How to Build an Authentic Coworking Community with Strong Sense of Community

Coworking spaces became popular with the modern workforce, who can work wherever they go with their laptops. The coworking movement was initiated in 2005 by a group of mobile knowledge workers in San Francisco who sought to create a shared workplace where individuals could work together and build a social community, even if they are not professionally related. Nevertheless, the emphasis on community varies among coworking spaces, with some placing a stronger focus on the communal aspect, while others prioritize privacy and office perks.

In our recent study, published in the Journal of Management Studies, we explored how community managers in coworking spaces can foster their coworking communities by addressing two key issues: defining the community’s boundaries and fostering a shared social identity. Through research conducted across 16 coworking spaces in Canada and the USA, we identified strategies that community managers use to create an engaging coworking environment. We suggest the following key takeaways for coworking spaces aiming to build a sense of community:

1. Design your coworking tour tactically: Use the tour of your coworking spaces as an opportunity to conduct informal interviews with new applicants. Clearly communicate who you are as a group (example: a community of social innovators) and your expectations for members. Be selective during recruitment: Be prepared to decline applicants if they don’t align with your expectations for ideal members.

   
   

2. Articulate a vision of your coworking space: A clear vision of the community will guide your tour design and help your members connect to the community while working in your coworking space. For example, one coworking space in our study displayed their vision statement, "Empowered women empower women," on their billboards to illustrate their vision of a supportive community for women entrepreneurs.

   
   

3. Foster meaningful connections between members: Both professional and social events foster connections, but they are insufficient on their own. Community managers should be genuinely interested in their community’s needs and tailor their events to meet those needs. By hosting events that are more relevant to your members, you will notice higher participation rates. For example, a coworking space in our study hosted a parenting workshop because they identified that many of their members were working parents with infants.

   
   

4. Set clear rules and enforce them: Protect the community’s culture by establishing rules that prevent any behaviors or attitudes that could disrupt the harmony. Ensure the space remains safe and supportive for all members, even if that means making tough decisions about membership. For instance, one coworking space in our study implemented a ‘three-strikes-out’ policy to address and prevent disruptions from members.

   
   

As coworking spaces continue to evolve, the role of community managers will remain crucial in transforming flexible workplaces into cohesive social communities. Our suggestions above will help you define the boundaries and shape the social identity of your coworking community, ultimately fostering a strong sense of community among your members.