Movember is more than a month of moustaches; it’s a movement about men’s health, connection, and starting meaningful conversations. While the Movember campaign often focuses on physical and mental wellbeing, there’s another side to the story that feels especially relevant to our world of coworking—that of community.
Behind the banter and beard-growing lies a dispiriting truth: the fact that many men are struggling with loneliness and disconnection. As remote and hybrid work become more prolific, more of us are working solo, often from home or cafés, without the daily interactions that once kept us grounded. The rise of flexible work has provided freedom, but for many, it’s also created a sense of isolation.
The Hidden Cost of Independence
Society has long told men to ‘be strong,’ to handle things on their own, and to keep their emotions in check. However, research tells us that this mindset can come at a cost.
According to the Movember Foundation, one in three men (36%) said they felt lonely more often than before the outbreak of COVID, and nearly a third of men (27%) reported not having any close friends at all. In a recent Health Survey for England, men aged 35–44 had one of the lowest wellbeing scores, suggesting that midlife could be one of the most vulnerable periods. These findings also indicate that men are among the most likely to experience chronic loneliness mid-career.
Loneliness is not only about how we feel. It can have some serious health implications and has been linked to increased risk of depression, heart disease, and early mortality. It has also been described as being as harmful to health as smoking fifteen cigarettes a day.
How Coworking Can Combat Loneliness
Coworking spaces such as Creative Works are redefining what work and connection can look like. They bring together freelancers, founders, and remote professionals in an environment that blends independence with community.
In a flexible workspace, conversations happen naturally: over coffee in the kitchen, between meetings, or at an after-hours event. These small, human interactions might seem insignificant, but for many people, they are the difference between feeling alone and feeling part of something meaningful.
Data reveals that 83% of coworking members feel less lonely and 78% report better mental wellbeing since joining a shared workspace. That’s no coincidence; community is one of the best natural antidotes to isolation.
At Creative Works, we see connections unfolding every day: members sharing advice, supporting each other’s projects, and forming friendships that often extend well beyond the workspace. That sense of belonging does not just boost morale; it also builds resilience.
Providing Structure, Balance, and Purpose
Coworking also gives people something that is all too easy to lose when working from home: structure. Coworking environments can provide a structured routine due to set opening hours, dedicated work areas, and the presence of others. This clear separation of work life from home life helps individuals maintain professional discipline and a predictable daily schedule, which can naturally blur when working remotely.
Having a place to go, a routine to follow, and a rhythm to the day can make a big difference to mental health. It helps separate work from rest and provides a sense of motivation.
Flexible workspaces also encourage a healthy work-life balance. Whether it’s through social gatherings, wellness events, or simply creating environments that spark creativity, these spaces can have a big impact on how connected we feel and remind us that work should not come at the expense of wellbeing.
Redefining Men’s Connection to Community
By offering community and connection, shared workspaces help reduce workplace loneliness, challenging the idea that strength means going it alone.
Genuine strength often comes from collaboration, openness, and support. In coworking spaces, men mentor younger members, collaborate on projects, and take part in initiatives that extend beyond business.
When men see their peers prioritising wellbeing, it normalises a healthier, more balanced form of masculinity that is rooted in empathy and self-care.
This Movember, let’s look beyond the moustaches. Fundraising and awareness are vital, but so is the everyday act of connecting with others to combat loneliness. Sometimes, all it takes is a single, meaningful conversation with someone new.
*If you or someone you know is feeling overwhelmed or needs to talk, please contact the Samaritans for free, confidential support (available 24/7) at 116 123 or visit www.samaritans.org.
