Wouldn’t it be nice if your coworking space came with a sign that said, “Yes, this place is good for your health and your business!”
That’s exactly what the new WELL Coworking Rating does. Think of it as the coworking world’s answer to the question, “How can we make work even better?”
Launched by the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) and The Instant Group, this new rating is a big deal for coworking and flex offices. It’s a way to show that your space isn’t just stylish or convenient — it’s a place where people can actually thrive mentally and, most importantly, physically.
The WELL Coworking Rating is a health and wellness badge of honor for coworking spaces. It’s like a checklist of everything you would wish every office had: clean air, good lighting, comfy temperatures, and food options that are as good for you as they look!
This rating stems from the WELL Building Standard, which is already used to certify buildings around the world for being healthy. The coworking version adapts that framework to meet the unique needs of coworking and flexible offices.
Once a space earns the rating, it gets a shiny seal to let members and occupiers know, “Hey, we’re serious about your well-being.”
Coworking is competitive. With so many spaces and working options out there, how do you stand out? By showing that you care about the people who work there.
Sam Pickering, Executive Director of Sustainability at The Instant Group, summed it up nicely: “Noticing the absence of a well-being benchmark specific to coworking, we partnered with IWBI to create a tool that landlords, operators, and occupiers can all embrace.”
In other words, this rating isn’t just a feather in your cap — it’s a full-on peacock tail. It shows potential members (and their bosses) that you’re investing in their health and happiness.
The WELL Coworking Rating focuses on seven areas that make your space better for people. Here’s the breakdown:
To get the rating, a space needs to earn 23 out of 53 possible points. The process is reviewed by a third party, so you know it’s well above board.
Several big names in coworking are already chasing this rating. Spaces like Clockwise, Koba, and Landmark have committed to meeting the standards.
Alexandra Livesey, COO of Clockwise, said, “Well-being is a core pillar of our brand. This rating is a step in the right direction for our industry.”
Rob Stewart from Koba added, “It’s a great tool for coworking spaces that want to attract serious businesses. It also helps push industry standards forward, which is a win for everyone.”
For coworking operators, the WELL Coworking Rating isn’t just a gold star. It’s a competitive edge. Studies show that healthier workspaces increase employee satisfaction and productivity—and happier, more productive members stick around longer.
A 2022 study found that WELL Certified offices boosted employee satisfaction by 28% and productivity by 10 points. That’s not just a win for members; it’s a win for your bottom line. Healthier spaces also tend to command higher rents and longer leases.
Jessica Cooper, Chief Product Officer at IWBI, put it best: “The WELL Coworking Rating offers a roadmap for operators to create workplaces that put people first.”
The WELL Coworking Rating is more than just a badge — it’s a movement toward healthier, happier workspaces. It is administered by The Instant Group. By integrating the rating into its platform, The Instant Group has made it easy for coworking operators to show off their commitment to well-being.
Because let’s face it: a healthier coworking space isn’t just a nice-to-have. It’s the future of work. Why not lead the way?
📸 Provided by International WELL Building Institute