5 Easy Ways to Plan Social Hours That Everyone Will Love

Boost Your Co-Working Space with Social Hours

Coworking spaces have grown as a flexible solution for remote workers, freelancers, and small teams. However, as the manager of Caldwell Workspace discovered, attracting day users who work from home can be a challenge. People who enjoy the convenience and comfort of working from home may not see the appeal of coworking spaces if they only focus on the “working” aspect.

So, how can coworking spaces become more attractive to this audience? By emphasizing community and connection the “co” in coworking.

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Why Social Hours Work

At their core, coworking spaces aren’t just about desks and Wi-Fi; they’re about fostering human interaction. Studies, like those highlighted by Emergent Research, show that coworking reduces loneliness, a common challenge among remote workers. Social hours provide an opportunity for individuals to connect, share experiences, and create a sense of belonging.

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Ideas to Attract Work-From-Home Professionals

1. Host Social Hours and Temporary Events

Organize informal gatherings to help remote workers feel part of a community. Ideas include:

• Morning coffee meetups: Casual sessions for networking or brainstorming.
• Lunch-and-learns: Short, engaging talks with local experts.
• Happy hours: Evenings for mingling and relaxation.

These events encourage remote workers to visit your space and learn more about what it offers.

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2. Gather Feedback During Events

Social hours are not only great for connection but also for learning. Engage attendees in casual conversations to discover their needs:

• What are they looking for in a coworking space?
• Do they need social opportunities, equipment (like printers), or specific workspaces?
• Would they be interested in regular events or workshops?

This feedback will help you tailor your services and space to better meet their expectations.

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3. Partner with Local Organizations

Collaborate with business supporters, such as:

• Chamber of Commerce: Invite members to network with your community.
• Small Business Development Centers (SBDC): Host advisory sessions or workshops.

These partnerships can enhance the value of your coworking space by offering additional resources to members.

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Steps to Get Started

Step 1: Schedule a Social Hour

Start small with a goal of attracting just three attendees. Use multiple channels to promote:

• Post in local Facebook groups.
• Email the Chamber of Commerce newsletter.
• Put up signs around town.
• Text friends and colleagues.

Step 2: Document and Share

Take photos of the event and share them on social media or your website. Seeing a vibrant, connected community will encourage others to join the next event.

Step 3: Experiment with Timing and Activities

Try hosting events at different times to accommodate various schedules. Test different formats, such as skill-sharing workshops, trivia nights, or wellness classes, to see what resonates.

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Benefits of Building a Community

1. Increased Foot Traffic: Social events bring people to your space, even if they’re not currently looking for a full-time office.
2. Enhanced Wellbeing: Social interaction combats loneliness, which is a major draw for remote workers.
3. Organic Marketing: Word-of-mouth spreads when attendees share their positive experiences.

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Conclusion: Small Steps, Big Impact

Coworking spaces thrive when they focus on community. Social hours offer a simple yet effective way to attract remote workers who may otherwise prefer staying home. By starting with small, consistent events and leveraging partnerships, you can build a vibrant, connected coworking community.