Social Wellbeing: The Third Space

Carrying on the theme from last Friday’s Wellness Wave regarding social wellness, I found myself this week considering the role of third places in social wellbeing, after reading a headline about a fitness club that wanted to move from a ‘third place’ to a ‘second place’ venue.? I must admit that these two terms were new to me, so being curious I dived in and did some reading around the subject.

So, if these terms are new to you too here’s a little summary:

A third place is where people spend time between home (first place) and work (second place).? The terms was introduced by sociologist Ray Oldenburg in 1989 in his book “The Great Good Place”.? He identified 8 characteristics of what a Third Place should look like:

NEUTRAL GROUND · ?SOCIAL LEVELLER · CONVERSATION-FOCUSED · ACCESSIBLE & ACCOMMODATING · REGULAR CLIENTELE · PLAYFUL ATMOSPHERE · LOW PROFILE · HOME AWAY FROM HOME

Third places have long been essential for fostering community. Coffee shops, libraries, parks, churches, museums with open spaces, and community/civic centres, traditionally serve as hubs where people can come together to exchange ideas, build relationships, and have a good time. Sadly there has been a steady decline of these third places in the last 50 years.

There are also so-called replacements but they don’t really fit the list of traits established by Oldenburg, that would qualify as a third place.

For example, in addressing remote work loneliness, some people have proposed co-working spaces could become a "third place." However, others say they cannot be considered true “third spaces” because you are not going there to socialise, you are there to work.

Also, many modern-day third places are increasingly focused on the individual, offering environments that prioritise personal productivity or introspection over communal interaction.?

Does this lack of true third places, mean we are forced to work a little harder for our social wellness?

As always nothing stands still.

Further reading highlights that whatever you might think about the internet, it can be considered a third space because of the characteristics of online communities.?

AND there is also a line of thought that proposes the existence of another space! This one actually had me down the rabbit hole for a while.

In modern cities focused on innovation and knowledge-sharing, new social spaces are blending features of traditional environments. For example:

• Co-living combines aspects of home (first place) and work (second place).
• Co-working merges work (second place) with casual social spots (third place).
• Comingling brings together home (first place) and social hangouts (third place).

When all three—home, work, and social life—are integrated into one space, a new type of environment emerges, proposed as the "fourth place."

So, as we change the way we live, work and play, we could say that any place where you find a sense of community could be seen as a third place (or even a fourth if we go down that road), even if it doesn't fully align with Oldenburg's defining characteristics.

PRO FACT

In its essence this straightforward idea emphasises the importance of nurturing human connections and highlights that community thrives on simple elements, like a welcoming space and host, plus an openness to discover what unfolds when we gather in person and have the opportunity to be who we are and freely share our experiences and knowledge .

Research shows too that social connection can increase our odds of survival by 50%.

PRO TIPS

With the above facts in mind, and our obsession for longevity, some wellness resorts are either moving away from next-generation diagnostics and super techy biohacking, - or are combining them with – and moving towards more Blue-Zone backed factors, including purpose, community, and natural movement, which foster longevity through communal activities.

With the blurring of the lines and considering some of those key characteristics of a third place, here are 3 tips as food for thought to build social connection within your business:

• Host Local and Cultural Immersions Integrate your location's unique identity by offering events that connect guests to the local culture and community. Partner with local artisans, wellness practitioners, or cultural experts to host storytelling nights, traditional ceremonies, or farm-to-table dining experiences. These create authentic, shared moments that guests will cherish while feeling part of something larger.
• Empower Staff as Social Hosts Equip your team to act as social facilitators, not just service providers. Encourage them to create moments of interaction—whether it’s introducing guests to each other, leading group wellness activities, or sparking conversation in communal spaces. This human touch ensures your space feels welcoming and fosters a true sense of belonging.
• Curate Shared Experiences with Purpose Go beyond offering activities—focus on experiences that foster genuine connection and collaboration. Think wellness retreats with team challenges, collaborative cooking classes, or art workshops. Purpose-driven events like sustainability projects or volunteering opportunities can also unite guests around shared values and create lasting bonds.

This week I’m bringing you a recipe from the Community Kitchen in Belgium in Belgium.? They are on a mission to prepare large quantities of food (enough for up to 600 meals) within just two hours and on a tight budget of 30 cents per meal!? Which I think will be music to the ears of those in your businesses managing the purse strings!!? However, I’m sure the creative chefs you work with can put on a spin on this recipe and tailor it to your guests palates!? But of course you could always take a leaf out of their book and use your any excess produce to whip up a tasty meal for those less fortunate in your community.?

So our recipe is Mujadara a classic Lebanese comfort food!? Fun fact, this recipe can be dated back to 1226.? It ?actually transcends religion and is enjoyed by many throughout the Middle-East, being a true community food!

PS: It is also be eaten with meat during special occasions and festivities.

“The pursuit of health alone doesn’t motivate most people.? If you can cultivate passion, especially within a community, you’re intrinsically more motivated to pursue good health.”

Brooke Damerel, a wellness expert at Sensei Porcupine Creek, California

Let’s keep the wave of wellness rolling, one Friday at a time.

Until next time.

Wishing you a happy and healthful weekend.

Julie