The Science Behind Why You Work Better in a Coworking Space

There's a reason you feel more productive the moment you walk into a well-designed coworking space, and it goes deeper than simply 'getting out of the house.' Environmental psychology has identified several factors that make coworking spaces uniquely suited to deep, focused work.

First, there's ambient noise. Complete silence — like an empty apartment — can actually hinder creativity. Research from the University of Illinois found that moderate ambient noise (around 70 decibels, roughly the level of a busy coffee shop) enhances creative thinking. Coworking spaces naturally hit this sweet spot.

Then there's the 'social facilitation effect,' a phenomenon first documented over a century ago. People perform better on well-practiced tasks when others are present. In a coworking space, the mere presence of other focused workers elevates your own performance — without any direct interaction needed.

Design matters too. Natural light, plants, varied seating options, and the ability to move between zones (focused work, collaboration, relaxation) all contribute to what researchers call 'cognitive restoration.' At Cómodo&Co, our spaces in both Santa Catalina and Arxiduc are designed with these principles in mind — from the positioning of desks near windows to the greenery throughout.

Finally, there's the power of ritual. Having a dedicated workspace that you travel to creates what psychologists call a 'implementation intention' — a mental trigger that switches your brain into work mode. It's why the most productive remote workers rarely work from their couch.