The Work-life Insight

WorkSocial, a female and minority-owned coworking space with locations in New Jersey and New York, welcomed Jersey City Mayor Steven Fulop last week to its headquarters at 111 Town Square Place, 12th Floor for a tour of its new expansion space.

WorkSocial recently expanded the size of its Jersey City headquarters from 8,400 square feet to 14,000 square feet, increasing its number of private offices, day offices, coworking spaces, virtual offices, and conference rooms and virtual office space in Jersey City.

Fulop met with Natasha Mohan, CEO and founder, and the rest of the WorkSocial team to tour the expanded coworking space and get a firsthand look at WorkSocial’s premium amenities, including virtual reception service, secure server access, shipping and mailing, onsite notary and high-speed Wifi, printing, hot breakfast, lunch, beverages and snacks.

Mohan is a longtime Jersey City resident and the community holds a special place in her heart as well as her business. She founded WorkSocial in August 2015 and opened the doors to its Jersey City headquarters on February 8, 2016.

Mohan has made supporting local businesses and giving back to the community an integral part of WorkSocial. The coworking space sources its lunch and snack offerings from local Jersey City restaurants and vendors. In addition, the company regularly donates food and needed supplies to the York Street Project at St. Joseph’s Home, a local organization that offers innovative programs that shelter, feed, educate and promote the healing and independence of persons in need, especially women, children, and their families.

“It was an honor to host Mayor Fulop at WorkSocial’s Jersey City headquarters,” Mohan stated. “Jersey City has been an important part of our business’s story–we started our business right here in 2015–and we are now celebrating the expansion of our headquarters and looking forward to increasing our real estate portfolio in New York City as well as growing our virtual office service Flexy worldwide.”

Studying the historical evolution of things is a fascinating topic. If we look at today’s architecture, we can see how it differs from the architecture of yesteryear. Just like architecture has evolved, the idea behind how a workspace for rent should be designed has also changed.

Another aspect of the cubicle space design era was the feeling of the workspace being very sterile. When we talk about the characteristic of something being sterile in terms of office design, we are talking about plain grey walls without any highlights or trim, harsh white lighting, the space being devoid of any hints of color, and various other things that made the working space feel more like a sterile environment, almost like a hospital or some such other such institution.

Evolving Beyond Cubicles

Eventually, small changes started to appear as the corporate world realized that collaboration was not only beneficial but an essential part of making employees more productive. Office space design changed to the point where the partitions between employees were much lower, and people could see each other while sitting down and working. There was also the gradual addition of such breakout areas and spaces where employees could take a break, enjoy a coffee, and so on. All of this took time, but it eventually brought us to where we are today. I think all of us will agree when we say that the era of cubicles is mostly behind us. Sure, they may still exist in some parts of the world, but by and large, they are looked down upon and are no longer regarded as good office designs that will help to inspire employees to work better.

In stark contrast to the recent past, today’s offices are often open spaces. This is to say that few to no partitions separate individual work areas. Usually, even private meeting rooms will be divided by glass walls and doors to minimize sound interference and maintain a sense of visual openness and transparency across the office. Furthermore, the idea of having a colorful office, not only through the addition of different shades of paint on the walls but also through the use of plants and greenery, is now a mainstay in the principles of modern office design.

Plants Have The Ability To Inspire

Something that is talked about very often is that we have started to lose our connection with nature. Our employers often encourage us to take breaks and get away from the city, so we do not lose this connection permanently. However, a straightforward way to reintegrate the beauty of nature into our lives is to be surrounded by a bounty of plants and greenery. This helps us create a win-win situation regarding office design because the space looks beautiful. More importantly, plants and greenery have also raised people's moods, boosting productivity.

Lastly, another benefit to having a green office space is that we end up helping reduce our carbon footprint by a little bit. We help to ensure that the air our employees breathe is better than the stale air that would otherwise be circulating in a plantless office.

Conclusion

There is no doubt that greenery is a design element that is here to stay. Modern coworking spaces are designed with precisely this directive in mind. There is an abundance of greenery and plants that will help your employees feel like they are connected to nature and improve their overall well-being and productivity.

Partnering with coworking spaces is the easiest way to access a green working space for your employees, which you should consider.

Some say the bubble has burst: Co-working was hot as lit coals but now it’s cooling. Others disagree: In a post-pandemic world, the need for flexible, off-site space is in great demand.

Whatever the debate, WorkSocial in Jersey City, founded six years ago, is exponentially growing, perfecting the niche it has carved in providing mostly remote office space, day desks and conference space to corporate clientele in the shadow of New York City.

Natasha Mohan, founder and CEO of WorkSocial, says her company, which is turning more than $1 million annually in revenue, has grown because her concept has evolved organically, that she listened to what the market wanted and created a solution. That the concept is never finished or fixed, but rather an ongoing work in progress.

“Our mission was to create happiness in the workplace,” Mohan said. “You spend half of your life in your workspace. The environment must be created where energy is positive, there is a sense of warmth. We need to make sure people are coming to a space they’re happy with.”

If you’ve seen the streaming Apple TV+ miniseries ‘WeCrashed,’ with its cringy and cartoonish characterizations of Adam and Rebekah Neumann, who founded, ran and ruined WeWork with cult-like aphorisms and insatiable greed, you might doubt the viability of co-working. But the high-profile company restructured its board and merged with BowX Acquisition Corp. in early 2021. Recent reporting shows, for example, that WeWork’s space at San Francisco’s Salesforce Tower has waitlists even though the company reported a $435 million loss in the first three months of 2022.

