Coworking: Space for all Personality Types
You might assume that coworking spaces are filled with extroverts, the kind of people who get their guitars out at dinner parties and play Maggie May (badly, probably). I mean, why would introverts voluntarily surround themselves with strangers? I thought they were supposed to be shy?
However, anyone who has ever been to a coworking space will know that they are actually home to a wide range of personalities — thrill seekers and curmudgeons, optimists and pessimists, class clowns and people who can send you to sleep with a mere glance. We meet all of these at Primalbase, and we love them all equally.
Introverts, extroverts and bright shiny things
This variety was evidenced in last year’s Global Coworking Survey, which investigated whether users of coworking spaces were extroverted, introverted, or ambiverts (a mix of both). The survey paints a diverse picture. Roughly one in 3 identified as ‘more extroverted’, while one in 5 said they were ‘more introverted’. Around 2% of respondents said they ‘didn’t know’ and almost every second respondent described themself as an ambivert.
While any survey that relies on self-identification should be taken with a pinch of salt, when you think about it, of course there is of going to be a variety of personality types. You have an array of individuals working on many projects under one roof. Everyone has different backgrounds, different experiences and different personalities. Without such diversity, there would be no new ideas. Coworking spaces would be caves filled with people still trying to make fire. It is diversity that creates the energy driving creativity, innovation and the action that ultimately leads to success.
Did we learn nothing from The Shining? He ended up drinking alone and talking to himself all day. The hotel was a mess by the end.
It is more than a question of odds, though. Coworking spaces are popular with all personality types because they offer something to everyone. The advantages may be more obvious for the extroverts among us, and in the survey they rated the value for money of the space (and the space itself) higher than the average. But just because you’re a bit shy, doesn’t mean you want to work alone in your kitchen with only a ticking clock and cactus for company. Nor that such a working life will yield the highest productivity. Did we learn nothing from The Shining? He ended up drinking alone and talking to himself all day. The hotel was a mess by the end.
The impact of remote working on people’s mental health has been well documented and it is almost universally damning. Its impact on productivity is little better. As Hans Henrik Christensen, Director of the Dubai Technology Entrepreneurship Centre (DTEC), notes, “Depending on your personality, [whether you are] introverted or extroverted, a coworking space can give you the necessary kick to get your work done. Sitting at home, too close to your bed, could be detrimental to the amount of work you produce on a daily basis.”
Coworking spaces are popular with all personality types because they offer something to everyone
Most importantly, as with extroverts and ambiverts, they report feeling less isolated when working in a coworking space. Coworking spaces develop creativity and the skill-set of ‘more introverted’ members as a result. They enjoy better workdays and get more done.
Something for everyone
Ultimately, being in a coworking space draws introverts out of their shell. This is surely necessary for the collaboration required in all fields, particularly tech. The Global Coworking Survey found that ‘more introverted’ members often speak with around 3 other coworking members per working day — around half as many as ‘more extroverted’ members. But the more important comparison will be with their own usual numbers. This number also says nothing about the quality of the contacts. When asked what they expect from other members, the most opted result was surprising — small talk!
The great thing about coworking spaces is that they cater to all personality types. If you feel like chatting, there are always people around or events to go to. The chance to socialise is always there, but they are also ideal for concerted, dedicated periods of hard work. When you need a bit of isolation, or even if it’s just that you feel like it, you can have it. At Primalbase, we appreciate the need for a calm working environment and strive to provide it to our members, while also providing ample opportunity for collaboration. Stop by one of our locations near you today to check one out for yourself!
