Coworking is simply another way of saying: shared working space and this sentiment is how we at Eclat like to think of our way of working. Coworking is about more than a new and flexible way of working; it can be viewed through the lens of sharing, shared work, and shared working areas. While flexibility is no doubt a key advantage of coworking, many workers in Melbourne and around the world face the challenge of maintaining meaningful connections and a sense of community in a world that increasingly prioritises independence.
Eclat steps in here to offer coworking spaces that are hubs for collaboration, networking, and creativity; beyond simply a place to work, they create an atmosphere where you can form relationships, share ideas, and grow alongside others.
More Than a Workspace: Creating a Sense of Community
Coworking spaces are designed to be more than just offices; they are curated communities where like-minded professionals come together to share ideas, collaborate, and support each other. Traditional work settings can only offer so much, where social interactions are typically limited to people within the same company and industry.
In contrast, coworking can bring together individuals from diverse industries, from start-up founders to creative professionals and everyone in between. All under the one roof, this diversity creates an organic networking environment where a casual conversation can spark a new idea, and a shared mid-morning coffee break, an unexpected collaboration.
Designing for Connection: The Role of Space and Aesthetics
Design plays a crucial role in coworking, helping to foster interactions and creating an environment in which connections naturally form. Every element, from layout and furniture to lighting and acoustics is curated carefully and purposefully to encourage comfort and collaboration. Say goodbye to rigid cubicles and traditional office settings, coworking spaces embrace open-plan designs that blend functionality with aesthetics.
Lounge-style breakout areas invite workers to have casual conversations, while communal tables and seating make it easy to connect with other professionals over a shared workspace. Meanwhile, to ensure a balance between socialisation and focused, individual work, private, semi-private, and quiet areas exist for those times when you need to work alone.
Curated Events: Elevating Networking Beyond Business Cards
More than simply a place to work, coworking spaces like Eclat can create enriching experiences through carefully curated events that can help workers build relationships in an organic way. More traditional corporate networking events can sometimes feel forced, or perhaps even overly transactional, while these curated events are designed to foster genuine connections in engaging and enjoyable settings.
Think: wine tastings and post-work Pilates alongside masterclasses and skill-sharing sessions providing valuable learning opportunities and networking opportunities. Through thoughtfully designed events, these spaces can transform networking into a dynamic and experience-driven approach to lasting professional relationships.
The Power of Serendipitous Encounters
One of the greatest advantages of working in a coworking space is the potential for serendipitous encounters – those unexpected meetings that can lead to exciting opportunities. Whether it’s a new client, a business partnership, or just an inspiring conversation, coworking spaces are intentionally designed to encourage these moments by fostering an environment where professionals from a range of industries can naturally cross paths.
With spaces built around openness and idea-sharing, coworking encourages members to interact in a way that feels organic rather than forced. Unlike remote work, where interactions are often limited to scheduled meetings and digital communication, co-working spaces allow for spontaneous discussions and meaningful connections, ultimately leading to unexpected professional growth and opportunities.
Wellness and Work-Life Integration: A Social Approach
Today’s professionals seek more than just a place to work – they want an environment that supports their overall wellbeing. As a result, many coworking spaces integrate wellness-focused amenities that encourage social engagement while promoting a healthy work-life balance. Group fitness classes, for example, provide an opportunity for professionals to connect while prioritising physical wellbeing.
On-site cafés with communal dining spaces encourage members to take breaks, share meals, and engage in conversations that extend beyond work-related discussions. Some co-working spaces even incorporate mindfulness areas and relaxation lounges, offering a retreat from work where members can unwind and engage in deeper, more meaningful interactions.
By seamlessly weaving wellness into the co-working experience, these spaces foster a sense of community that is built on shared interests and holistic well-being rather than just business networking.
Redefining how professionals connect and collaborate, Eclat is a boutique, luxury shared working space in the heart of Melbourne’s vibrant Hawthorn East. Presenting a unique opportunity to work and socialise in a contemporary and luxury workspace, Eclat fosters creativity, connection, and meaning in a brilliant way. Discover coworking infused with elegance and character, alongside opportunities to connect and collaborate with others in a meaningful and genuine way.
When you want to experience coworking for yourself, start by connecting with Eclat and finding out how we can transform your working life.
