- Originally published: April 21, 2022
- Last updated: June 5, 2025
Coworking community doesn’t magically appear. It takes intention, effort, and a little bit of heart. So, how do you turn your coworking space into a place where people don’t just show up, but they feel like they belong?
Let’s find out.
Building a coworking space community
What is a coworking community?
In a coworking space, community is that friendly face you see every morning. It’s spontaneous kitchen chats, new ideas from casual conversations, and the feeling that you’re never working alone. Here’s what it’s all about:
- Diverse networking opportunities: People from all walks of life come together. With events like skill swaps, industry talks, or even casual breakfasts, there’s always a reason to connect.
- A collaborative vibe: Brainstorming in lounges, helping each other out, or teaming up for a project. It’s coworking at its best.
- An inclusive atmosphere: Everyone should feel welcome, whether they’re freelancers, startups, or remote workers from abroad.
- Engagement beyond work: Be it game nights, lunches, or workshops, people connect deeply when they bond over more than just business.
- Shared goals and values: Maybe your space supports sustainability, innovation, or creativity. Whatever your mission is, let it shape your community.
Community can’t be built on BS. Show up as yourself, encourage people to be themselves and set a tone of realness in your space.
Why community matters in coworking
Let’s be honest, people can work from anywhere. While others may offer desks and fast WiFi, your community becomes the reason people join — and stay. When members feel welcome and part of something bigger, they’re more likely to keep coming back, even if another place costs less.
And the benefits go beyond loyalty. Coworking industry statistics show that people in coworking communities feel happier, less lonely, and more connected. In fact, 89% say they’re happier, and 83% feel less isolated. Plus, it’s great for business, as 82% have grown their network, and many have picked up new skills along the way. So when you build a strong community, you’re not just growing your space, you’re helping people thrive.
How to build a coworking space community
1. Pay attention to the coworking space design
The way your coworking space is designed up plays a big role in how easy it is for people to meet and connect. When members share things like meeting rooms, kitchens, or big tables, they naturally run into each other during the day. Maybe it’s while making coffee, heating up lunch, or finding a spot to sit, these everyday moments are when real conversations start.
Simple design choices can help spark these interactions. Big shared tables instead of rows of desks, cozy lounge areas, and a welcoming kitchen space can turn casual run-ins into real connections. When people bump into each other often, they start to feel more comfortable saying hello, starting conversations, and building friendships.
2. Create opportunities to connect
The best connections happen naturally, but you can help them along. Host one-time or recurring events that bring people together without pressure, for example:
- Weekly breakfasts .
- Game nights
- Happy hours
- Workshops
- Community lunches or field trips
- Evening happy hours
- Speed networking
- Smaller coworking conferences
Even if only a few show up at first, keep going. Building a coworking community takes time.
3. Empower your community manager
A great coworking community manager is the glue that holds your space together. They onboard new members, remember people’s names, introduce like-minded people to one another, and check in to see how everyone’s doing. They quietly notice when someone looks a bit lost and step in. They celebrate wins, big and small — even if it’s just ringing a bell when someone lands a new client.
Behind the scenes, community managers are also running operations, troubleshooting tech issues, managing bookings, planning events, solving last-minute problems, and keeping the day flowing smoothly — all while making it look effortless.
The community manager's role doesn’t live in the title — it lives in the 1,000 invisible actions that make a space feel alive.
The key to a thriving community is recognizing their impact and giving them the support, tools, and time they need to do what they do best: create a space where people feel like they truly belong. Because at the end of the day, your community manager is the experience — and without them, there is no community.
Encourage them to:
- Get to know everyone personally
- Connect members who have similar goals
- Host quick surveys to see what people like (or don’t)
- Introduce new members around immediately
- Celebrate member wins publicly — even a small bell for “new client” moments can go a long way
- Ask people to contribute to the coworking community
Coworking community managers set the tone, so make sure they have the coworking tools and support to do it well. Speaking of…
4. Use coworking software to build a community that sticks
Community management is where coworking software like Archie really shines:
🧑🤝🧑 Member directory: Know who’s in the space
With Archie, every member can set up their own profile and show up in a shared directory. This is a simple but powerful way to help people connect. Whether someone’s looking for a copywriter, a designer, or just someone to grab lunch with, they can find fellow members with similar interests and skills in seconds. It’s like giving your community a built-in networking tool.
💬 Built-in messaging: Start conversations easily
Archie includes a chat feature right in the app, so members can message each other directly without needing Slack or WhatsApp. This makes it easy for people to reach out — to collaborate on a project, ask a quick question, or even just say “hi.” It’s these little interactions that turn strangers into coworkers, and coworkers into community.
📰 Newsfeed & Groups: Keep everyone in the loop
Want to share an announcement, promote an event, or create a group around a shared interest? Archie makes that easy with a community newsfeed and topic-based groups. You can post updates, tag members, and keep everyone engaged.
📅 Events & Announcements: Don’t let anyone miss out
With Archie, you can send out announcements or event reminders straight to members via email or push notifications. No more posters on the wall or hoping someone checks the bulletin board. Everyone stays in the loop, and your events get the turnout they deserve.
📱Member app: Everything in one place
The mobile app puts everything your members need in their pocket, from booking rooms and checking in to connecting with others and reading announcements. It gives them a smoother experience and makes interacting with your space feel simple and fun.
5. Keep the momentum going
(Un)fortunately, building community isn’t a “set it and forget it” kind of thing. It takes ongoing care. Not every event will be packed, and not every idea will land. That’s okay! The key is to stay consistent, listen to your members, and keep showing up.
Here’s how to nurture the vibe:
- Ask for feedback – Have your community manager check in with members often. What do they enjoy? What’s missing?
- Use social media – Show off your events, member stories, and behind-the-scenes moments. It gives outsiders a peek into your space — and your culture.
- Celebrate together – Birthdays, business wins, even silly holidays like “National Coffee Day.” These are your excuses to connect.
Keep in mind that trying to force people to network usually doesn’t work — it can feel awkward and unnatural. Real connections happen more easily through casual, everyday moments, like grabbing coffee together, going for lunch, or joining in on fun activities. Things like game nights, hikes, or even just chatting in the kitchen create a relaxed vibe where people can get to know each other without pressure. Every community is different, so the best way to encourage connection is to offer genuine, low-key ways for people to interact and let relationships grow naturally.
Try Archie and start building a stronger coworking community today.
Berenika Teter
Archie's Content Manager, fueled by filter coffee and a love for remote work. When she’s not writing about coworking spaces and hybrid workplaces, you can probably find her exploring one.
