Could it be the future of hybrid working?
The World Economic Forum seems to thinks so. Going on to say – it offers a creative alternative to our homes and office spaces….
Picture this – watching the world go by through large glass windows. The hum of conversation, not so close or loud that you can follow it or be disturbed by it. An aroma of coffee and freshly made bagels, rustic furniture, high ceilings and soft lighting, greenery hanging from above and exposed brick, topped with the warmth of a happy workforce – welcome to ‘The Middle Coffee House’ Brampton, Wath-upon-Dearne.
“A place to meet, eat, work, relax and drink great coffee”
Today this is my ‘third space’, my place of work. If the term is new to you, a third space is basically a place that balances the structure and formality of the office and the comfort of home, it can include places like coffee shops, bars, restaurants, public libraries, and hotel foyer’s….
Why Work Here
Not that I’ve had writers block, but I have been stuck, lacking in what I believe to be something worth saying. So I took a break. Not from work, but from the workplace.
Many of the most productive/creative people’ are intentional about taking breaks from their work. Putting projects to one side, to shift from one plane of thinking to another, to allow the unconscious mind to work its magic while you dive into something new. Their view being this is the ‘incubation stage’, where ideas emerge and come together without deliberate thought – letting the unconscious mind do the work.
I arrived here, with a long list of jobs to do and a blank mind – my thoughts on PAUSE, then the sounds of the space entered my head. The buzz of people chatting like subtle nudges to consider things differently, the music, old, new and different. An eclectic mix of things you may not naturally listen to from Oasis – ‘talk tonight’, Beautiful South – ‘Every bodies talking’, Natalie Imbruglia – ‘torn’, Brian Adams – ‘Summer of 69’ and Tracy Chapman – ‘fast car’, each evoking a new thought, some triggering nostalgia but most of all, bringing a smile and a joy to my work.
And at the right point, a moment which all parts come together and ‘the stars align’, the eureka moment appears and the message is relayed to the conscious brain…GOT IT!
The Era of the Third Space
According to Statista a global data and business intelligence platform, At least 2.2 million people worldwide used co-working spaces in 2020, that’s almost 128 times more than in 2010. And its still growing…
Research from the Swinburne University of Technology suggested that 2023 was going to be the year in which working from third spaces becomes the norm, identifying 4 types of third space worker:
- “Device Disconnectors” – looking for respite from technology
- “Caffeine Creatives” – desiring a mental reset to boost their creativity
- “Suburban Socialites” – those combating the loneliness of working from home
- “Lunchtime Liaisons” – those meeting clients or colleagues over a meal
I’m not sure I’m cool enough to be a caffeine creative, but I definitely find these spaces allow me to think differently. To become less boxed in by the walls of my home office or the boundaries of my own limiting imagination, when stuck to my desk.
It seems people (well me) are attracted to these spaces not simply for good WIFI, quality coffee, and tunes. But more so because of a desire for a pleasant, friendly atmosphere that has some activity but without being too crowded and noisy (I actually hate the sound of the coffee machine in these places).
Key though, is having NO time pressures associated with my stay, not being prompted to buy more or leave. I do get I’m taking up a valuable seat in their premises, however we are a new breed of customer – the ‘customer-worker’ and we could be an asset to these third spaces.
The Benefits of Third Space Working
The top three benefits often cited for working in a third space are:
- mental reset – or a change in mental focus
- community – being part of something beyond your home/work space
- social connection – enjoying the social engagement.
These spaces can provide stress-free, neutral environments for reconnection with the world around us, renewal of ideas, and relaxation (to just look up sometimes). This all is known to positively impact on overall well-being.
Maybe this new way of working is because we as a society don’t meet up as often. I’ve quoted this before in a previous blog and believe its relative here once more.
In his book Bowling Alone Robert D. Putnam noted, the frequency of people meeting their neighbours for a social gathering dropped by a third from 1974 to 1998, and likely by half since World War II. Now add to that the impact of on-line social networks, which whilst virtually connect us, may have further increased our in-person disconnection.
I come to these places for the vide, a change of perspective. To look up and see something different, to hear new sounds and feel the identity I don’t find in my office or some less vibrant co-working space.
In closing
Yes there is a cost benefit analysis to be undertaken… the cost of coffee, food and cake!!! And time out of the office or home VS the benefit of the low-level hum of conversation, random song selection and the ideas this generates which you would not have had elsewhere! Its your call, but I’ll be doing it more often.
“Today I grew, I felt myself evolve and lean into the new”
If you want to join me for some future third space working or #coworking, I’ll be at https://letsworkhere.com – on the last Tuesday of each month (27th Feb, 26th March, 30th April, 9:00-3:00pm).
Alternatively, suggest a space in the #Doncaster #Sheffield area and let’s make it happen (contact) – Just make sure it’s got good WIFI and isn’t too busy… look forward to meeting you.
