The office concept is constantly evolving. As technology changes how we interface, a new generation of human resources leaders must navigate hybrid work and coworking solutions.
For those hoping to influence the way these work environments increase employee productivity, programs like the online Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Human Resources from Pittsburg State University are an ideal resource for gaining the appropriate skills.
The workplace environment is reshaping everything from commercial real estate to remote technology, leading organizations to rethink the value of different work environments and how they impact employees.
What Is a Coworking Environment?
A coworking environment is often a third-party building that provides professionals from different industries and backgrounds a space to work. People can choose to work individually or in a group. This building typically provides desks, chairs, individual offices to work from, a shared space, internet and possibly the most important aspect — a community atmosphere.
Coworking spaces are not just about convenience: they have a number of benefits, too. For example, they have flexible leasing terms, cost savings, networking opportunities and access to work amenities (like conference rooms, kitchens and more). Additionally, since most employees simply need the internet to do their job, Indeed suggests coworking environments may include “coworking cafes,” professional, specialized and lifestyle coworking spaces.
Although some leaders think it’s good enough to offer remote work to their employees rather than making them come into the office, top leadership knows how offering different work environment opportunities benefits businesses and employees. And HR professionals know how to best communicate these options to employees.
Ways to Provide Coworking for Employees
For forward-thinking organizations, HR professionals help support the coworking environment option for remote employees. However, even if the organization is on board with coworking, it doesn’t mean the remote working employees will be.
The Harvard Business Review suggests five ways employers can optimize coworking site use:
- Ensure employees are aware of the benefits of coworking environments.
- Cover the coworking space costs, typically in the form of a stipend.
- Make it more convenient for employees to work from coworking spaces, such as providing parking discounts.
- Tie in community building at the coworking space with employee development.
- Provide training to increase employees’ interpersonal skills and boost confidence.
When employees feel fully supported by their organization, there’s no stopping their productivity and success. For remote employees who don’t necessarily love working from their home office, providing coworking spaces can boost productivity and help them live overall happier lives.
How Coworking Boosts Employee Productivity
Although remote workers benefit from more work-life balance, research shows these employees suffer from loneliness. According to the 2022 Social Connection in Remote Work Report, 55% of respondents felt at least some loneliness working remotely, and 15% felt lonely often or all the time.
These loneliness statistics are not conducive to business success because employee loneliness can affect job satisfaction, productivity and engagement. When asked which environment is the most socially fulfilling, respondents ranked third spaces (coworking spaces) highest, with the office close behind and home ranked least fulfilling.
If anything, this research further illustrates the need for organizations to help remote workers get out of their home environment and into a coworking space, especially for fully remote organizations that can do so.
Become an HR Leader at Pittsburg State University
Successful HR leaders know how to navigate discussions around work environments and whether one type works more than the other for overall business success. Graduates of Pittsburg State University’s online MBA in Human Resources program have the skills and knowledge to navigate these critical discussions.
Specifically, the course Leadership and Behavioral Management provides an in-depth study of leadership, organizational design and modern business interactions that occur daily in a company.
Learn more about Pittsburg State University’s online Master of Business Administration in Human Resources program.