Since we first opened the doors of Bridewell Space, we’ve watched a number of small businesses flourish in coworking environments. Wriggle, the Bristol Restaurants app, has found its way into most of Bristol’s pockets, and Gleem have more than quadrupled in size.

The Harvard Business Review have suggested that working in the presence of others can lead to such successes, and here is why:

1. People who use coworking spaces see their work as meaningful.

Unlike a traditional office, coworking spaces consist of members who work for a range of different companies, ventures, and projects. Because there is little direct competition or internal politics, they don’t feel they have to put on a work persona to fit in. Working amidst people doing different kinds of work can also make one’s own work identity stronger.

Working in a coworking environment entails helping and learning from one another. The sense of community drawn from this can leave us with a sense of meaning.

2. They have more job control.

Coworking spaces are often accessible 24/7. People can decide whether to put in a long day when they have a deadline or want to show progress, or can decide to take a long break in the middle of the day to go to the gym. They can choose whether they want to work in a quiet space so they can focus, or in a more collaborative space with shared tables where interaction is encouraged. They can even decide to work from home, without repercussion, if they need to meet a repairperson or deal with a family need.

We’ve certainly noticed this in Meanwhile Creative. Last week when we popped in to interview Hannah Edwards Illustration, she said one of the main contributors to her work satisfaction was being able to work for herself, when she wants.

3. They feel part of a community.

Connections with others are a big reason why people pay to work in a communal space, as opposed to working from home for free or renting a nondescript office. Each coworking space has its own vibe, and the managers of each space go to great lengths to cultivate a unique experience that meets the needs of their respective members. The Harvard Review’s research found that some people interact with fellow coworkers much less than others, yet they still felt a strong sense of identity with the community.

There you have it: three main reasons why coworking can lead to job satisfaction, and therefore increased productivity. Finding meaning in your work, control over what you do, and being part of a community allows employees to wake up looking forward to their day, and we can vouch that this reflects in their work! Why not take a look at our Success Stories page to see who has grown with us?