Why The Combo of Wellness and Coworking is Trending
In the commercial office space industry, there are two sectors that are showing significant growth which experts say have no signs of slowing down - coworking or flex office spaces, fitness/wellness spaces in said spaces, and business growth from both combined.
Spaces like Remedy, in NYC and California, have served as luxury wellness hubs, and an off-site place to meet with colleagues and prospects. Alessa Caridi, founder of JōbuFIT and a workspace health and movement expert, says, “as we come out of the pandemic, I believe professionals are seeing the value in maintaining a healthy and sound body and mind. These things are truly necessities.”
Founded in 2016 on the concept of wellness in the workplace, PRIMARY Coworking was the first to combine the flex office space companies are seeking with the health component they need. Aside from greenery elements, a signature scent, and a curated playlist, the fitness studio, Peloton room, and nap room play an integral role for growing brands.
“We used to work and the icing on the cake was finishing our day with fitness or wellness. Now that we know we need to value our health more, it becomes more central to our days, so it only makes sense that we work from the places that can keep us healthy,” shared Caridi.
Integrating the two can have a profound impact on company ROI and health accountability. Additionally, it promotes networking and making meaningful connections you otherwise would never make.
We explored the connection between fitness and ROI in this piece, with Caridi adding that, “many times management can’t or won’t take the time to quantify the benefits of this new movement studio and the classes offered so fitness and wellbeing doesn’t get the credit for the company’s increased earnings.” Though that is unfortunate, wellness perks are something prospective employees are looking for in benefit packages.
The serendipitous meeting of coworking and wellness can also have a positive impact on accountability. Teaming up with an out-of-state friend or remote colleague can be OK at first, though those check-in messages and smartwatch challenges may begin to fade.
“I think doing anything with anyone that you see daily helps with your accountability,” says Caridi. “I think the harder part is finding that someone to be the accountability buddy. It only makes it easier if that someone works in the same space as you.”
Having an accountability buddy (that can be your own colleague or another coworking space member you connected with) may help you stick to your health goals and workout schedule, but also help you have a more productive, and structured day.
Health/fitness accountability may increase feelings of accomplishment, which can infiltrate other areas of life, like business, therefore increasing company ROI.
The trend of having dedicated health studios and rooms in coworking spaces has proven to be a successful venture in urban areas like NYC. As the concept continues to grow, the most important thing is to choose the one that aligns most with you and your company’s needs.