From WFH to Co-Working: A Productivity Boost

When I started Elsy Creative, working from home felt like a dream. No commute, full control over my schedule, and the comfort of my own space—it was everything I had hoped for. In the early days, it was exciting. I felt productive, energized, and lucky to have the flexibility to design my workdays however I wanted.

But as time passed, something shifted. The novelty of WFH wore off, and I started feeling isolated. Running a business is already a unique challenge, and doing it solo from my home office made it even more difficult. Without the casual interactions of an office environment, I found myself missing conversations, spontaneous brainstorming, and even just the background hum of other people working. My work-life boundaries became blurry, and it was all too easy to answer emails late at night or feel guilty for stepping away from my desk during the day.

That’s when I decided to try working from a co-working space—and it has been a game changer.

Suddenly, I had a place to go each day, which helped me set better boundaries between work and personal life. Having a structured environment made me more productive, and being around other professionals reignited a sense of community that I didn’t realize I had been missing. Now, I can bounce ideas off others, have quick chats in the kitchen, and feel a sense of camaraderie that working from home just didn’t provide.

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The Bigger Picture: The Pros and Cons of WFH vs. Co-Working

Remote work has grown tremendously over the past few years, and while it offers undeniable benefits, research shows that long-term remote work can lead to feelings of loneliness and burnout. According to a 2023 study by Buffer, 45% of remote workers reported struggling with loneliness, and 30% found it difficult to unplug from work. On the other hand, co-working spaces have been linked to higher productivity and job satisfaction, with studies showing that members of co-working spaces report feeling more engaged and motivated compared to traditional office workers.

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Practical Tips for Transitioning to a Co-Working Space

If you’re considering making the switch, here are some tips to make the transition smoother:

1. Try Before You Commit – Many co-working spaces offer day passes or trial memberships. Test a few spaces to find the right fit for your work style and needs.
2. Consider the Community – Different spaces attract different types of professionals. Some are more tech-focused, while others cater to creatives or freelancers. Finding a space with like-minded individuals can enhance your experience.
3. Establish a Routine – Even if you don’t plan on going every day, having set “co-working days” can help you structure your week and create a sense of routine.
4. Balance Costs and Benefits – Co-working spaces can be an added expense, so weigh the cost against the benefits of increased productivity, networking opportunities, and improved work-life balance.
5. Set Boundaries – Just because you’re in a shared space doesn’t mean you need to be available for conversation all the time. Noise-canceling headphones or designated focus hours can help maintain productivity.

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Of course, WFH still has its perks, and I appreciate the ability to work remotely when I need to. But moving into a shared workspace has been one of the best decisions for both my business and my well-being. It’s reminded me that while independence is great, connection and routine are just as important.

For any business owners or freelancers who feel stuck in a WFH rut, I highly recommend giving a co-working space a try. It might just be the shift you need to re-energize your work and rediscover the joy in what you do.

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– Lucie, Elsy's Founder