Who Puts the 'Co' in Coworking?

Recently, Cat Johnson invited me to speak at the 50th Coworking Convo dedicated to the meaning of the “co” in coworking. The topic resonated deeply with me, sparking reflection on my long-standing appreciation for what "co" truly represents within this movement.

The concept of "co" in coworking was first introduced to me in January 2009 by Mindy Lawrence and Margaret Lawrence Rosas at Quiddities, founding members of NextSpace Coworking + Innovation . I remember Mindy, on her way to some serious heads-down work, pausing to flip a sign in the office window. Crafted with Sharpie on printer paper, on one side was “CO” and on the side Mindy chose to display, “WORK,”. This simple sign, delineating times for collaboration versus solitude, marked the beginning of "co" in our collective language.

The “co” in coworking has been as much a part of the movement, as the work part has. But what does "co" truly embody? At its heart, "co" signifies a shared journey, a commitment to collaboration, connection, and community. It's about coming together to create something greater than ourselves.

The Transformative Power of Coworking

The "co" in coworking is where its power lies. People-centered coworking leads to economic development, connection, belonging, growth, and health for individuals and also for communities, both internally and externally.

This transformative power is rooted in our fundamental need to experience a sense of safety, community, and connection—a requirement deeply embedded in our biology.

Our success, our creativity, and our problem-solving abilities are inextricably linked to the state of our central nervous system (CNS). When our CNS is constantly running on the high octane of hustle and grind, we are not working in our creative center. Our nervous system must be in an optimal state in order to move into creativity, problem-solving, and success.

Coworking's Unique Role in Nervous System Balance

Let’s break that down: Coworking spaces can uniquely address different states of the nervous system, primarily the sympathetic (responsible for the 'fight or flight' response) and the parasympathetic (responsible for 'rest and digest') systems. Here's how coworking helps in balancing these states:

• Sympathetic Nervous System (SNS) Activation - 'Fight or Flight': The SNS is activated in response to stress or challenges. In a traditional office, this might be due to isolation, high competition, or an overly demanding work culture. Coworking spaces can alleviate this by designing for CNS optimization, providing a more relaxed and supportive environment. The community aspect can diminish competitiveness and increase collaborative and supportive interactions, helping to calm the SNS activation.
• Parasympathetic Nervous System (PNS) Activation - 'Rest and Digest': The PNS helps to conserve energy, promote relaxation, and lower stress. Coworking spaces often have areas designed for relaxation and socialization, which can activate the PNS. Casual interactions, communal lunches, or just being in a shared, non-threatening space can promote a sense of calm and social connection, activating the PNS.
• State of Hyperarousal: In a state of hyperarousal (excessive SNS activation), individuals may experience anxiety, irritability, or an inability to concentrate. Coworking spaces designed with varied work environments allow individuals to find quiet, secluded areas when needed, helping to reduce overstimulation and allowing for focus and calm.
• State of Hypoarousal: Opposite to hyperarousal, hypoarousal can manifest as disconnection, lethargy, or lack of motivation. The community-driven, dynamic environment of a coworking space can provide stimulation and engagement, helping individuals to come out of a state of hypoarousal. The presence of others and the availability of collaborative opportunities can energize, motivate and increase mental and physical well being.
• Transitioning Between States: Flexibility is key in coworking spaces, allowing individuals to transition between states as needed. For instance, someone might need a quiet space to focus (calming the SNS) in the morning but seek a more collaborative, lively environment (engaging the PNS through positive social interactions) in the afternoon.

An Opportunity for Co-regulation

As Laura Shook Guzman , says, to perform at their best people need to be in a state of nervous system regulation at work, where they feel safe, supported, and connected. This, in turn, enhances their capacity for creativity, productivity, and resilience in the face of entrepreneurial challenges and uncertainties.

Laura’s wisdom helps us see nervous system regulation as the attunement of the inner (self) and the outer (others and environment). This inner is known as self-regulation, the ability to monitor and manage your energy states, emotions, thoughts, and behaviors in ways that are effective and productive. While the outer, co-regulation, describes how the feelings and behavior of people, animals, and environments close to us directly impact how we feel and respond to our own emotions. In the coworking context, co-regulation takes on a significant role. It's about how our surroundings and interactions with others can help us manage our own emotional and physical states. Thus, coworking sets us up for success by providing the physical infrastructure people need to get their best work done, but also the psychological safety that allows them to connect to something larger than themselves.

This psychological safety, the assurance that one can speak up and take risks without fear of humiliation, underpins the coworking experience. It lays the foundation for individual development, collaborative growth, and ultimately, leads to a form of self-actualization and community actualization that transcends the workspace.

So what does the "co" in coworking mean to me?

It's the 'co' that makes Coworking different.

The old way of working in silos and isolation is over.

We COllaborate in this industry to COcreate workplace COmmunities which COmfort and COnnect us, fostering a sense of COhesion and belonging.

In these vibrant spaces, we understand the need for COregulation - the mutual adjustment of our emotional and physiological states in a supportive environment.

This is not just about shared desks or WiFi; it's about shared experiences and mutual support.

Here, through COregulation, we navigate stress and joy COllectively, enhancing our resilience and overall well-being.

Coworking goes beyond mere physical proximity; it's about building a COmmitted network of diverse minds, where every member contributes to and benefits from the community's collective wisdom and emotional support.

This is the power of coworking - a movement that recognizes our fundamental human need for connection, collaboration, and coregulation for our holistic development and actualization.

Hey, I'm Iris Kavanagh…

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