If working from home the last 18 months has left you feeling depressed and isolated, you’re not alone. According to Small Business Trends, 66% of employees work from home and within that number, 21% say they experience loneliness during the workday. As the uncertainty of the pandemic continues, businesses and workers must adapt to continuing changes. How we work has changed, and for the first time, employee preferences shaping how work will be conducted in a future office environment.
For those who feel isolated and depressed from working alone at home with no adult interaction beyond online conference call interfaces, coworking can bridge the gap and quell any exposure concerns that many workers fear about returning to a traditional office space.
Once thought of as a hangout for freelancers, consultants, and startups, coworking spaces have become de facto office space options for remote workers, freelancers, and digital nomads. With layouts spacious and safety precautions upheld by office managers, work-from-home employees and entrepreneurs can avoid feelings of isolation one day at a time.
Coming to coworking space offers a much-needed change of scenery, allowing you to work independently while in the presence of others. You’ll find ample networking opportunities with others and other useful amenities like conference rooms, whiteboards, Wi-Fi access, kitchen, lounge areas, and more. Coworking spaces prove a quiet, refreshing, and professional environment that supports fosters a spirit of collaboration.
If you want some ideas how coworking can lift your spirits as a work-from-home employee or entrepreneur, here are some ways to make it work for you.
- Cluster with others. If you have coworkers who work remotely and live within proximity of the coworking space, plan a few coworking days together. Rent the conference room or a few hot desks near each other and work in a group.
- Brainstorm days. Similarly, to the last point, have a few members of your team come together for whiteboarding sessions and to collaborate on tasks.
- Happy hour. Talk to the facilities manager and arrange a small, private happy hour for you and some business colleagues.
- One-to-Ones. As you start coworking, get to know the people around you on a more intimate level. Learn about their businesses, their hobbies, and their lives over breakfast, coffee, or lunch while at the facility.
- Client Meetings. If you’re over Zoom (and we all are!) why not host your next client meeting face-to-face? Use the conference room to meet with your client or bring your client in and use conference call software provided by the coworking space to video chat with other participants on the project.
With children now in school, why not give coworking a shot? You can work for as long or as short a day as you choose. The benefits of workplace socializing are a safe environment is an opportune way to fight off depression, stress, and loneliness from working at home alone. Finding meaningful and creative ways to connect with others while getting your work done will give you a sense of accomplishment and that alone will boost your endorphins.