Many believe demand is skyrocketing as people are opting for flexible co-working spaces, where they can sign short-term leases or parachute into common space on an as-needed basis. And, in a new twist, some co-working companies seeking to pay lower rents have worked out deals with their landlords who take a cut of their revenue.

Unlike WeWork’s meteoric rise and ensuing chaos, WorkSocial has grown slowly, incrementally and cautiously, even continuing to increase its footprint during the pandemic. In early June, the company added 6,000 square feet to its offices on the 12th floor at 111 Town Square Place, a Class A, 14-story waterfront building in Jersey City’s Newport section.

In 2015, the company signed a 10-year lease for 4,400 square feet.

“At the time, we were trying to understand a new market,” Mohan said. “We were asking ourselves, ‘What are people looking for in a workspace in a Class A building?’ ”

Situated in the heart of a thriving financial and tech market, WorkSocial attracted companies like IASS Solutions, BlueVine and Chobani. In 2020, with a solid five years under its belt and a firm handle on an evolving office market, the company built out another 4,000 square feet, doubling its footprint. In 2021, during the pandemic when many offices, including co-working spaces became ghostly, Mohan committed to an additional 6,000 square feet — bringing the total at Town Square Place to 14,000 square feet, most of which is contiguous and located on the 12th floor. The company also leases 3,000 square feet in the same building on the third floor.

WorkSocial’s vibe is minimalist, a SoHo modernist feel with an airy lightness. Nearly 75 percent of the 150 seats are private office spaces. The bulk are open desks. Mohan says feng shui guides design choices, while ergonomics dictates chair and desk offerings. The offices are a calming shade of gray with hints of yellow for inspiration and orange “because it defines happiness.”

“Companies spend a lot of money without understanding elements that are distracting,” Mohan said. “We feel passionate about positive chi in the workplace. You want to walk into an office without obstacles. We carefully choose which way doors face, how someone should be sitting. This really says a lot about what WorkSocial is about.”

WorkSocial doesn’t hew to hipster culture — no ping pong tables, definitely no ping pong tables, Mohan said — adding “the focus here is about helping clients meet their business goals. They are coming here to work and meet their milestones.”

Along with solid business offerings like virtual reception service, secure server access, shipping and mailing, on-site notary and complimentary high-speed WiFi and printing, WorkSocial rolls out free hot breakfast, lunch, beverages and healthy high-protein snacks. The company also has a masseuse on site every two weeks.

WorkSocial is a living, breathing organism, responding to what the market dictates. Over time, the company added “phone booths,” because clients looking for privacy were stepping out into the hallways. Conference rooms have been adapted for smaller groups while the kitchen has been enlarged with an eat-in space.

“We have grown organically,” Mohan said. “We listen to feedback. We stay flexible. We pay attention to personal needs, how people function during the day. Co-working is not a static thing.”

Co-working continues to redefine itself as Manhattan workers seek flexibility in how and where they work. Mohan says companies like WorkSocial have benefitted from the pandemic, which has shaken up the office market. Many startups and incubators are seeking co-working space. Workers don’t necessarily want to go into Manhattan to their offices. And people who’d been working at home, post-pandemic, needed to get out of the house.

By year two, WorkSocial broke even. Starting in 2018, Mohan says revenues doubled yearly, and while they remained flat in 2019 and 2020, the company’s revenue doubled again in 2021.

Increasingly, co-working spaces are sprouting in Jersey City and beyond.

According to Coworking Resources, an online publication, co-working spaces are in demand because companies need flexible real estate options.

“We have seen a proliferation of people jumping into the space and that’s a good thing,” Mohan said. “We’re all looking at what each of us is doing. Jersey City is becoming a hub for co-working. This benefits all of us.”

Mental illness, in any form, takes its toll on the body and mind in myriad ways. Everyone talks about the fatigue that comes with depression or the restless leg which accompanies anxiety. But who talks about the feeling of being lost for words? This feeling comes from countless places, some of which are undefinable.

What Are Some Communication Difficulties Associated with Mental Illnesses?

The human mind is a mysterious place and creates connections in different ways. It isn’t always as straightforward as one might assume. Here are some ways how mental illness affects the ability to communicate:

1. Losing Train of Thought

When brain fog settles in the mind, it is common for people to forget what they are saying midway through a sentence. It feels as though an invisible scissor has cut the thought off before you can complete it. By the time an attempt is made to retrace steps and get back into the conversation, the original thought or sentence is long gone. In such moments, an individual feels embarrassed, leading to them retreating and deciding not to communicate further.

2. Forgetting Words

It is common to forget the appropriate word needed in a sentence or conversation. It happens to the best of us! But when it happens, more often than not, having a conversation becomes difficult, and people opt out of verbal communication. A person becomes acutely aware of their shortcomings and their lack of vocabulary. What is more worrisome is the memory of the word existing hangs somewhere in the mind but remains elusive and just out of reach.

3. Mind Races Faster Than Words

The mind, especially in a state of mania, races far ahead while words struggle to catch up. Thoughts race ahead, and the brain struggles to find the words to express them. For individuals with bipolar disorder, this can come in the form of erratic and fast speech, known as ‘pressured speech.’

