As our world hurtles forward on the fast tracks of digitalization and remote working, coworking spaces have actualized into bustling melting pots of collaboration, creativity, and camaraderie.
But while we've made strides in inclusivity across racial, social, and economic lines, there's an untapped element we're yet to fully embrace: the age diversity.
Far too many coworking operations have inadvertently become generational echo chambers. It's time to rethink our strategies, time to invite in the wisdom of Baby Boomers and Silent Generation members alongside the energy of Gen Z and Millennials, and the resilience of Gen X. Our coworking spaces need the vibrant tapestry of multi-generational voices and perspectives, as each age group brings a unique shade of expertise, skills, and experiences that can foster a truly dynamic and diverse community.
Guests Iris Kavanagh, Anne Kirby, and Jaime Munoz joined host Cat Johnson and a few dozen coworking industry folks for a lively discussion. The following are notes from each presentation.
Anne Kirby from The Candy Factory kicked it off.
- Kids to seniors, we run the gamut
- The energy you put you it is what you receive. Bake into the mission that you are inclusive.
- We help people find common ground. Interests transcend age.
- Music - The Candy Factory is producing a cover album! Turns out, there are several members who are musicians plus a producer. Watch for a fall 2023 release.
- Facilitate ways for members to express themselves
- Letting folks create their own groups: young professionals, veterans, etc
- Jelly Bellies - childcare that is open to anyone in the household to use the space, not just the member. meeting people where they are.
- When you create a space that welcomes authenticity, you won't be limited!
- Offer flexible member options. A $50 social membership is great for retirees, plus access to the resources.
- Know that your leadership sets the tone. How diverse is your team as far as age?
- Forster partnerships - universities, professors, students, mentorship programs, after school programs
- The Candy Factor welcomes middle school tours of their media studio
- Senior Living complex residents next door is invited for coffee
Next up was Jaime Munoz at Cahoots in Arizona.
- Cahoots is female founded, so inclusion is already important.
- The space tours emphasize community engagement rather than industries represented.
- Remember that typical entrepreneurs are 35 - 40. Startup culture can feel exclusive to 20-somethings.
- Offer a variety of networking and learning
- Events, workshops, seminars across different skills levels and interests
- "Lunch and Learn" includes a speaker, food (for free!) . And each speaker has to deliver 5 takeaways.
- Robust internship program
- It means tons of work for Jaime but is incredibly rewarding
- Create sponsorship opportunities for your members
- They want to partake and give, and it taps into their network!
And finally, coworking consultant and Women Who Cowork CoFounder Iris Kavanagh finished up.
- She’s a firm believer in the transformative power of coworking, for the community and the humans.
- It’s an ecosystem, in which the diversity gives it strength and resilience
- Mentors are crucial at any point in life. It's not something that is accessible to everyone.
- Data on multi-age classrooms is indicative of the benefits of having generations in a workplace.
- Ideas for activation various age groups::
- Hire somebody from the older generation on your team
- But what if they don't have the tech skills? That's not why you need them. You need a host!
- Have tech for digital natives but be ready to support everyone else.
- That's not a tech support issue, it's a community support issue
- Body positive design!
- What about members with back issues - make sure you offer seating variety and standing desk areas.
- Learn more about trauma informed design principles
- Programming and events
- Family friendly activities for parents to be able to participate
- Pricing inclusivity; how can you create sharing policies for different member types
- Clear community agreements around the safety of members and the space
- You are running a work PARTY. What do your guests need to have the best time possible?
Coworking Convos is a monthly virtual event series hosted by Cat Johnson. Each month, a different topic is presented by guests with real experience, who are subject matter experts and walk the walk in the coworking and flex space industry.
Coworks is a sponsor of Coworking Convos, and we have the privilege of sharing these dispatches afterward — spotlighting the juicy tidbits and powerful takeaways shared in the hour-long conversation.
But by no means does this replace the real value of being there! Check out the next Convo and be in the room when it happens. Coming up in June, on the next Coworking Convos: Monetizing Unused Space in Your Coworking Space. Don't miss it!