How KWENCH is Redefining Coworking Culture Through Purpose
October 30, 2024
Blog
On a quiet road in Victoria, British Columbia, Canada sits a beautiful heritage building bathed in brick. A former warehouse built in 1889, it’s a sight to see from the city street. Inside however, is something far more special — a 25,000 square foot coworking space known as KWENCH.
To call KWENCH a coworking space may be doing it a disservice. What KWENCH really is is an inspired work and culture club featuring private offices, a fitness studio, a licensed bar, and of course, a committed community of diverse individuals.
KWENCH is an acronym which stands for Knowledge, Wellness, Experiences, Novelty, Curiosity, Connection, Health, and Happiness. These are the core values of KWENCH and this is what the team strives to embody each and every day.
At the core of it all is Tessa Mcloughlin. As the Founder and CEO of KWENCH, she is all about creating a space that not only facilitates productivity but also enhances the overall well-being of its members.
We sat down with Tessa to learn more about KWENCH and how she approaches coworking. Here are five key takeaways on what it means to redefine coworking culture through purpose from our conversation with Tessa.
1. Prioritize individual happiness
At the heart of KWENCH’s mission is the belief that increasing individual happiness strengthens society. Tessa believes that when members feel fulfilled on an individual and personal level, it positively impacts the broader community.
KWENCH supports the physical well-being of its members through on-site health and wellness offerings, like yoga classes and personal trainers. It supports members emotionally by creating a safe space where they are encouraged to be themselves.
By fostering individual happiness, Tessa is investing in the people who are walking into the space everyday, who are in turn giving that energy back to the community.
“The mission is to increase individual happiness, because I believe that if you increase individual happiness, you strengthen the safety, the health, and the innovation of society.”
2. Build a strong team culture
How can you achieve such an ambitious mission? By fostering a strong culture amongst your team.
Tessa advocates for a collaborative, inclusive team culture that recognizes each member as an individual with something unique to offer. With nine team members and a horizontal structure, there is an opportunity for everyone to contribute to the mission and have an impact in people’s lives.
On the day-to-day, this means everyone pitches in, regardless of their role, to build a sense of community and shared responsibility — be it running an event or plunging a toilet.
"I hope that my leadership can show that we can lead with love, quirkiness, compassion, and a bit of fun and not too much ego."
3. Focus on meaningful connections
There is nothing more satisfying than when members from different backgrounds connect and share their experiences in one central place. When a lawyer, a filmmaker, and a designer can all share space and connect with one another, real magic happens.
Tessa promotes an environment where members can feel comfortable connecting with one another. She has also purposely designed the layout of KWENCH to promote conversations and help connect members.
The team strives to create opportunities for interaction amongst individuals whether through fitness classes, organized happy hours, or simply designing a kitchen that is a natural place to convene.
"The whole point of KWENCH is to make sure that we're facilitating happiness in people's lives with the understanding that it comes from their own actions."
4. Commit to positive impact
KWENCH is a B Corp, or beneficial corporation, meaning they’re committed to bettering society as a whole. This means embracing values that prioritize community well-being and environmental sustainability, while striving to be a socially responsible business.
Because for Tessa, at the end of the day, it’s about doing good for her members and the greater community more than anything else. Taking the step to become B Corp certified is another incredible testament to KWENCH’s mission and helps attract members with shared values.
“I’m really passionate about making sure that we do good in the world and that we’re not just here to make money.”
5. Take a thoughtful approach to expansion
Tessa has expansion top-of-mind, but she’s not rushing into opening more locations anytime soon.
Instead, she’s carefully considering each potential new site to make sure it’s in line with her values. This allows them to maintain the trust and relationships they’ve built in their current space.
It’s a good reminder that sustainable growth should be gradual to best maintain the culture and relationships that define your space.
“Building 12 locations in a year is not the way that we want to do it. We want to build a company that’s sustainable, that makes a positive impact.”
Make a difference in your community like KWENCH
KWENCH stands as a powerful example of the impact an individual can have on their community — Tessa’s impact on Victoria. The KWENCH team’s impact on their members. Their members’ impact on the community around them.
As coworking spaces continue to evolve, KWENCH serves as an inspiring model for others looking to create vibrant communities where people are encouraged to be themselves. We are proud to power this incredible team of changemakers!
