The feeling of belonging to a community is a key factor to the success of a coworking space. One out of three coworkers talks about coworking outside of work. The best (and free!) advertisement is thus a satisfied and happy coworker. The question remaining is: how can one assist the conception of a strong community within the coworking space and how can one encourage bonding?
Why is communication between coworkers essential?
Interaction has a positive impact on coworkers. It will notably help them channel their various assets and complete successfully their projects. Interaction in a co-working space brings along sharing of competence and knowledge. And communication between coworkers stimulates their imagination!
Do not hesitate to develop common parts in the working space
The easiest way to start a conversation… is to make people meet! To encourage those encounters you need to provide the coworking space with convivial areas. The coworking’s kitchen is the best place for people to meet and exchange over coffee, tea or at lunch. It is the perfect place to make acquaintances. How about offering breakfast from times to times? By providing quality goods to your community you will generate a bigger flow than usual.
Ease the new coworkers’ integration
You should always take the time to introduce the new recruits to the rest of the team. You could organise a “happy hour” where the new ones will present their work to the others already present. Afterworks lead to a better ambience and help exchanges. People feel comfortable enough to ask questions but they can also brainstorm all together on various projects and share their expertise to the rest of the group.
Create ‘moments’ for the team
Hosting events such as breakfasts, lunches, or afterworks is crucial to nurture a good spirit in the coworking space. On those occasions, people are more relaxed and thus connect more easily to others.
Use the web
Even though oral communication is a better way to start a conversation and to bond, using the web to improve the circulation of information within the coworking space is a good thing. You can develop your own integrated system or create a page on a dedicated network. The best option is to create an intern chat so that everyone within the coworking space can discuss with a “colleague”.
Create a directory for the coworkers
You can try to put in place a directory with the contact information of all the coworkers. You will collect precise information (type of projects on which they are working at the moment, phone number, etc) so that members of the community can exchange and keep in touch.