4. Feeling Completely Uncommunicative

Of all the difficulties faced regarding communication and speech, this often ends up being the most distressing. A sense of uncommunicativeness settles over individuals who are acutely aware of how pervasive their mental illness truly is. A steady stream of losing words, racing minds, and losing train of thought leads to a person deciding not to communicate. Rooted in the sense of embarrassment because of an inability to communicate effectively or a belief that no one understands - the reasons to stop communicating are many.

How Can One Tackle a Decision to Not Communicate?

Speech and communication have often been used interchangeably. Communication via speaking or some form of verbal communication predates all other forms of communication. It is natural for people to assume that communication equals speech. Now, step outside that box for a moment. Remember that communication comes in many shapes and forms.

There are many alternative ways to communicate when words aren’t the most comfortable choice. These methods don’t have to be to “talk” to others. They can simply be used to express the pent-up emotions and thoughts trapped inside.

These can involve:

1. Writing

Journaling is an effective way to articulate emotions that otherwise feel like a tangled, undecipherable mess. Taking the time to journal is also a good grounding habit, which benefits everyone - regardless of their mental health.

2. Creating Art

Writing still involves choosing words, even if they aren’t spoken. For those artistically inclined, creating art is another highly expressive way to examine emotions. Former First Lady Lady Bird Johnson aptly said, “Art is the window to man's soul. Without it, he would never be able to see beyond his immediate world; nor could the world see the man within.” Art materials are available in abundance, and the options are limitless. One does not have to limit themselves to a canvas and paints and can explore other mediums, including collage-making, decoupage, and clay work.

3. Dance

Movement and exercise are always recommended to those dealing with mental health issues. Dance is an effective way to get moving and channel inner emotions. Consistently making an effort to dance and move is a habit-forming activity that is mentally and physically beneficial. Dance class is also a great place to do a collective activity and feel like a part of a group without having to talk to others.

4. Sharing Blog Posts, Music, Books, and Notes

Communication comes in many shapes and forms, and staying in touch with friends can extend beyond conversations. Saying that you care or are thinking about someone doesn’t always have to be through words. Sharing music, reading recommendations, and posts still shows that you care, even if you’re unable to say it.

As with all of these suggestions, it is pertinent to remember that perfection isn’t the key. While learning dance or music, the end goal doesn’t have to be mastering the art or being the best. It can stop at enjoyment and self-expression.

Failure is another hard pill to swallow in such situations. Signing up for a year’s worth of art classes isn’t the smartest first step. Tread slowly, sign up for a week’s worth of trial classes, and gradually increase it.

The fear of communicating and socializing can be crippling. Small steps can be taken to gently but effectively overcome it. Working from home can add to the loneliness, and coworking spaces such as WorkSocial are a great space to meet like-minded people and step out of your shell.

Sources:

https://www.blurtitout.org/2022/04/07/mental-illness-communicating-when-we-dont-have-the-words/

‍https://www.cambridge.org/core/services/aop-cambridge-core/content/view/S0033291700018766

‍https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/319186https://www.williamsvillepsych.com/mental-health-communication-problems

A coworking is a fantastic space for any millennial. It’s a space that is easy to work from, surrounds them with exciting and engaging co-workers, and provides them a private office for rent to work out of simultaneously. Millennials thrive on flexibility, comfort, and meaningful engagements… and coworking spaces seem to offer all of the above!
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But what lies at the essence of a coworking space that appeals to millennials. Let’s scrape the surface and see what lies below to discover why coworking spaces are so popular among millennials in 2022.

There are several reasons why millennials are choosing co-working spaces over working from home or traditional offices:

1. Affordable Spaces

Companies are slowly shifting from the work-from-home model and returning to in-office work. As a result, offices that had closed down or let go of in-office spaces are now looking to re-open their physical spaces. Real estate prices are skyrocketing and are increasingly unsustainable for new businesses and start-ups. Coworking spaces offer a range of prices and price packages for companies looking for working spaces. They are flexible with their billing plans based on the length of time the space is being used and the number of employees. Compared to renting a whole space full-time, coworking spaces are becoming more affordable and economical in the long haul.

2. Flexible Payment Methods and Contracts

Millennials are drawn to options with simplified office options, manageable payment plans, and a reduced need for contracts. With coworking spaces, many payment options are available, most of them being online. This reduces the time wasted on paperwork and makes payment streamlined and straightforward.

2022 can be seen as the year to do away with unnecessary paperwork and make transactions, rather than cumbersome interactions at the bank. Coworking spaces are the best option for those looking for minimal workspace hassle.

3. A Sense of Freedom

An increasing number of people are moving away from working for others and switching to working for themselves. This can be in the form of being an entrepreneur, freelancing, or a start-up. For millennials, the benefit of working in a coworking space lies in the fact that they can pack up and move workspaces at a moment’s notice. People are no longer tied down to a city. They are willing to move where the work takes them and are looking for transient spaces, like coworking spaces, rather than permanent spaces (like buying or renting).

4. Accessible Spaces

Millennials gravitate toward urban-centric spaces with readily available amenities and accessibility via public transport. This translates into people renting apartments in the city rather than the suburbs and looking for urban spaces to work. Most coworking spaces have many branches – both in the suburbs and the city. Locating a coworking space that fits the bill is as simple as typing “coworking space near me” in a search engine. Such accessible spaces make it easy for people to live and work in the city – with the office a short walk away from home.

