a coworking space that benefits both your work and personal life. If it’s to find peace or network with other professionals, finding an environment that supports those are vital.
Lastly, remember that it’s okay to be picky. Examine different locations and find one that keeps you happy instead of stressed out! If you are a coworking space manager or designer, hope this article helped you better understand the mental health needs of your members!
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