Coworking spaces can be very socially engaging, educational and informative if we choose the right environment. Millennials are looking for work environments that engage them at all these levels with little or no cost to them. Historically, as a group, millennials are the generation to have emerged from college with the greatest debt to date. So let’s talk about what millennials want their work environment to look like.
Social Engagement
Millennials are prepared to work, work hard, and they want to be engaged at work. This doesn’t mean that every minute of the day needs to be a new learning experience but feeling connected to what they do. Often that connection comes in the form of external engagement like taking part in local, national or global responsibility projects. This is hard to do if you have a small company but coworking spaces offer the ability to connect with others in your work space to feel the sense of community and connection. These type of social action programs are often offered by the managers of the coworking space or maybe by one of the companies working there. So look for a space or ask about if this is a priority for the space you are considering.
Ongoing Education
Millennials are lifelong learners. Whether it is online through places like Udemy or in the office through continuing education programs, coworking spaces can offer small companies the ability to ban together to gain greater access to educational resources they may not get alone. In some cases, the coworking spaces may provide the opportunity for its tenants for a discounted fee or free of charge depending on the seminar.
Staying Informed
Staying aware and informed of changes in the economy, your field or maybe a field that the millennial is considering entering. Coworking spaces bring engaging speakers and presenters to the office to create a more aware workforce of the changes happening. This is such an important part of one’s desire to grow and learn. Ask if the coworking space you are considering brings in local speakers or if it provides a platform to learn from office mates.
Coworking spaces offer millennials the chance to stay or become engaged in social action issues, keep up their education for little to no cost and remain informed about their knowledge space. Providing these benefits help millennials feel fulfilled and coworking spaces can offer these benefits.