The rise of co-working spaces: Q&A with workplace wellbeing expert Penelope Aldas this World Wellbeing Week

“I would say this type of space enhances wellbeing by providing a sense of freedom and somewhere to go other than your home environment, so you are not enclosed or isolated. It importantly enables connection and interaction with surrounding neighbours, which in turn creates community, belonging and the potential for a network of friendship and support.”

“Having a sense of community and social connection when working can help enhance positivity, creativity and even collaboration.”

“Suna's beautifully designed surroundings with uplifting colours, lots of natural daylight and views of nature all help to enhance mental and emotional wellbeing. Different zones have been created within the co-working spaces to try to meet a variety of working needs. There are cosy areas as well as more public ones, and even a partitioned space has been included for those needing to make calls.”

“This is difficult to answer because everyone has different wellbeing preferences. If you have an introverted personality, you may flourish being in a quiet space on your own without distractions. However, extroverts thrive in communal environments and are stimulated by having others around them. In this case, productivity and creativity would increase.”

“The co-working space at Rubicon has the potential to become many things, and I imagine will be shaped by the people who use it. Co-working spaces could become study spaces in a library or social hubs like a cafe. I can see such spaces becoming more and more popular as the importance of community is being championed again.”