September 14, 2023
SHRM recently published an article featuring organizational psychologist and Lecturer in Management and Organizations, Constance Hadley, discussing the growing problem of loneliness for working Americans.
Americans are increasingly reporting feeling lonely at work, and the shift toward working from home could make matters worse. Rather than returning to the office, many employees prefer to work from places that are socially fulfilling. Coworking spaces provide many of the amenities of an office space, including desks, collaborative and quiet areas, areas for eating and socializing, and a structured workspace. Employees can benefit from coworking spaces in several ways, including being able to work in a professional environment and being able to be more productive.
Hadley agrees that employers concerned about employee well-being need to think beyond the either/or choice between working at home or in the office. “Among these ‘third space’ options, coworking sites show special promise for solving employee loneliness,” Hadley says.
Ultimately, one of the major advantages for remote workers is the ability to work in a space designed for productivity, with ergonomic chairs, meeting rooms, stable Wi-Fi, and coffee. Offering financial support ranks as the top measure organizations can do to encourage and support their employees to use coworking spaces