5. Networking Opportunities

Coworking spaces make for great networking opportunities. At any given time, a coworking space will have a varying demographic of employees. This allows industry connections and social and professional networks to be expanded. The kinds of employees working out of coworking spaces also vary weekly. This means that the types of connections made amongst employees change every week. These connections are vital for those hoping to build their brand or company.

Millennials have had their lives upturned by the pandemic, and 2022 signals the start of a new kind of normal. Traditional workspaces and 9-to-5 jobs don’t hold the significance they had in the past, and coworking spaces are the way forward.

Some FAQs About Coworking Spaces

1. What are the popular coworking spaces in New York City?WorkSocial is a fantastic option for a co-working in NYC. WorkSocial is also in the process of adding more locations and will soon be easily accessible to all.

2. What are the prices of spaces in coworking spaces?WorkSocial has office space in Jersey City, New Jersey, New York City, and Los Angeles. We are in the process of expanding and adding more locations. Our prices start from $40 a day for a coworking space depending on the location.

Sources:

https://www.theofficepass.com/toppings/why-are-millennials-choosing-coworking-spaces.html

‍https://www.forbes.com/sites/larryalton/2017/05/09/why-more-millennials-are-flocking-to-shared-office-spaces/?sh=71621e3069e8

Startups usually start with a small cohort of close colleagues. But what happens when you add a bunch of new people into this close cohort? How do you maintain the company culture? In addition, what is needed to successfully scale a business to increase market share or to increase offerings? How can a small startup grow successfully to a midsize and then large company? To address these questions, we are talking to successful business leaders who can share stories and insights from their experiences about the “5 Things You Need To Know To Successfully Scale Your Business”. As a part of this series, we had the distinct pleasure of interviewing Natasha Mohan.

Natasha Mohan, CEO and Founder of WorkSocial, serves as the driving force behind the success and steady growth of the coworking business that boasts coworking spaces in New Jersey and New York, offering flexible solutions that match the individual needs of businesses, from established enterprises to scaling startups alike. . Bringing over 20 years of diverse experience in hospitality, management, retail, real estate and artistry, Natasha culminates her talents into leading WorkSocial, a company that she refers to as “a movement of happiness.” Natasha founded the company with the motto “Connect. Create. Grow,” and connecting people has become her “superpower” that her clients rely on. What sets WorkSocial apart from other coworking spaces is Natasha–her attention to detail, personalizing the services to not only be functional but also meet the individual needs of each business and entrepreneur within the space, and her strategic adaptability–never ever stay stagnant, always growing and moving forward. Natasha holds a bachelor of administration degree from the University of Michigan and is a proud longtime Jersey City resident. For more information on WorkSocial, visit worksocial.works.

Thank you for joining us in this interview series. Our readers would love to “get to know you” a bit better. Can you tell us a bit about your ‘backstory’?

About 20 years ago, my husband and I started investing in residential and commercial real estate. I opened a small office space, and it was there that I found my niche in creating spaces for entrepreneurs and growing businesses that meet their needs for both comfort and productivity. In 2015, I founded WorkSocial, and a year later, we opened the doors to our Jersey City headquarters.

WorkSocial’s mission is to bring happiness back to the workspace, and coworking is the start of that passion. We’re proud to offer private offices for rent, shared and virtual offices for businesses and entrepreneurs to maximize productivity and meet workday goals. From the use of our address, meeting rooms, and workspace, our clients are able to design their day and their week with WorkSocial.

You’ve had a remarkable career journey. Can you highlight a key decision in your career that helped you get to where you are today?

One of the key decisions in my career was to embrace opportunities for growth and change. Since we’ve opened our doors, we have doubled our growth year after year. The ability to adapt and expand our business provides opportunities to learn about new clients and perhaps new industries where WorkSocial will develop offerings based on their needs. We are always willing to grow with our clients–it’s not just about space but how we serve our clients daily that makes them love coming to work every day.

Recently, we have expanded our Jersey City headquarters–expanding our shared space from 8,400 sq. ft. to 14,000 sq. ft. This increases WorkSocial’s number of private offices, day offices, coworking spaces, virtual offices and conference rooms rental Jeresy City, –with premium amenities, including virtual reception service, secure server access, shipping and mailing, onsite notary and complimentary high-speed Wifi, printing, hot breakfast, lunch, beverages and snacks.

In addition, we are in the process of developing and growing our virtual office brand nationwide and are looking to increase our office space in New York City in the near future.

What’s the most impactful initiative you’ve led that you’re particularly proud of?

WorkSocial’s community impact initiative is to give back to businesses that make a difference. For years, our company has supported York Street Project’s St. Joseph’s Home. Based in the heart of downtown Jersey City, this program supports women facing domestic violence as well as their children and families. St. Joseph’s Home provides families with supportive, communal living and assists the parents in working to improve their lives and attain permanent, affordable housing. The organization also provides its families with ongoing social services from professionals, including counseling, crisis interventions, family therapy, health education, parenting, life skills and family budgeting.

WorkSocial regularly provides food, clothing and other materials the organization needs to keep doing what they are doing and help the women and children in our community. We make sure to source food that is nutritious so that both children and parents feel happy and healthy and have the energy to power through their days.

Sometimes our mistakes can be our greatest teachers. Can you share a mistake you’ve made and the lesson you took away from it?

