The Psychological Benefits of Working from a Coworking Space…Even if You’re Solo

For companies, hybrid work options can be the make it or break it point for new candidates or retaining talent. The flexibility, reduced commute time, financial savings (daily Whole Foods hot bar adds up!), and ability to work-from-anywhere, is appealing and in demand.

However, if you’re a solopreneur, remote in a city where your company is not based, or your company just doesn’t have office space, you may be missing out on mental health and work benefits.

Psychologist Dr. Nekeshia Hammond shared that according to a study from the Journal of Occupational and Environmental Medicine in 2021, there was “decreased overall physical and mental well-being after WFH were associated with physical exercise, food intake, communication with coworkers, children at home, distractions while working, adjusted work hours, workstation set-up and satisfaction with workspace indoor environmental factors.” 

According to Paige Rechtman, LMHC, living alone and working from home can influence us in subtle ways where “we don’t realize are having an impact on our mental health until we start to feel depressed, lonely, bored, and unmotivated.” She identifies three key contributing factors that may affect mental health for those living alone and working from home:

Lack of Movement

When we don’t leave our homes during the week, most of us aren’t moving our bodies as often. Movement is a key component to maintaining our mental health and is proven to help improve symptoms of anxiety and depression. When you are working from home all week long, there’s no walking to the subway, no running errands after work, or even trips to the bathroom down the hall. Even if you do have some kind of workout routine (which is great and highly recommended!), the general movement your body needs likely isn’t happening as consistently throughout the day.

Lack of Novelty

One of the sneakier effects of working from home is how mundane your day-to-day experience can start to feel.

When every day feels the same, and there is no novelty or excitement or new things to look at or pass by, we start to feel bored. And that boredom slowly shifts into feeling down or even depressed. Something I always recommend clients do when they’re feeling depressed is to switch up their routine. Adding a little bit of variety to your daily experience can have a tremendous effect on your mood. By going into an office, you’re adding so many small but fresh optics to your morning routine, your commute, your actual workday, etc. A new energy can be created that will fight off some of that boredom and apathy.

Lack of Human Interaction

For anyone who lives alone, the lack of everyday human interaction can be very isolating. Even if you interact with colleagues on Zoom, you don’t have the same kind of casual interactions that you would in an office. You also aren’t getting to know anyone on a regular basis, which over time, can make you feel like you’re lacking in friendships and things to do and impact self-esteem. Even though it can feel easier to not have to go into an office and talk to people, the reward of doing it can have a long-term benefit on your wellbeing. 

We know, no one wants to wear hard pants but sometimes, it’s in the name of health. And your bank account. Depending on what coworking space option you choose, it can be more affordable than multiple trips to a coffee shop per week each month (we can’t resist ordering treats all day either).

Dr. Hammond says that benefits of working from a coworking place solo can also include increased opportunity to connect with others, decreased social isolation, and less distractions that may occur in the home setting.

What should you look for when choosing a space?

Start with the vibe and decide what amenities are most important to you. Is it a fitness studio with a Peloton room and showers? A cocktail bar with small bites? A large space or one more intimate?

After you tour your top picks, it’s time to decide if a private office or open coworking is the most appropriate for your needs.

Dr. Hammond suggests asking yourself these questions:

Do I need a private space free from distractions?

Or do I work best in an environment that has background noise, and enjoy being with others in an open space?

Rechtman says, “some people have found that they can focus much better by working from home, so if you’re worried about losing focus by being in a coworking space, a private office may help you find a happy middle ground.”

Creating your own hybrid work model can also start to open new career opportunities.

When you’re going to an office or coworking space, you’re more apt to take advantage of networking opportunities. Especially those that are unplanned, says Dr. Hammond.

Both Dr. Hammond and Rechtman agree that when working from home, it’s easier to stay there at the end of the day than venture out.

Those who work for others (not for themselves), go into their company office, or have a coworking space option, may see faster raises or promotions.

Dr. Hammond says, “some research has shown that working from a co-working space has allowed employees to thrive more, which may lead to more productivity and opportunities for faster raises or promotions.”

Rechtman’s take is “when you’re working from home, you’re out of sight, out of mind for many colleagues and superiors until work is due or you have a meeting. When you’re in person, you may pass by your boss on a more regular basis, make more casual conversations, and have more impromptu meetings. This can make you appear more invested and hard-working to others. And those subtle human interactions help build relationships. Even if it isn’t explicit, the quality of your relationships at work can come in to play when people are up for promotions at many companies.”

Ultimately, you have to choose the best option that supports your mental health and career goals. Trying something new just might be what you need.

Experts featured:

Paige Rechtman, LMHC, is a licensed therapist in NYC. Visit her website and follow on YouTube.

Dr. Nekeshia Hammond, is a psychologist, speaker, and author. Visit her website and follow on Instagram, Twitter, and LinkedIn.