Digital 52 3️⃣7️⃣ - On creating a wellness and well-being-focused coworking space, learning the hard way (sometimes), and creating a grounding and positive space: the story of Werklab.

Let's embark on a journey to Vancouver, a vibrant city located on Canada's west coast. Our final destination? Werklab, a visionary coworking space that has been championing wellness and well-being in the workplace since 2016.

Read the full story of Werklab on page 198 of “Around The World in 250 Coworking Spaces”.

How well do you feel while at work? It's a deceptively simple question with a complex answer. The pandemic has shed light on our often unhealthy relationship with work. We find ourselves constantly engaged in work-related activities, whether in the office, on the commute, or even at home—working from the living room, in bed, or on the sofa. Opportunities to work are abundant, but at what cost? As humans, we have unwittingly prioritized work to the detriment of our overall well-being.

So, how can we shift this narrative and cultivate a healthier relationship with work? The answer lies in creating spaces that foster well-being and go beyond mere work. One shining example can be found in Vancouver, where a remarkable coworking space has been at the forefront of advocating for wellness not only within the workplace but also in our relationship with work itself. Led by Christina Deisler and her dedicated team, Werklab has reimagined the concept of a positive workplace.

Join us as we dive deeper into the transformative journey of Werklab, where they have crafted a beautiful narrative that challenges conventional notions of work and embraces a holistic approach. Scroll down to discover how Werklab has successfully woven well-being into the very fabric of their space and revolutionized our perception of work.

➡️ A little refresher

Who’s behind the featured space?

Meet Christina Deisler, the Founder of Werklab.

As to why Christina decided to open a coworking space, she told us: “With a background in HR and organizational coaching, it has always been my greatest passion to support others in connecting to themselves in order to align to reaching their goals, dreams, and expansive potential. I wanted to support those who didn't fit into the linear corporate path in the growth of the entrepreneurial pursuits.”

➡️ Key Figures

• Opening year: 2016
• Size when they started: 1,600 sqm
• Size today: 1,600 sqm

➡️ A little tour around Werklab

➡️ Behind-the-scenes

Things you didn't read in aw250cs

➡️ Werklab Today

Navigating the challenges of running a coworking space during a global pandemic was undoubtedly an uphill battle. The uncertainties brought by lockdowns, restrictions, and the initial confusion surrounding the virus in early 2020 instilled fear and hindered the sense of community. However, fast forward three years, as we emerge from the pandemic's aftermath, the significance of operating a coworking space that prioritizes wellness and well-being has never been greater. Over the past three years, our collective health has suffered, prompting a reevaluation of our relationship with work. It's no longer just about how we work but also where we work from. In today’s interview, we delve into the state of Werklab, exploring the impact of the pandemic on their mission and uncovering their current focus. Keep scrolling down for an insightful follow-up interview with Christina, where she sheds light on the present direction of Werklab and their unwavering commitment to fostering well-being.

💫 Recovering from the pandemic, furthering their mission.

💬 I’d like to start by asking you: what’s new at Werklab since September 2021?

Vancouver and Canada took an interesting approach to the pandemic, resulting in a lingering impact on the social fabric. Although I currently live in London, I experienced a strict lockdown in Vancouver initially, but it wasn't sustained beyond the first two months of the pandemic. Due to the lack of a robust strategy, our social environment became tense and uncertain. Our prime minister adopted a conservative stance, fueling fear among the population.

When reflecting on September 2021, it feels like a continuation of the challenging period from March 2020 to the end of 2020.

Another distinct phase would be from 2021 until the middle of 2022. Only towards the end of 2022 did we witness a significant revival, as our offerings heavily rely on immersive experiences. The reluctance of people to gather in rooms and participate in events greatly affected our ability to deliver our core principles.

Consequently, our workspace struggled to maintain its unique essence, though it managed to get by. However, there was a noticeable shift in September 2022, where the energy and vitality returned gradually. This resurgence revitalized our community and reinvigorated the experiences we provide. Undoubtedly, the pandemic had a profound impact on our industry, and our specific location made it especially challenging.

💬 Werklab is focused on wellness and well-being, why?

I started working on the concept towards the end of 2015, the beginning of 2016. Being in Vancouver, we had a direct connection to Silicon Valley and the thriving tech industry on the West Coast. It felt like a natural fit, especially with all the buzz surrounding tech businesses at the time. However, what I noticed was a worrisome trend of glorifying hustle culture and the idea of sacrificing sleep. It seemed like a badge of honor to be constantly exhausted and overworked.

