Coworking has transformed how people work. What started as flexible desk rentals for freelancers has evolved into a global industry which was valued at $22.01 billion in 2024.
But with growth comes competition. For many coworking operators, offering high-speed Wi-Fi, ergonomic chairs, and access to meeting rooms is no longer enough. Members expect more—they’re looking for community, belonging, and experiences that enrich their lives beyond the 9-to-5. I believe the rise in such needs is caused by the increasing digital nomad culture where solo entrepreneurs, freelancers and other remote workers who travel a lot want to experience community and connections beyond work.
This is where coworking can learn from coliving. Coliving spaces, designed for shared living, have already mastered the art of balancing functionality with community.
By borrowing lessons from coliving, coworking spaces can unlock new levels of member retention, engagement, and satisfaction.
Here are five key lessons coworking can take from coliving to elevate the member experience.
Lesson 1: Build rituals that strengthen community
In coliving spaces, operators use rituals (shared habit-forming systems) that create the heartbeat of the community. At many coliving spaces in India, residents gather for breakfast provided by the coliving operators which build a simple but powerful tradition that fosters belonging. People talk to each other in the morning creating a sense of mutual trust and thereby having a positive feeling for the space they live in.
Research backs this up: A 2025 Harvard Business Review study found that rituals—regular, meaningful shared activities—help groups form stronger emotional connections and improve well-being. In coliving, these rituals are often what turn strangers into long-term friends.
Coworking application:
Coworking operators can replicate this by creating their own rituals. For instance:
- A Monday morning coffee circle where members share weekly goals.
- A Friday afternoon “show and tell” where teams demo projects or celebrate wins.
- Monthly “community lunches” hosted by rotating members.
These recurring touchpoints make the coworking space feel less transactional and more like a shared journey. Over time, members stay not just for the facilities but for the sense of belonging those rituals create.
Key takeaway: Rituals build emotional glue that keeps members engaged and loyal.
Lesson 2: Design for connection, not just function
One of the reasons coliving thrives is that its spaces are designed intentionally to encourage interaction. Shared kitchens, lounges, game rooms, and terraces are designed for connection. For example, Outsite’s coliving spaces have communal kitchens so that conversations naturally spark as people speak.
Coworking spaces, on the other hand, often prioritize function over community. Rows of desks maximize capacity but do little to encourage spontaneous collaboration. A Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM), Loneliness and the Power of Casual Collisions report shows that environments designed for social “collisions” significantly improve collaboration and well-being.
Coworking application:
Instead of purely functional layouts, coworking spaces can design “collision zones.”
- A central coffee bar where members naturally gather.
- Lounge-style seating clusters that invite informal chats.
- Writable walls in hallways for spontaneous idea-sharing.
- Outdoor terraces or rooftop gardens for unstructured interaction.
When design prioritizes human connection, members are more likely to build meaningful relationships, which leads to longer memberships and more referrals.
Key takeaway: Layouts should spark conversations, not just provide desks.
Lesson 3: Prioritize onboarding and integration
In coliving, the first 48 hours are crucial. Many operators implement structured onboarding—welcome tours, group introductions, and even community managers work to integrate new members quickly. For example, Nomadico’s community managers are the heart of each location helping bring people together by hosting dinners, planning activities, welcoming new guests, or simply checking in to make sure everyone’s feeling at home.
Why does this matter? My experience working with coliving operators highlighted that people who felt welcomed and connected in the early days of living at a space are significantly more engaged long term. The same principle applies to coworking: the first experience determines whether someone feels like “just another desk renter” or a valued community member.
Coworking application:
Move beyond the transactional onboarding of signing contracts and receiving a Wi-Fi password.
Instead:
- Offer a guided community tour to introduce new members to key people and spaces.
- Send a personalized welcome email with community guidelines and upcoming events.
- Pair new members with a “community buddy” for the first week.
- Invite them to share their expertise in a community feed or Slack group.
These steps create immediate integration, making newcomers feel like they belong from day one.
Key takeaway: Onboarding sets the tone—make it personal, social, and inclusive.
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Lesson 4: Foster shared ownership of the space
Successful coliving communities thrive because members feel a sense of shared ownership. Residents aren’t passive consumers; they often conduct gaming tournaments, organize movie nights, or take responsibility for small aspects of the community. This active participation fosters pride and attachment.
Psychological research supports this: A Harvard Business Review article on workplace belonging found that when people contribute to shaping their environment, they feel more invested and loyal (HBR, 2019).
Coworking application:
Coworking operators can encourage shared ownership by:
- Inviting members to host workshops (e.g., a designer teaching Figma basics).
- Setting up a community idea board for events, space improvements, or rituals.
- Allowing members to decorate shared walls with photos, artwork, or achievements.
- Encouraging peer-led mentorship sessions where members help each other grow.
This shifts the coworking culture from being service-provider-led to member-driven, which strengthens the community fabric.
Key takeaway: Ownership creates belonging—let members co-create the experience
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Lesson 5: Curate experiences beyond work
Coliving is not just about providing a bed; it’s about curating a lifestyle. Many coliving operators combine coliving with coworking, yoga classes, surf lessons, and local cultural tours. This holistic approach appeals to a generation that values experiences over material benefits. A Deloitte study on Gen Z and millennials confirmed that lifestyle integration is a top factor influencing loyalty to a brand or community (Deloitte Global, 2025).
Coworking can benefit from the same mindset. While productivity tools and office amenities are essential, what differentiates a coworking space is how it enriches members’ lives outside of pure work.
Coworking application:
Spaces can curate experiences such as:
- Wellness activities: yoga breaks, meditation sessions, or ergonomic workshops.
- Skill-sharing events: photography classes, coding bootcamps, or public speaking practice.
- Local adventures: city tours, volunteer projects, or hiking trips.
- Celebratory events: cultural festivals, holiday gatherings, or milestone parties.
By offering lifestyle-driven experiences, coworking spaces can position themselves as hubs of growth, wellness, and inspiration—rather than just workstations.
Key takeaway: Productivity is the baseline; experiences are the differentiator.
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Conclusion: From workplaces to communities of belonging
As more and more people seek to become digital nomads and freelancers, the demand for coworking spaces is only going to go higher. And the real differentiator for coworking spaces will not be the amenities but the experience.
Coliving offers a powerful blueprint. By embracing rituals, designing for connection, onboarding with care, fostering ownership, and curating holistic experiences, coworking operators can elevate their spaces into thriving ecosystems.
Coworking spaces that learn from coliving will not only attract members but will keep them engaged for the long term, turning transient desk renters into loyal community advocates.
In short: don’t just provide desks. Provide belonging.