When we first started WorkSocial, we did not understand our initial client market. We did not know who was going to be interested in a workspace at this location. Once we understood who we were serving, we adapted our space and offerings to match our audience. This was the greatest lesson for our team. We have always adapted to our clients’ needs.

How has mentorship played a role in your career, whether receiving mentorship or offering it to others?

Mentorship comes from everyone around me. I am constantly learning how to improve my way of leadership and work. Being a founder of WorkSocial has taught me how to lead a team, be an advocate for our clients’ needs, and have pushed my overall skill set to another level, and I am grateful for that.

Developing your leadership style takes time and practice. Who do you model your leadership style after? What are some key character traits you try to emulate?

I have been learning from all our great leaders of today. Indira Nooyi has been an inspiration to all women aspiring to be at the top even while balancing family life. I model after my mother, who has always taught me to be calm when making decisions. I model after my husband, who has taught me to live by my calendar. I have modeled after my friends who taught me to not be so serious all the time. I have modeled after my kids, who taught me to think outside of the box.

Thank you for sharing that with us. Let’s talk about scaling a business from a small startup to a midsize and then large company. Based on your experience, can you share with our readers the “5 Things You Need To Know To Successfully Scale Your Business”? Please give a story or example for each.

1. You need patience: Every successful company does not happen overnight; it takes time to build processes, learn from mistakes, and know what you need to grow. So be patient; success will follow.
2. You need a reliable team: A team that is willing to stand by you through the ups and downs is important. If you do not see it in one of your employees, the tough decision to not have them on your team is hard but necessary.
3. Your clients: Your clients will be your best referrals. What they say and talk to others about you, says more than your space being full. It’s how you serve your clients that matters.
4. Technology: You need a functional platform that allows you to do your job efficiently and well. Whether it’s communication with clients or sending or receiving payment, if this basic technology is not there, you will not be able to satisfy your clients.
5. Innovation: Innovation is key in our industry. We have to keep improving as a business, this is the only way to keep scaling and being relevant. We have to keep impressing our clients and keep them guessing as to what is coming next to WorkSocial.

Can you share a few of the mistakes that companies make when they try to scale a business? What would you suggest to address those errors?

Not training their employees: Create a day every week where you can spend time with your new hire to train them and answer questions so they can begin to do their job.

Transparency: It’s important to give your team transparency in the direction the business is heading. If they have no clue, they are not going to give it their all to do better at their job and help the company grow.

Scaling includes bringing new people into the organization. How can a company preserve its company culture and ethos when new people are brought in?

Team Events: Keep the team together and aligned. Have them do activities that will bring them closer together

Teach them: There are going to be different personality types amongst your staff as you scale your business. It’s important to observe and learn what role would be best for them and where they have the potential to excel. Staff who have previous experience in the role or are familiar with the company and its processes can assist with training. This helps build connections between staff and gives employees a chance to undertake leadership positions. It also helps team members understand the challenges and opportunities in each role and helps the company succeed overall.

In my work, I focus on helping companies to simplify the process of creating documentation of their workflow, so I am particularly passionate about this question. Many times, a key aspect of scaling your business is scaling your team’s knowledge and internal procedures. What tools or techniques have helped your teams be successful at scaling internally?

Streamlining our internal processes. We try to make things uncomplicated so it is easier for our teams to do their jobs. Condensing steps, asking others for guidance and assistance and getting the job done.

What software or tools do you recommend to help onboard new hires?

We are currently using ADP. We are using their systems for training videos and good practices.

Because of your role, you are a person of significant influence. If you could inspire a movement that would bring the most amount of good to the most people, what would that be? You never know what your ideas can trigger.

Try to be good to your environment, to your surroundings and to the people around you. Good business people are kind, focused, and generous. Be all three, and your business will succeed.

How can our readers further follow your work online?

You can learn more about WorkSocial, our coworking services and our latest press mentions at our website worksocial.works.

This was truly meaningful! Thank you so much for your time and for sharing your expertise!

The first coworking space emerged in 2005 in San Francisco. By 2007, the word 'coworking’ appeared in Google’s database as trending. And it has only grown since then. There are now over 6,000 coworking spaces in the United States alone.

The coworking market is expected to reach $13.03 billion in 2025, a significant jump from its value of $8.14 billion in 2021. The growth of coworking spaces has signaled a departure from a traditional workplace culture. Regardless of their work structure (full-time/freelance/contractual), more individuals are choosing to work out of coworking spaces. This begs the question, what about coworking spaces appeal to employees?

This growing appeal has played a crucial role in the growth of the industry and has come about because of many factors:

1. Growth of Startups

Start-ups have become the preferred business model, driving the economy and innovation worldwide. The growth of start-ups has played a direct role in the evolution of coworking spaces. Coworking spaces are flexible and affordable - fitting the requirements of start-ups perfectly. As the number of employees grows, start-ups have the option of shifting to larger coworking spaces.

The flexibility that comes with working from a coworking space is unparalleled. As a result, it is the preferred choice amongst start-ups.

2. Flexible Workspaces

Traditional workspaces have a fixed layout which is not viable to change. Coworking spaces have an open design with moveable furniture. This allows individuals who work from there to shift the layout based on their needs. For example, if a company needs to move a few desks to create a collaborative space, it is far easier to do so in a coworking space than in a traditional workspace.