This realization made me question the state of the world. I felt that we were becoming disconnected from ourselves through our work. I wondered, are we truly producing our best work when we're exhausted and detached from our authentic selves? So, I envisioned creating work environments and spaces that were regenerative, allowing individuals to reconnect with themselves. The goal was to leave work feeling energized instead of depleted.

Often, we find ourselves in a state of exhaustion, using weekends or post-work pub culture in the UK as a means of recuperating and reaching a neutral state. But what if we could feel energized at the end of the day? What if our hard work was accompanied by personal growth or self-care? I realized that when we're exhausted and hustling, we tend to neglect ourselves. We eat quickly, skip the gym, or stop meditating if it's part of our practice.

My aim is to integrate self-care into the workplace, making it easily accessible and resistant to resistance.

For example, imagine having a 45-minute yoga or stretching class during the workday, allowing you to learn more about yourself or your health. Perhaps you eat your lunch at your desk, but you take that time to invest in your well-being or personal growth. The idea was to make these practices effortless, ensuring they didn't get lost in the demands of work.

The reason I pursued this concept was because I recognized a larger global problem. We can't simply complain about the state of the world without looking inward. It's essential to take action and create leaders who prioritize self-care, innovation, and thoughtful problem-solving. By nurturing themselves, they are better equipped to tackle the challenges that lie ahead.

Werklab aims to address the need for balance and personal well-being in the workplace, ultimately contributing to a more considerate and proactive society.

💬 How was the process of educating your local market when you started?

I mean, like many female entrepreneurs, I followed the typical pattern of keeping Werklab a secret until it was “perfect.” It's a common tendency among female entrepreneurs due to societal expectations. There's this pressure to reach a certain level of perfection before revealing our work to the world and potentially facing judgment. Unfortunately, I made the mistake of waiting until we were about to open our doors to inform everyone. It looked good at that point, and I could explain it, but it was a disservice to my business. I learned that the hard way.

However, I quickly realized the importance of clearly articulating our purpose. We wanted to create an environment that felt like a homecoming, a space where people could shed their armor and masks, and truly connect with themselves. It wasn't enough to just talk about it; we needed to let people experience it firsthand. So, I sought different avenues to convey our message and evoke the emotions we wanted our clients to feel. One approach was through the events we hosted, both internal and external. These events allowed us to showcase our mission and vision in action.

Capturing these experiences on social media was another way for people to gain insight into what was happening behind our doors. While I don't believe in devaluing our work by constantly giving things away for free, we recognized the value of bringing certain individuals into our space. These were not influencers but rather people we admired, who could, in turn, help spread the word about the transformative experiences they had with us. We created special series which brought in different founders and subject matter experts for curated experiences. Although we weren't selling memberships to them, we aimed to provide a deep connection to our mission. The impact they felt and the lessons they learned became the message they shared with others.

💬 What did the pandemic change for you at Werklab?

Well, everything changed for us. One of the lessons we learned quickly was that we were so focused on our purpose that it sometimes overshadowed the needs of our business. For instance, we had expanded to a second space, growing to a whopping 1,600 sqm. It wasn't just the initial 400 sqm anymore; we were doing big things. We offered 16 offices and had several hundred members, each on a month-to-month contract. We believed that providing flexibility was important for supporting small businesses in their growth journeys. However, we charged a premium for this flexibility, even though it wasn't our unique selling point (USP).

Unfortunately, when the pandemic hit, we faced a major setback. Within two months, we lost 80% of our clients, and the challenge was that they were all on contracts. Suddenly, the idea of flexibility didn't seem advantageous anymore.

We realized that despite building from the heart and focusing on our ethos, we still had to make decisions that made sense for the business. We had obligations to fulfill, such as paying rent and other expenses. It was a difficult realization that business decisions often go beyond our personal intentions.

During this time, the dynamics of the business changed. It became more transactional, resembling a traditional coworking space. It was tough to navigate this transition and wait it out, knowing we had to give it time. Certain variables were beyond our control, such as people's heightened concerns about COVID-19 or their individual nervous systems. We couldn't force them to come back. Now, as we experience a resurgence of energy and breathe life back into the space, it serves as a reminder not to try and recreate what we had before. This realization holds significance for many businesses affected by the pandemic.

