As the workforce evolves, traditional 9-to-5 office jobs are becoming less and less popular. The good news is, coworking spaces offer a great alternative for anyone looking for a better work-life balance. You know what they say, “Life is too short to be spent in a cubicle farm.” We created Okanagan coLab with the purpose of creating a community-focused work environment that nurtures positive mental health, which has made it a popular choice for Kelowna-ites looking to escape the drudgery of corporate life.
But the benefits don’t stop there. The social aspect of our environment provides a sense of belonging and community that is essential for member’s mental health. In fact, a study conducted by Harvard Business Review found that coworkers feel more connected to others since joining a coworking space. This sense of belonging leads to increased feelings of happiness and reduced stress levels.
Coworking as a Part of Self-care Practice
Because members of coLab have the agency to make decisions based on their needs, coworking has become a valuable part of their self-care routine.
Here are some ways that our coworking community supports self-care practices:
- Mind: We provide a unique and stimulating work environment that can help boost creativity and productivity. Working in a space with like-minded individuals can also inspire new ideas and perspectives, providing mental stimulation and growth.
- Body: We host yoga classes or wellness programs, providing opportunities to take care of your physical health. Additionally, we provide standing desks and ergonomic chairs to support good posture and reduce the risk of physical strain or injury.
- Emotion: We have created a supportive community and networking opportunities, which can be beneficial for emotional well-being. Connecting with other members can provide a sense of belonging, reduce feelings of isolation, and offer a supportive network for emotional challenges.
- Spirit: We often host events and workshops that promote personal growth and development, which can be a valuable part of your spiritual practice. Additionally, the sense of community and connection helps cultivate a sense of purpose and fulfillment in your work.
By choosing to work in our space, you integrate your self-care practices with your work routine, making it easier to prioritize your well-being. Isn’t it time you found a supportive and inspiring environment that can help you thrive in all aspects of your life?
Self-care Strategies from coLab’s Members
When we talked to our members, they had these things to say about their self-care and how coworking has benefited them.
coLab provides a unique work environment that is focused on community, collaboration, and personal growth. As coLab member Joel Harrison notes, “Gym/journalling first thing in the morning so I work on myself before I’m pulled into external requests and projects.”
One of the most significant benefits of coworking is the sense of community it provides. As coLab founder Shane Austin explains, “I love being part of a community where everyone is supportive and working towards similar goals. It makes me feel like I’m part of something bigger.” This sense of belonging can lead to increased feelings of happiness and a reduction in stress levels, as evidenced by the Harvard Business Review study that found 89% of coworkers feel more connected to others since joining a coworking space.
Coworking spaces also promote work-life balance, which is essential for mental health. As coLab member Thi Dao puts it, “Change up your work environment. You will be surprised how much a new scenery can change the way your brain functions.” In fact, a survey conducted by Deskmag found that 60% of coworkers reported an improvement in their work-life balance since joining a coworking space.
In addition to promoting work-life balance, coworking spaces can also support self-care practices. As coLab member Martina Payette explains, “By asking myself questions like ‘What is my capacity today?’ and ‘Where is my energy for my developing business most needed today?’, I’m able to notice what sustains and drains my energy. Creative pursuits and connecting with others dial up my energy, while nature time sustains it.”
Coworking spaces also offer a supportive community and networking opportunities, which can be beneficial for emotional well-being, as coLab member Carly Cameron notes, “I take a lot of time to consciously understand what brings me energy in my day to day, and I focus on making sure I have those moments throughout the work day. Being extroverted means I love in person meetings.”
Mauricio Rojas nostalgically shared, “In Latin America, kitchens are the heart of homes. They are a place where fire, water, warmth, and love come together to create unforgettable flavors, distant generations, different worldviews, and new friendships.” At coLab, we’ve recreated this sense of warmth and community in our kitchen, which is the heart of our coworking space. Mauricio further states, “Like the kitchen of my childhood home, the kitchen at coLab is its beating heart, where amazing conversations suddenly happen, friendships start forging, and new ideas come to life.”
In an animated community space like coLab, an office is no longer an office — it’s a vital connection to the minds and the hearts of those who gather there. Spaces like Okanagan coLab offer many tangible and subtle benefits for mental health and well-being, and over the past decade our team has developed programming that provides support for our community, promoting collaboration and personal growth, and fostering a better work-life balance.
So, if you’re tired of the corporate world or feeling isolated working from home and seeking a better work environment, our space may be just what you need. Join our community and we’ll help you build connections, increase motivation, and achieve a better work-life balance.
