A new coworking space is coming to our community, and we’re so proud to be part of the advisory committee that’s helping to make it happen. Why? Simply put, we believe in the power of connection.

Substrate Studios is based in Squamish, BC – a beautiful mountain town tucked at the end of Howe Sound fjord between Vancouver and Whistler. It’s the outdoor capital of the Canada, and also among the fastest growing communities in the country.

Proximity to large metropolitan areas, lower housing prices than the big city, and attractive business opportunities, are contributing to the population boom in Squamish. Combine this with the rise of the mobile workforce, and you have yourself a tidal wave of change in work and community culture as we know it.

Faster internet connections, more robust technology and increasingly flexible employers are enabling an entire generation of telecommuters to spend at least one day per week working from home. In fact, by 2022 the mobile workforce is set to increase to 42% of the global population.

As small business owners who work from home ourselves, we know how isolating it can be. We left the cubicles, fluorescent lighting and cold boardrooms of the corporate world behind for a reason. But what we don’t want to abandon is the a sense of personal and professional connection with colleagues: comradery, peer mentorship and inspiration.

It’s all too tempting to donne the PJ’s and hunker down, only to surface to humanity for the occasional video conference call. And even then, you’re only dressed smart from the waist up (let’s be honest). But, humans are social creatures and we need to be around other humans; to build community and feed our inspiration. It’s good for our mental health, for our creativity and for the growth of our businesses too.

Until recently, working in a “social environment” has entailed squatting in a coffee shop. But, despite the jolt of java and buzzing atmosphere, there are hefty sacrifices to be made. The guilt of staying for hours in a bustling restaurant means ordering way too many coffee and/or pastries just to feel better. And, participating in a conference call while the espresso machine is blasting and the coffee shop playlist blares is downright frustrating.

Coworking spaces solve these problems by meeting us halfway. A Silicon Valley-esque start-up work environment meets coffee shop with silently crafted lattes.

While the term “coworking space” was coined in 2005 in San Francisco, it’s only in the last number of years that they’ve really hit the mainstream. The coworking industry has exploded, leading to boutique operations and global chains that have forged a path for telecommuters and digital nomads to gather, drink coffee, work collaboratively, and gain a sense of culture and community.

The Common will open its doors in Squamish at the end of this month, and we’re hoping it’s the first of many opportunities to meet new people and continue to nurture our network here in Squamish. Learn more about The Common by liking them on Facebook and Instagram or visiting them online at thecommon.io.

Do you have a coworking experience to share? Tell us in the comments below!