Business is an act of mindfulness. While it's essential to have a vision and future goals, it's equally crucial to remain present and acknowledge the current state of the business. Listening becomes paramount. Avoid getting too caught up in where you want to go without taking a pulse check of where you are today. It's about striking a balance between being future-focused, setting goals, and metrics, and anchoring yourself in the present.

💬 How do you concretely integrate wellness into your members’ daily life at Werklab?

When it comes to programming and offerings, there are several key aspects to consider. Currently, we have our studio and a residency program in place. As part of the residency, we've acquired a gym facility where we offer diverse experiences over the course of four months. These experiences encompass a range of classes, each with its unique offerings.

Moreover, we strive to infuse our programming with thought-provoking elements, evident in our lunch and learns, events, and even daily updates. For instance, our front desk team includes inspiring quotes in their daily communications, focusing more on enriching perspectives rather than promoting hustle culture.

To ensure our approach is holistic and genuine, we recognize the need for integration. It's not just about superficially offering Pilates or yoga classes or stating that we prioritize wellness. Instead, we delve deeper into the entire experience, considering factors such as the vendors we choose for events and how we nourish people during the onboarding processes. We emphasize creating meaningful conversations and fostering mutual understanding among individuals. This mindset applies regardless of whether we focus on wellness or other missions like creativity.

The goal is to seamlessly incorporate these enriching elements throughout the entire journey, rather than taking a broad-stroke approach that feels more like a marketing ploy. We want our participants to genuinely feel and appreciate the attention to detail in every aspect of their experience, down to the smallest details.

💬 How is the interior design of your space playing a role in the overall wellness and well-being of your members?

From the moment we acquired this space, our priority has been to create an environment with positive energy. We wanted to ensure that the space itself aligned with our intentions and beliefs. One crucial aspect that played a significant role in this was natural light. While there are limitations to what we can control, such as cutting skylights into the ceiling, we recognized the importance of incorporating natural light. In fact, it was one of the primary attractions of this space.

Designing the space to be functional and accommodating different experiences was another essential consideration. Whether it's for our members, clients, or visiting guests, we aimed to cultivate a variety of experiences. This involved thoughtfully addressing various elements, such as lighting, music, and even texture. We wanted to create a harmonious balance by incorporating diverse touchpoints that engage all the senses. For instance, we carefully selected materials like wood, fabrics, and canvas, rather than relying solely on steel or concrete. This holistic approach allowed us to create a space that exudes balanced energy, embracing both masculine and feminine qualities, irrespective of gender.

Lighting played a significant role in shaping the atmosphere as well. We strategically employed cool and warm lighting, each serving a specific purpose. Warm lighting was used to create cozy, intimate spaces, offering a sense of comfort and refuge.

Additionally, we recognized the importance of incorporating nature into our space. We believe that plants have a profound impact on the overall ambiance and well-being. As avid proponents of greenery, we have invested in over a hundred and fifty plants. Ensuring their health and vitality is a dedicated task, with a designated team member responsible for watering and caring for them regularly. We understand that plants add beauty to the environment, and their condition can greatly influence the overall perception of the space.

In fact, the very first aspect we designed in this space was the plant arrangements. Collaborating with a skilled landscape designer, we carefully planned and integrated the plants into the layout. By strategically leveraging natural light and placing plants as focal points, we built the entire space around the concept of fostering a vibrant and thriving ecosystem.

Our commitment to creating a harmonious and uplifting environment extends beyond mere aesthetics. It's about curating an experience that nurtures the well-being of everyone who enters, providing them with a space to be productive, tap into their creative flow, or simply unwind.

➡️ Reflections on building Werklab

💬 If you could do one thing differently in the journey of Werklab what would it be?

Reflecting on the past, there is one aspect that stands out—having put longer-term contracts in place before the pandemic. Embracing the motto of “No regrets, only learning,” I firmly believe that as leaders, it is crucial to acknowledge our humanity and accept that mistakes happen.

The key is to extract valuable lessons from those experiences.

While I don't harbor profound regrets, there is a valuable lesson in focusing on our mission, understanding our unique value proposition (USP), and realizing the importance of positioning ourselves in the market.

Our positioning revolved around providing flexible solutions without binding contracts, which carried a premium price tag. It was necessary to assess the associated risks and structure our business accordingly. However, this aspect was overlooked, and it had a significant impact on our financials. Nevertheless, we have managed to bounce back from that setback, leveraging the lessons learned to drive our growth.

