Photos of three smiling women in a coworking space
Photo by CoWomen

A study by Marko Orel, Martin Lukes, and Jan Zouhar, published in the Journal of Small Business and Enterprise Development in June 2024, sheds light on how coworking spaces play a pivotal role in supporting remotely working micro-entrepreneurs. Let’s delve into the key findings and practical implications from this insightful research.

The Heart of the Study

The study aimed to explore the impact of coworking spaces on the wellbeing and entrepreneurial satisfaction of micro-entrepreneurs, particularly focusing on those who work remotely. Through a mixed-method approach involving quantitative surveys and qualitative focus groups, the researchers gathered comprehensive data to understand the multifaceted benefits of coworking spaces.

Key Findings

Enhanced Wellbeing and Work-Life Balance

One of the standout findings of the study is the significant improvement in wellbeing and work-life balance experienced by micro-entrepreneurs who use coworking spaces. These spaces provide more than just a place to work—they offer a structured environment that helps in separating work from personal life, which is crucial for mental health and productivity.

A quote from the study reads:

You can separate the personal life and work-life in a way that I was not doing when I was a working home as a remote freelancer. So, for me, it mentally works like this. I need this physical separation to change my mind and focus more on what I am doing.

Community and Networking

Coworking spaces foster a sense of community and offer ample networking opportunities. This social support network is invaluable for micro-entrepreneurs, who often work in isolation. Being part of a coworking community helps reduce feelings of loneliness and opens doors to collaborative opportunities and knowledge sharing.

Using a coworking space helps because you are part of a community. So, you feel you are a part of it. Even if you do not attend the events, you are still somehow a member or part of something; I think that can help many freelancers not feel so isolated and just on their own. So just the feeling of being part of it can be enough.

Special Benefits for Women and Parents

The benefits of coworking spaces are particularly pronounced for women and micro-entrepreneurs with young children. These spaces help in managing work-family boundaries more effectively, reducing stress and enhancing overall life satisfaction. For women juggling professional and family responsibilities, coworking spaces provide a conducive environment to focus on work without the typical household distractions.

I can be very productive instead of working at home for six hours because I will be interrupted every 30 minutes. I can come to a coworking space and do the work in four hours; then, I can spend two quality hours with my daughter. I think that this is helping me work less time but be more productive and then have more time. What I feel is quality of life.

Practical Implications

The study’s findings have practical implications for various stakeholders:

  1. Micro-Entrepreneurs: For those working remotely, especially women and parents, coworking spaces offer a balanced and productive work environment. The physical separation from home and the supportive community can significantly enhance both professional output and personal wellbeing.

  2. Policymakers: There’s a need to recognize and support the role of coworking spaces in the entrepreneurial ecosystem. Policies encouraging the development of such spaces, especially in residential areas, can help more micro-entrepreneurs access these benefits.

  3. Coworking Space Providers: Designing coworking spaces to meet diverse needs can attract a broader range of users. Incorporating family-friendly facilities, quiet zones, and communal areas can make these spaces more appealing to micro-entrepreneurs with different work styles and personal obligations.

Concluding Thoughts

Francesco and I obviously believe in the value of coworking, but it’s fascinating and validating to read data supporting our personal experience.

Personally, I was happy working at home until my first daughter was born, then I quickly realised that separating work from family life would be hugely beneficial. Dropping my little girl to school, then heading to La Colmena to work helps me focus, and gives a much appreciated break from the endless tasks to be done at home.

If you’d like to try coworking, come join us for a day with no obligation and see if it works for you.