Coworking and diversity: a look at inclusivity in shared workspaces

As traditional forms of work continue to evolve, coworking spaces are emerging as catalysts for novelty and social transformation, where diversity and inclusion are the watchwords. But can they truly be levers of diversity, or do they reproduce, in their own way, certain inequalities in the world of work? Analysis

Flexible workspaces: open spaces... but for whom?

Flexible workspaces often present themselves as "open to all", where everyone can find their place and have equal access to the services provided.

Is there cultural, social or generational diversity? Obviously, coworking is a major lever for transformation, especially when it comes to revitalizing certain neighborhoods or rural areas. Far from being mere shared offices, coworking and flexible working spaces are real engines for urban revitalization.

By establishing themselves in neglected areas, they reactivate the local economy, promote job creation and stimulate a collaborative dynamic. Entrepreneurs, freelancers, self-employed people: a wide range of profiles find a place to innovate and forge links, thus revitalizing the area and making it more attractive. This presence can also trigger a virtuous circle: local shops, cultural services and social venues are reborn nearby, buoyed by the constant influx of new users. In this way, coworking becomes a powerful tool for functional diversity, encouraging the emergence of a lively, hybrid economic fabric rooted in the social reality of the area.

Commendable initiatives

Numerous initiatives are emerging throughout the region to make coworking more inclusive. Some operators are developing solidarity-based offerings, such as rates tailored to jobseekers, spaces reserved for women entrepreneurs or neuro-atypical people. Others rely on partnerships with social integration associations or local authorities to open their doors to people who are far from employment or discriminated against.

Places like La Ruche, Simplon and Diversidays are multiplying the hybrid formats between workspace and social commitment, offering support, training and mentoring programs. Coworking then becomes a springboard to autonomy and professional emancipation.

Our "favorite" initiative of all those on the market, however, remains that of Kiléma: a unique inclusion third-place soon to open its doors in the heart of Paris in the 17th arrondissement. At the crossroads of inclusion, social innovation and culture, the Kiléma project is designed to promote access to employment, knowledge and civic life for people with neurodevelopmental disorders.
It will feature an inclusive coworking space, an adapted bookshop, a resource and training center, and a convivial café inspired by the Cafés Joyeux, all run in part by employees with disabilities. Supported by local institutions, the project embodies a committed vision of living together and social innovation in the heart of the city. We love it!

Inclusion: a question of internal culture

Inclusion also depends on the internal culture and practices of coworking spaces. This involves raising team awareness of diversity issues, implementing ethical charters, providing training in welcoming a diverse public, and designing spaces that are accessible to all types of disability. And more specifically, on the issue of DEI (Diversity, Equity and Inclusion), some coworking brands are rolling out commitment charters, following the example of Silversquare (Belgian and Luxembourg networks), which we salute!

Inclusivity is not a label, but a process to be nurtured: listening, representation, kindness and openness must permeate daily life. It's also by guaranteeing safe, caring spaces that coworking can fully play its role as a vector of social cohesion.

Shared workspaces have a key role to play in building a fairer, more diverse world of work. To achieve this, we need to go beyond rhetoric and really invest in inclusive policies. Making coworking accessible to all also means enriching work collectives and fostering innovation through the encounter of differences. In short, it's about making coworking a real place for life, exchange... and equality.