The Human Moment: Coworking for your health

Did you know that loneliness can be as harmful as smoking up to 15 cigarettes a day? A recent report from The U.S. Surgeon General “Our Epidemic of Loneliness and Isolation“ shed light on the significant impact of social isolation on an individual's physical and mental health. Surprisingly, the report states that loneliness can be even more detrimental than not exercising, obesity, and alcoholism.

The pandemic has completely upended the traditional workplace with a staggering shift towards remote work. In fact, according to WFH Research, nearly 30% of all work was done from home in January 2023, six times higher than in 2019. As a result, entire office buildings sit empty leaving individuals in search of connection and community — something that most struggle to find working from home.

As remote work became the new norm during the pandemic, people turned to Zoom, Slack, Teams, and email as their primary means of communication—missing out on the spontaneous and lively in-person interactions that come with being in the workplace. As a result, people are feeling more disconnected than ever before.

Humans are socials beings, individuals simply need human connection to be a part of their day. Some psychiatrists have compared social connection to vitamins “just as we need vitamin C each day, we also need a dose of the human moment—positive contact with other people.”

When it comes to leading a healthy and fulfilling life, it's not just about hitting the gym and eating your veggies. Studies have shown that community and connection play a vital role in our overall well-being, both mentally and physically. Researchers have identified certain "blue zones" around the world where people live the longest and healthiest lives. These blue zones have something in common: a strong sense of community and purpose. As we navigate the challenges of modern life, it's important to remember that staying connected with others is just as important for our health as any diet or exercise routine.

Joining a coworking community can do wonders for your mental well-being by providing a space that fosters and strengthens social connections. It's not just about the physical amenities like a desk, coffee, and Wi-Fi, but rather the built-in network of individuals who can become your friends, support system, or even your future partner (we've seen it happen!).

“Gravitate is a great place to work! I recently moved from the city and have been working at home and not enjoying it. Working at Gravitate has helped me keep my work and home life separate, connect with the community, and have lovely social interactions throughout the day (which I was totally missing at home).”

Coworking breaks down the walls of isolation you may feel when working alone, giving you opportunities to connect with others on a daily basis, both during the workday and at social events. A study by Harvard Business Review found “that people who belong to coworking spaces report levels of thriving that approach an average of 6 on a 7-point scale”. Coworking spaces offer a diverse community of members from various companies and projects, free from internal politics or competition, allowing individuals to have a stronger sense of identity.

Your workday does not have to be something that leaves you feeling isolated. Coworking offers a social workspace that can significantly improve your well-being and productivity, all while feeling happier and healthier.

Taryn Johnston
Gravitate Community Manager