💬 What has been your biggest learning out of bringing to life AND growing Werklab?

One valuable lesson I've come across is the understanding that businesses are not static entities. They are dynamic and ever-evolving organisms, much like children or human beings. It is essential not to cling to rigid ideas of what a business should be. Instead, we must recognize that if the foundation is strong, it will have the ability to adapt and grow over time. Embracing this mindset of continuous evolution and allowing the business to change naturally is, in essence, practicing mindfulness.

In the midst of the pandemic, we witnessed numerous businesses struggling to survive precisely because they were fixated on their original plans and couldn't adapt to unforeseen circumstances. While setting future goals and creating budgets is vital, as we naturally focus on the future, it's crucial to strike a balance by being fully present and adaptable to the current realities. For instance, I meticulously prepared a comprehensive financial budget in December 2019, outlining strategies for the upcoming year. However, like many others, I couldn't have anticipated the challenges that unfolded.

What truly sets resilient businesses apart is their ability to swiftly recover and refocus on their core purpose. Instead of solely focusing on delivering a message, it becomes imperative to reflect on why the business truly exists. From there, the question becomes: Given the circumstances, how can we reconnect with our purpose and adapt accordingly? Mindfulness plays a significant role in fostering this resilience, enabling us to remain attuned to the present moment, embrace change, and make decisions that align with our core values and objectives.

By integrating mindfulness practices into our business approach, we cultivate a mindset of flexibility, adaptability, and resilience. This mindfulness not only helps us navigate unforeseen challenges but also allows us to stay connected to our mission and purpose, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth.

💬 What would be your best advice to someone thinking about opening a coworking space?

One essential aspect that should always be prioritized when running a business is ensuring that the financial numbers make sense. It's important to recognize that there can be romanticized notions surrounding coworking spaces, but it is crucial to approach them with a realistic financial perspective. Reflecting on my first business and space, I realized that it wasn't scalable. Although we operated at full capacity and managed to generate income, it wasn't substantial. During that time, I had one staff member, and it became apparent that understanding the unit economics and economies of scale is vital. Therefore, it is essential to thoroughly analyze the numbers and ensure they align with sustainable profitability.

Another significant factor to consider is what makes your brand uniquely yours. This goes beyond surface-level aspects and delves into the core mission and purpose of your business. It's important to establish why your business truly exists and what motivates your employees. On difficult days when they face member challenges and encounter different personalities, reminding them of the underlying purpose and mission becomes crucial. It helps everyone involved understand why they persevere through hardships and navigate the inevitable headaches that come with running a business.

💬 If you could chat with coworking space now, what would you like to ask them?

💬 And if you could chat with members of coworking space?

Firstly, do you feel a genuine sense of connection in your coworking space?

Additionally, I would ask if you ever experience feelings of loneliness. While the latter question may sound somewhat negative, it is crucial to address it because, in a coworking space, loneliness should not be prevalent.

Each of us is on our individual path, pursuing our own goals. However, the true value of a coworking space lies not only in its physical environment but also in the constellation of people and the network effect it offers. It is through this network effect that we foster connections, collaborations, and support systems.

It is my belief that nobody working out of a coworking space should feel isolated or lonely.

💬 Last but not least, where would you want to bring Werklab next?

So, I'm about to share something that might spark some controversy within the industry, but I strongly believe in expanding the reach of Werklab beyond the confines of our physical space. While our mission is deeply rooted in the concept of coworking, I am convinced that the impact of what we do should not be limited to those who reside in Vancouver and require a workspace.

The essence of our work is not restricted by geographical boundaries. I firmly believe that everyone, regardless of their location or workspace needs, should have the opportunity to experience what we offer. We have the potential to create meaningful experiences and foster connections beyond the walls of our physical location.

By embracing this mindset, we can extend our mission beyond the traditional coworking model. We can find innovative ways to bring the essence of Werklab to individuals who may not be in close proximity to Vancouver but still seek a similar experience. This could involve exploring digital platforms, virtual collaboration, or other creative means to connect with a broader audience.

Ultimately, the goal is to make our unique approach accessible and inclusive, transcending physical boundaries. By doing so, we can extend the positive impact of Werklab to individuals around the world, allowing them to benefit from our mission-driven work, even if they are not physically present in Vancouver.

Join us on Discord to discuss the story of Werklab further!

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Our monthly online event is out! On June 29th, we are exploring the meaning of growth in coworking spaces.