3. A Shift in Primary Focus

Earlier on, a company’s primary goal was to ensure that the workforce, as a whole, felt a sense of oneness. Within this collective sense, an individual employee’s needs were often lost, drowned out by the needs of the company to excel. Growing awareness about mental health and the requirements of employees have changed all that. Companies are placing greater importance on the well-being of their employees. By allowing employees to work from home or in a coworking space rental , companies no longer have to restrict themselves. They can choose worthy candidates who don’t have to move to work for the company.

Coworking spaces, in their essence, have a people-centric design. Their primary focus lies in ensuring people are comfortable and productive.

4. Affordability of Coworking Spaces

The cost of leasing real estate for offices has increased. It has become growingly unaffordable to lease spacious office spaces with amenities. Coworking spaces have proven to be far more affordable and less of a hassle to lease out. Gone are the days of ironclad lease agreements. The world is ever-changing, as are the dynamics of a company. Finding a workspace for a flexible amount of time is now easier, with adjustable physical spaces to fit individual needs.

5. Companies Save on Relocation Allowances and Improve Scope of Hiring

Most companies pay relocation allowances to new hires who live in another city, state, or country. These allowances vary depending on the new hire’s seniority and where they live. To cut costs, companies have reduced out-of-city hires or slashed relocation allowances. As a result, skilled employees from out of town are no longer considered for roles or turn down jobs due to a low relocation allowance.

By allowing employees to work from home or in coworking spaces, companies no longer have to restrict themselves. They can choose worthy candidates who don’t have to move to work for the company.

6. Abundant Workspace Amenities

Coworking spaces offer employees many amenities that offices or work from home cannot provide. These include high-speed wi-fi, gym facilities, collaboration and conference rooms, and break rooms. For those working from home, the chance of distractions is high, and maintaining a high Internet speed isn’t always possible.

7. Employee Engagement Activities

Coworking spaces aren’t just spaces where employees come daily, work, and then leave. These amazing spaces also organize workshops and events for the people who work from the space. Such events benefit them as industry experts, founders of start-ups, and others with experiences to share are invited regularly.

There is also high engagement between different people working in coworking spaces, where they can share ideas, tips, and experiences with each other.

As it can be seen, coworking spaces are no longer the novel concept they once were. Coworking spaces are now becoming the new normal. Spaces like WorkSocial are rapidly growing and adding more locations, making them accessible and a feasible option.

Sources:

https://www.smartworksoffice.com/workforce-trends-that-have-fueled-the-growth-of-coworking-spaces/

‍https://firstsiteguide.com/startup-stats/

‍https://www.uschamber.com/co/start/strategy/coworking-space-vs-traditional-office

Vergo has launched a financial platform built for managing the business finances of designers, builders and architects and is now operating out of WorkSocial’s Jersey City headquarters at 111 Town Square Place, 12th Floor.

Vergo was founded by Richard Kane and Einar Hohenstein in August 2021 for streamlining designers’ accounting and project management needs. The company’s software offers a banking tool that helps industry professionals with estimates, invoicing and every step in between through industry-specific banking features.

In June, Vergo announced that it had secured a $4.1 million seed funding round led by CRV and notable investors like industry-known interior designer Kelly Wearstler in its latest seed funding round. The company plans to grow its 15-person team significantly and will enhance its product offerings through partnerships with industry-oriented retailers. More than 5,000 architects, interior designers and contractors are on the waitlist to join the platform.

“We couldn’t be happier to launch Vergo at WorkSocial’s headquarters,” said Kane. “Jersey City has a strong network of designers, contractors and architects and provides easy access to New York City and surrounding metro areas. We love that we can be in the heart of where our clients are and offer them a financial solution that helps them focus less on banking needs and more on what they do best–creating unique and beautiful spaces.”

WorkSocial’s coworking space New Jersey and New York, offer a hub for entrepreneurs and growing businesses. Recently, the minority and woman-owned coworking company announced the expansion of its Jersey City headquarters to 14,000 sq. ft. from 8,400 ft, increasing its offerings of private offices to rent, day offices, coworking spaces, virtual offices, and conference rooms–with premium amenities including virtual reception service, secure server access, shipping and mailing, onsite notary and complimentary high-speed Wifi, printing, hot breakfast, lunch, beverages and snacks.

“I am proud to welcome Vergo to the WorkSocial community, serving as its home base and expanding network of professional team members and clients,” said Natasha Mohan, CEO and Founder of WorkSocial. “We look to serve businesses across a variety of industries and champion their growth and long-term success. Vergo offers a groundbreaking solution that was desperately needed in the industry, and we look forward to its continued success.”

What does self-care look like to you? Sitting back with a good book, without anyone to disturb you? Or how about baking a delicious cake from scratch? For some, it is going for a run, while for others, it’s all about a day at the spa. It sounds like something most people do, right? Unfortunately, not!

A recent survey revealed a worrying pattern. Only 1 in 3 people in America feel guilty about engaging in an act they consider self-care. And even more worrisome is that 67% of Americans choose to take care of another individual over themselves. Such statistics don’t make for good reading, and it isn’t surprising that 51% of Americans experience some form of burnout.

These statistics haven’t been placed to alarm you. Instead, they point out how prevalent a lack of self-care is in the country and how little people think about it.

Waiting to the point of burnout isn’t the goal, nor is feeling overwhelmed about how to start on this path to self-care. Often, nothing is eventually done. Creating pockets of self-care is an even middle ground on what seems to be a tumultuous path.

