Remote work comes with plenty of perks- no stressful commutes, the ability to set your own schedule, and the freedom to choose where you work. Having access to your own kitchen and being able to do things around your house on breaks are surely benefits as well! For many, remote work is an ideal setup.
While working remotely certainly has many benefits, it often comes with hidden downsides. Many people don’t openly say it, but they often feel quite lonely.
When your “office” is your kitchen table or couch, it’s easy to go long stretches without seeing or interacting with anyone in person. Those casual moments – a quick hello by the coffee machine or sharing a laugh with colleagues – can disappear entirely.
If, while you’re working from home, you notice a lack of social connection, you’re not alone. The good news? You don’t have to sacrifice the flexibility you love to regain the human contact you need. At Shoreditch Exchange with Oneder, we offer beautiful spaces designed to help you stay connected while letting you keep your independence.
The Social Downside of Remote Work
Working from home can mean fewer interruptions, but also fewer chances for real interaction. Over time, this can lead to feelings of isolation, which can have negative effects on your mental health.
When working remotely, it’s not uncommon to:
- Go days without face-to-face conversations
- Feel detached from your team or industry
- Miss out on casual chats and shared moments with coworkers
- Notice a decrease in motivation and mental well-being
Loneliness doesn’t just affect how we feel – it can also impact how we work. As Harvard Business Review notes, “Lonely employees… tend to suffer from poorer well-being and lower performance – both issues that impact a company’s bottom line.”
Source
In other words, fostering a genuine sense of connection isn’t just a nice-to-have – it’s critical for your personal well-being, your professional success, and the long-term health of your business.
How Coworking Spaces Offer Connection Without Losing Flexibility
Coworking spaces create a balance between working alone at home and the traditional office grind. They bring back community, routine, and interaction, all while preserving your freedom.
Here’s why coworking can be the perfect solution:
1. Genuine Human Interaction, Minus the Office Drama
In a coworking environment, you’re surrounded by others, but there’s no pressure to engage constantly. You can casually say hi in the kitchen, grab a coffee with someone new, or join a company event – all on your own terms. Just sharing space with people focused on their own work creates subtle but meaningful connections that foster a general sense of belonging.
2. Community You Didn’t Expect to Find
Coworking hubs bring together a wide variety of people — freelancers, creatives, remote teams, and entrepreneurs — all working side by side. This mix often leads to:
- New collaborators who inspire fresh ideas
- Business opportunities that open doors
- Fellow workers who understand what it’s like to sit at a computer all day
These connections create a supportive environment where even solo workers feel part of something bigger.
Often, our members here at Shoreditch Exchange become friends not just with each other but with our team, as well! One of our members, Morgan, said, “Not only is [Shoreditch Exchange] a great location, but the community team is super helpful and they’re a big reason we’re staying around (shout out to Nathan!).”
Our team really values the time spent with members – not just at events, but also through everyday interactions around the workspace. These moments help build personal connections and create a warm, welcoming community that makes the coworking experience better for everyone.
3. Social Events That Feel Natural
Here at Shoreditch Exchange with Oneder, we organise regular events like member breakfasts, parties, or workshops. These low-pressure gatherings help break the isolation and can help you connect with others naturally. Unlike forced corporate team-building, these events encourage genuine friendships and a sense of community.
Some events are recurring, like our member breakfast held every first Tuesday of the month and our community social every last Thursday of the month. Others change with the season or are driven by the unique strengths and talents of our members, which keeps the calendar fresh and makes space for both routine connection and exciting new experiences.
Whether you prefer working quietly alone or thrive on social energy, isolation can wear anyone down. Everyone needs a human connection to stay energised and do their best work. Our coworking spaces blend connection and autonomy in a way that remote work alone often can’t.
If you’re ready to give coworking a try, book a day pass today!
https://oneder.spaces.nexudus.com/bookings?tab=Resources&view=card&group=Day%20Pass
FREEDESK25 – (Applicable at both locations)
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