Coworking has evolved from a focus on cost-effectiveness and flexible contracts to something much more. While affordability and amenities remain appealing, today’s members are just as (if not more) drawn to the culture and community of that space. Increasingly, people seek environments that align with their values, prioritizing purpose-driven work and a genuine sense of belonging over the traditional office model.
In a climate of rising social and political division, flexible workspaces must become more intentional about the culture and community they cultivate. Potential coworking members — especially those in creative fields that thrive on collaboration, diverse viewpoints, and access to opportunities — are increasingly showing a preference for workspaces that embody and reinforce the values of inclusion, equity, and community.
At Creative Works, our commitment has always been to building a community rooted in purpose and our values, which focus on creating a positive impact and a strong community grounded in equity and a sense of belonging. This commitment informs our support for mental health initiatives, sustainability efforts, charity raffles, Macmillan coffee mornings, and community breakfasts. We are proud to work alongside a network of members, partners, and neighbours who share our principles.
Create Space to Support People, Their Purpose and Wellbeing
Wellbeing, inclusion, and equity are closely linked. Equity ensures people have fair access to opportunities and resources, while inclusion creates a sense of belonging where everyone feels valued. Together, they form the foundation for wellbeing, because when people are treated fairly and included fully, they are more likely to thrive personally and collectively.
Wellbeing in coworking environments is also tied to the relationships that people build with one another. Research indicates that coworking provides members with more opportunities to nurture stronger social connections than either working from home or traditional offices, reducing levels of loneliness. Individuals who feel connected at work also report higher engagement, lower stress levels, and improved mental health.
To build on these social benefits, connection and wellbeing need to work hand in hand. In a flexible workspace, this means creating intentional opportunities for interaction and support (such as structured peer check-ins) while also offering quiet zones for focus and scheduled breaks to pause and recharge. Movement sessions or micro-rest prompts can further help members manage stress and sustain energy throughout the day.
Wellbeing is also closely tied to purpose. When people feel their work aligns with their values, they experience greater productivity and job satisfaction. In coworking environments, this can be nurtured through collaborative projects and mission-driven initiatives that provide a sense of greater purpose and community.
Make Inclusion a Daily Practice, Not an Abstract Policy
Diversity, equity, and inclusion are often discussed as goals, but they are not always reflected in everyday practice. In coworking environments, the need to embed these values is particularly pronounced, as people from diverse backgrounds work closely together, crossing lines of class, race, ethnicity, age, disability, gender, and neurodiversity.
Real inclusion requires psychological safety, and creating this safety means establishing clear shared expectations and making it clear that bullying or harassment will not be tolerated. Spaces should be built on trust and openness, with active listening, empathetic responses, and an environment where members feel safe asking questions, sharing mistakes, and speaking freely without fear of ridicule or penalty. Inclusion is further strengthened when differences are recognised, celebrated, and when everyone is encouraged and supported to have their voice heard.
Because coworking communities are inherently diverse, inclusion must go beyond tolerance and be woven into the daily operations of the space. Intentional design can play a key role: accessibility features such as ramps, clear signage, quiet zones, and lighting that support neurodiversity help ensure everyone can participate fully.
Move Beyond Performative Gestures to Meaningful Actions
Organisational values come to life only when they are reflected in everyday actions, decisions, and interactions. In a coworking space, managers play a vital role in turning these values into real experiences for members — setting the tone, modeling behaviour, and shaping a culture where people feel seen, supported, and inspired. Here are some ways they can do this:
- Openly endorsing values: When hosts, staff, or members pause meetings to reflect on inclusion, explicitly address microaggressions, or adjust a room’s design, it sends a clear signal about what leadership truly values.
- Sharing cultural practices: Peer learning circles, workshops focused on equity and belonging, interdisciplinary creative programmes, and storytelling sessions do more than bring people together — they build shared identity, trust, and acceptance.
- Decision-making with equity at the centre: From furniture and acoustics to membership offers and the type and accessibility of events, asking ‘Who benefits? Who is left out?’ ensures that every decision reinforces the values managers prioritise.
- Prioritising wellbeing: Schedule time to slow down, reflect, and rest. Demonstrate these values by living them visibly and role-modelling them for members.
- Viewing conflict as opportunity: When opposing views arise, treat them as chances for deeper listening, adjustment, or realignment of values. Communities that ignore conflict risk breakdown; those that engage in structured dialogue become stronger and more resilient.
- Designing with intention: The physical environment also reinforces culture. Thoughtful design—including light, air, sightlines, transitions between quiet and communal areas, natural elements, and acoustic control—affects how safe and supported people feel in the space.
In a world where identity and ideological divides can strain public life, coworking rooted in inclusion, collaboration, and community is more important than ever. When these values are practiced consistently and a sense of belonging is built into the culture, coworking becomes more than flexible work — it becomes a reflection of how we value and support one another.
