25 Fun Ideas to Engage your Coworking Space Community

70% of people join coworking spaces because they’re seeking a sense of belonging. In that sense, community is one of the most valuable assets you have.

Building community and cultivating a sense of belonging however can be a challenge, especially for new operators. In this Coworking Quick Tip, we’re getting the wheels turning with 25 fun ideas to engage your community—from happy hours to member spotlights.

Scroll through for some bite-sized ideas that bring big increases in engagement to foster the sense of community you’ve always dreamed of.

1. Send a personalized welcome email

Send a warm welcome email to new members after joining with key information and a delightful discount code (hint: you can automate this with Optix!).

2. Create a coworking buddy system

Pair new members with a long-term evangelist to help integrate them into the community and give them a friend right off the bat.

3. Delight new members with a small onboarding gift

Offer a small welcome kit to all new members that includes candy, branded stickers, and a handy notebook for something extra special.

4. Launch a Member-of-the Month spotlight

Highlight a different member each month in your newsletter and what makes them special. You could also help them market their skills or services!

5. Host lunch & learns

Encourage knowledge-sharing sessions where members present on their expertise…or bring in outside expertise to elevate the session.

6. Organize a skill swap

Help members connect over shared skills and experiences in a fun, casual environment. Encourage members to teach one another about the skills they have.

7. Set up a digital member directory 

Display a digital directory in your coworking app where members can share more about themselves.

8. Use online discussion boards 

Set up a discussion board like the Community Feed in Optix to post announcements about your coworking space and keep members informed.

9. Set up automated birthday messages 

Send personal messages for member birthdays via email or in your coworking app to celebrate their special day!

10. Create an online community 

Organize a digital hub for sharing updates, opportunities, and casual discussions (like the one you can set up in Inbox+).

11. Set up surveys at regular intervals 

Regularly ask members what they want more (or less) via automated surveys to keep them engaged in your community.

12. Offer exclusive deals and discounts 

Partner with local cafes, gyms, or service providers to offer exclusive member discounts.

13. Set up a referral program 

Incentivize members to refer friends with a percentage discount off their membership so they keep you top-of-mind.

14. Design an open-concept lounge area

Create spaces that encourage spontaneous conversations, like a large lounge area or kitchen.

15. Create a community bulletin board

Set up a bulletin board in your kitchen or communal area for event announcements, job postings, or member introductions.

16. Organize theme days

Have fun with things like “Bring Your Pet to Work Day” if you’re in a pet-friendly space or “Sports Day” where everyone wears their favorite sports jersey.

17. Start Win Wednesdays

Highlight members’ wins every Wednesday in your digital community and encourage others to share their wins, too

18. Celebrate member anniversaries 

Set up automated emails in Optix that acknowledge long-term members’ anniversaries with a small perk.

19. Implement community voting 

Let members vote on small changes (coffee options, upcoming events) to help them be more involved in the space.

20. Set up a volunteer program

Encourage members to help host events or moderate discussions on a volunteer basis.

21. Host an international potluck 

Have members bring a dish that represents them or their culture in an international potluck.

22. Implement guided meditation breaks 

Set up a quick 5-minute daily mindfulness practice that you host at the same time each day.

23. Create customized name tags for desks 

Help make dedicated desks feel more personal with colorful and custom name tags. 

24. Set up a member-run Spotify playlist 

Create a collaborative Spotify playlist that members can contribute to and share with other members.

25. Create monthly raffles 

Give away prizes like an extra meeting room hour or a free guest pass once a month for all members to participate in.

How will you engage your community this year? With so many ideas to choose from, the possibilities are endless. Want more ways to engage your community online?