Remote work has been largely normalised in the digital age, prompting the need for coliving spaces that allow individuals to do tasks from anywhere. The popularity of these spaces can also be partly attributed to the rising cost of living. In the United Kingdom alone, rent prices increased by 4.2% in 2022. With the increased cost of living and the number of employees who work remotely, coliving spaces have become a viable option for anyone looking for a flexible and affordable space to work, stay, and connect with others.
Managing a coliving space also opens up the opportunity to create an inclusive community. A study by the National Institutes of Health found that in Finland, males with Arabic-sounding names faced discrimination and rarely received an inquiry response regarding apartment rentals. This prompts the need for more welcoming spaces, which coliving spaces can offer. Below, we look at some tips to help you foster an inclusive coliving space.
Initiate well-rounded wellness activities
Promoting diversity in your coliving space can start with initiatives that allow your tenants to bond with each other. You can designate an area in your space for wellness activities like yoga, meditation, or Zumba exercises where everyone can interact. Creating a diverse and inclusive wellness space that is open for everyone enables your tenants to feel safe and be themselves. Invite all occupants to your wellness activities or other initiatives so none of them will feel left behind. This creates a more comfortable environment where everyone feels confident and welcome, allowing them to build better relationships with each other.
Incorporate accessible designs
Creating an inclusive environment means ensuring your space’s designs are friendly for people with special needs. According to NeuroDiverse Power, around 20-22% of the population in the European Union experiences neurodiversity. Meanwhile, the World Health Organization estimates that at least 135 million people in the European region have disabilities. You can create inclusive and accessible designs in your coliving space by having ramps, elevators, and wide areas that benefit those who use wheelchairs or have mobility issues. You can also use wayfinding systems or signages with clear fonts to help people with reading impairments navigate the area safely and efficiently.
Establish strict tenant policies
Racism continues to be a problem in Europe. A survey found that around 45% of people of African descent across Europe experienced racial discrimination, with 23% of the respondents being prevented from renting a home based on their racial or ethnic origin. To promote diversity and inclusivity in your coliving space, you can set strict rules that emphasise zero tolerance for any kind of disrespect or discrimination to race, gender and sexual orientation. You can also impose hefty violations such as eviction to ensure proper enforcement. This enables residents from diverse backgrounds to feel safe and welcome in your space.
Create a feedback system
Your coliving space is your community home and should provide the best service to your occupants. Our previous article on the hybridisation of coworking and coliving mentioned how such a space can enhance connections among your tenants. To facilitate this, encourage your residents to provide feedback so you can identify what needs to be improved in terms of fostering inclusivity, maintaining order or cleanliness, and addressing the diverse needs of your renters. That way, your services will improve, and your tenants will feel that your coliving space is inclusive because their insights and voices are valued.
Apart from flexibility and comfort, inclusivity and respect are the cornerstones of an excellent coliving space. Be sure to follow these tips to help your tenants have an overall enjoyable experience.
Article written by Jill Rupert Exclusively for happyworkinglab.com