‍What is a pocket of self-care?

‍A pocket of self-care is a small window of time taken out of an otherwise busy day to do even one thing considered self-care. For a busy person, it can often feel like an impossible task. But start small and slowly add more time to these pockets of self-care. It can be as short as taking out 5 minutes from the day to do something centering and calming. Make it a habit and try to track it using an app or even just pen and paper. Once a pattern is established, add a few minutes to the self-care pocket. Soon, it won’t feel like a herculean task to take out some time for yourself.

‍What does self-care look like?

‍Self-care isn’t always a glamorous activity. It may not always be spa days and indulgent shopping trips. More often than not, it will be the active decision to take a moment and take care of yourself. What is self-care for you may not be self-care for another. For example, if you have difficulty exercising or aren’t in the best shape, your self-care may end up being going for a short walk. In comparison, someone who loves to work out may not have difficulty finding a moment of their day to do so.

Self-care can feel challenging at times as it may involve you doing something that makes you uncomfortable. It could mean finally seeing a therapist or cutting toxic friends out of your life. Self-care comes in the form of saying no to that one extra drink or staying in to get some sleep instead of a night out with friends.

‍What are some forms of self-care?

‍There are many different kinds of self-care. Here’s a look at each kind, along with ways in which you can perform self-care-related acts.

1. Physical Self-CarePhysical self-care ensures your body feels healthy, nourished, and running efficiently. The body and mind have a strong connection; hence, the better you feel…, the better you think. Acts of physical self-care for those who are busy can include-
   • Quick lunch break walks. Take along a colleague or a friend. Or, if you want some time alone, listen to your favorite song or audiobook.
   • Short meditation and breathwork sessions. If you work from an office or a coworking space such as WorkSocial, form a small club and invite others!
   • Eat healthy and nourishing food. If you don’t have the time to cook, sign up for a lunch service or meal prep for the week ahead every Sunday.
2. Social Self-CarePeople thrive through social contact. When you’re feeling low, talk to your friends! Face-to-face contact with other people will recharge your social battery and fuel your soul.
   • If you work from home, crave social contact, or find yourself isolated, coworking space for rent are a great place to meet people. Conversations with new people also help you open your mind to new possibilities.
   • Social self-care isn’t all positive. It also requires removing toxic people from your life and staying away from those that don’t add value to it.
   • A text message takes a minute to type and a millisecond to send. Don’t hesitate to reach out.
3. Emotional Self-CareDo you find yourself feeling drained, overstretched, and emotionally unavailable? Learning the appropriate coping mechanisms for uncomfortable emotions such as anxiety, sadness, and fear is essential.
   • Talk to a licensed therapist and learn healthy coping mechanisms
   • Learn to say no! Don’t feel guilty about not having the emotional bandwidth to take on more than you can handle.
   • Talk to friends and family about what you’re feeling, don’t let emotions bubble up... cope with them as they come to you.

Some FAQs About Self-Care

1. How do I start my journey of self-care? Start with taking a small amount of time out every day and making a habit of it.
2. What happens if I ignore my self-care? You will experience burnout eventually and find yourself lethargic, irritable, and unable to focus.
3. How can I engage with coworkers and make friends? Social interactions are a great form of self-care, and coworking spaces, such as WorkSocial, are a great place to make friends. Start a book club, a lunch potluck, or a puzzle-solving group!

Self-care is at the core of a healthy life - physical, mental, and emotional. Even amidst a busy work schedule, taking small steps is essential to a holistic sense of health.

‍Sources

‍https://www.apa.org/gradpsych/2014/04/corner

‍https://www.birchbox.com/guide/article/how-to-practice-self-care

‍https://www.verywellmind.com/self-care-strategies-overall-stress-reduction-3144729

There is a very famous image that shows the evolution of man over our time on this planet; the first image is that of our common ancestors from millions of years ago, to the final image which is that of a Homo Sapiens.

However, in modern times, there has been a humorous update to this image, which is meant to lightheartedly illustrate the fact that we have become very unhealthy as a species, especially with regards to our overall eating habits and exercise routines.

As you can see, the latest version of mankind is depicted as being unhealthy and unfit; this is represented by the obesity of the man in the image, as well the fact that the person is seen consuming fast food. While this particular image focuses on the physical health of human beings, there is another parody version that has been created that speaks to the decline of our collective mental health as well.

As you can clearly see from the image above, the pitfalls of  the technological revolution are being pointed out to us. There is no doubt that technology and science have benefited mankind greatly, but there is also a danger that comes along with these technological leaps and advances…as we become increasingly addicted to our screens and devices - we start to slump, both metaphorically and literally, into a state where our ability to engage with the ‘real world’ becomes more and more diminished.

To surmise, these parody images have been created for a very specific reason. They are based on a classical image which is a very important educational tool, and is surely taught to all young schoolchildren as part of the education on the science of evolution.  However, by highlighting the unhealthy, fast-food eating man, as well as the slumped over man buried in his screen, the message that we are supposed to imbibe is to remember where we have come from. We need to make sure that we do not lose out on our physical and mental health just because of the conveniences of modern life, and the advances of technology and science.

In the modern workplace, regardless of whether we are working from a physical office, or from the comfort of our home, we know that there is a tendency to engage in unhealthy habits. These could range from not keeping regular timings for meals, not getting enough sleep, taking on high levels of pressure, engaging in behaviours like stress eating and snacking, spending too much time constantly staring at our screens, and simply not taking enough time for ourselves to unwind and relax.

