Happy International Coworking Day!
I should add — as we often do around holidays now — “to those who celebrate.”
And while this might not be Easter, Passover or Ramadan, there are plenty of coworkers in America.
And — this being Westport, where “work” often means “an office,” rather than a field or factory floor — coworkers are everywhere.
(NOTE: Coworkers are different from “co-workers.” The latter refers to colleagues at a company or business. The former — who we celebrate today — are people from different firms, or solo practitioners, who share a common space.
That space can be Starbucks or the Library. But even though both have 2 key work components — tables and coffee — they’re not specifically designed for coworking.
Office Evolution is.
Located in the Post Road office building across from Fire Department headquarters, it was the first flexible workspace in Westport. It features open spaces, private offices, conference rooms, a receptionist, mail plans and more.
Others coworking spaces followed.
A conference room is open to coworkers of all ages.
Laura Kaufman is the Westport franchisee. She opened in 2019.
In the 6 years since, Office Evolution has evolved. Her original customers were “solopreneurs”: therapists, accountants and the like.
They wanted a place to see clients that was more professional than home, but less expensive than their own office. Access to copiers (and a high-end coffee machine) were added perks.
Durng COVID, many therapists migrated to Zoom. Some still see some clients online; others have returned to Kaufman’s coworking space.
But a large new group of workers — attorneys, executives, entrepreneurs — have discovered the benefits of a flexible office.
Office Evolution includes coworking spaces, meeting rooms, and private offices (above), with a variety of plans and prices.
They’re men and women who once commuted 5 days a week to New York, Stamford or elsewhere. Now they work several days remotely. But that does not necessarily mean “from home.”
Additionally, large companies use Office Evolution as an address for their “Connecticut location.” Their executives can book conference rooms, at reasonable rates.
“You don’t need a long-term lease, or deal with a landlord,” Kaufman notes.
“We provide internet, WiFi, and a receptionist who greets your clients and escorts them to you.”
Laura Kaufman (right) and receptionist Lindy Steinorth.
Plus, that high-end touch-screen coffemaker that “no law firm would buy.”
Writers appreciate coworking too. “We offer a change of environment. Maybe they just need a new window to look out of. Or a cup of coffee.”
Coworking also offers community. Office Evolution hosted a “member appreciation lunch” to celebrate International Coworking Day. There are Super Bowl pools (“as if everyone were working for the same company,” Kaufman says).
And Kaufman makes it a point to introduce people who may have something in common, either professionally or personally.
Coworking is popular nationally. But it is “having a moment” in suburbs like Westport, Kaufman says.
And that “moment” will continue to grow.
“My kids are in their 20s,” says Kaufman. “Their generation is very interested in quality of life and flexibility.
“They’re happy to be in an office 2 or 3 days a week, interacting with people. But they have no patience for commuting far.
“Coworking will be their expectation — and where they find community.”
Right now, she adds, “Westport is a 30-plus community. As soon as people start families, they move to the suburbs. We reap the benefit.”
Westporters who discover coworking spaces like Office Evolution appreciate the opportunity to interact across age groups and professions. “It’s a nice, organic way to live and work,” Kaufman says.
Younger people are not surprised to find a coworking space in Westport. Older ones sometimes are.
“They come in and say ‘Wow, what a great idea!’ — as if I thought of it,” she laughs. “I’m happy to execute on someone else’s idea.”
(For more information on Westport’s Office Evolution, click here.)
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