This is why modern  coworking spaces are designed in such a way that help employees minimize unhealthy behaviours and maximize good habits. There are snack areas that are loaded with healthy snacking options, partnerships with local exercise centres and gyms to make sure that employees are regularly working out, and various office design elements that make it easy for individuals to recognize that they need to take a break from their screens and just decompress for a while, before getting back to work.

So besides helping your employees to stay fit by shifting your office location to a convenient coworking space, let us look at some of the main behaviors that you can encourage your workforce to engage in. These pointers will help to ensure that they stay fit physically as well as mentally. Overall, this will lead to a level of mental sharpness which creates a win-win situation. Your employees will be happy because they are feeling great and sharp, and your business will certainly benefit from reaping the full potential of your workers' mental faculties.

1. Staying physically active: When we talk about being physically active, we are essentially talking about movement. You must have heard health care professionals talk about how 45 minutes of exercise, between four to five times a week is a must in the modern world. Now, the nature of that exercise is entirely up to one’s personal preferences. There are some people that may enjoy going for a run or a bike ride. There are others that may enjoy playing a sport, going for a swim, or having a workout session in the gym. There are still others who may enjoy instructor lead group classes for things like yoga, pilates, and so forth. So, from a convenience perspective, partnering with a coworking office space that has tie-ups with several exercise centers and sports facilities that give your employees as many options as possible is great.

2. Getting adequate and high quality sleep: When we talk about sleep, it is very important to note that we need to understand that sleep is restful and restorative when it is of an adequate duration, and of an adequate quality. You may be sleeping for 8 hours a night, but unless you are able to enter what is known as the stage of REM sleep, you may find that you are waking up tired and groggy. There are simple hacks that everyone can engage in to ensure that they are getting adequate REM sleep. These hacks include making sure that you do not have any screen time/blue light exposure, at least an hour before your bedtime. You can also speak to your healthcare provider about supplements like melatonin, or you can always opt for natural remedies like chamomile teas and so on.

3. Quitting smoking: It has been definitively established that tobacco use is bad for overall health and longevity. If you are someone that smokes, or you have employees that are smokers and need frequent smoke breaks to get through the day, you need to consider some proactive options to nip this disastrous habit in the bud. Oftentimes, individuals become habituated to smoke breaks, but even a simple strategy like giving employees interesting ways to enjoy a break without having to reach for a cigarette can help to break this deadly habit. This is another place where coworking spaces are very helpful, as there are several break rooms that have a number of fun activities that can serve as a substitute for a smoke break.

4. Having good social networks/interactions/connections: As we have all experienced in the modern world of social media, we are often obsessed with how many times our virtual presence is noticed, how many ‘likes’ and ‘comments’ we get on our updates and posts, and so on. What happens in this process, is that our propensity to pay attention to our human, in-person relationships begins to falter. When this happens, we lose out on a critical component of what makes us uniquely human, namely our physical interactions and connections with other members of our species. We need to guard against becoming too obsessed and involved in the world of our electronic devices and social networks, and remember to maintain the real, in-person relationships that we have.

5. Reducing alcohol intake: After a long day at work, many individuals turn to alcohol in order to unwind and relax. This is not a good option as it is something that has a profoundly negative effect on one’s physical health, mental health, financial health, relationships, and so on. Alcohol also has a very negative impact on something we discussed earlier, namely REM sleep. While alcohol may help some people to fall asleep faster, there is no doubt that the quality of their sleep will be severely impacted. If you or your employees have expressed issues with excess alcohol consumption, make sure that you try and organize informational sessions that not only talk about the dangers of alcohol, but also point individuals in the direction of the help and support that they may need in order to abstain from alcohol altogether. Recovery from alcohol addiction is something that requires a lot of support and employers need to be sensitive about this. Even if you have employees that do not have a drinking problem, but enjoy an occasional drink, you should make sure that they understand the prescribed quantities that are deemed appropriate by medical professionals.

6. Following a healthy and appropriate diet: In today’s world, there are constantly a number of fad diets that are being talked about. Rather than allowing one of these diets blindly, you should consult your healthcare professional, and create a diet that is optimized for you, taking into account any food allergies or sensitivities that you may have. For example, some popular diets may recommend consumption of grains, but there may be some individuals that have allergies to those grains, and therefore, that particular part of the diet is not appropriate for them. Finding the right diet for you, in conjunction with advice from your doctor or healthcare provider, is the absolute need of the hour in the modern world, where food options are virtually boundless. Of course, it goes without saying that whatever diet you find works best for you, it is always best to limit or avoid consumption of unhealthy fast foods.

‍Conclusion

‍We need to be mindful of the two parody images that we saw at the beginning of this article. Behind the humour, there is a very important lesson that we must never forget… we need to take care of our physical, mental, and emotional health. This will allow us to stay mentally sharp, work better and more efficiently, and have more time to ourselves. Remember, employees who have a sharp mind are not only happy and satisfied workers, but also very productive resources. While the list above may seem quite detailed and exhaustive, remember that, as an employer you always have the option to partner with coworking spaces that will help you create the ideal environment for your employees to follow all of the tenants mentioned above. In doing so, you will go a long way in helping yourself and your employees keep your minds sharp at any age.