Today, coworking took center stage. Every Wednesday at 9 a.m., Werk1 hosts a coworking tour for anyone considering becoming a member. I joined the tour and spoke with Ines afterward. She normally works as a Community Events Manager at Werk1, but is currently filling in for Coworking Manager Elena, who is on vacation.
Even the tour itself showed me how well thought-out the coworking concept here is. Anyone who wants to join must take part in a tour beforehand—it’s mandatory. The reason, as Ines explains to me later: There is so much information about the memberships and different pricing plans that many things can be clarified much faster in a personal conversation than on the website. Only after the tour can you become a member and part of the community of coworkers, colivers, and startups.
The Coworking Concept at Werk1
During our conversation, I then asked who mainly uses the coworking space. The answer: a diverse mix. From solo entrepreneurs in photography and IT professionals working remotely to freelancers in design and marketing, and even journalists, everyone is represented here. Coliving residents also use the space when working on their startups. There is one rule, however: a maximum of three employees per company are allowed in the coworking space at the same time, ensuring that entire teams don’t permanently block individual desks and that interaction among coworkers is maintained.
There are no other requirements for membership. Whether self-employed, remotely employed, or freelance—basically anyone can become a member, as long as the principle of a large, shared office fits their working habits. Those who prefer it quiet will find a retreat in the Silent Space. Those looking for interaction will find what they need in the Communication Space, where things can get quite lively, including occasional dog visits and phone calls.
When Coworking Turns into Collaboration
I especially liked the way Ines described the atmosphere. For her, coworking is not just a place to work, but also a meeting place for networking. Almost like a café where you sit down at one of the large tables and strike up a conversation. She confirmed to me that business opportunities can also arise from this, using an example from her own team: A colleague found her way into starting her own business through a fellow coworker from the wedding planning industry. Ines says that stories like this happen time and again in coworking spaces, right up to joint startups born out of random encounters in the space.
Community doesn’t just happen by chance
To ensure this networking isn’t left purely to chance, the team regularly organizes community events, ranging from the Werksfrühstück community breakfast and after-work get-togethers to lunch-and-learn sessions. Next up, for example, is a larger game night with table tennis and board games, designed specifically to bring coworkers, colivers, and startup teams together.
Of course, things don’t always run smoothly. Ines speaks openly about the minor everyday challenges, such as when people forget to clean up or when the access app acts up. With over 220 coworkers, it’s also impossible to keep track of every single membership in detail. That’s why the team conducts spot checks to ensure that members stick to their booked days.
Finally, I asked her what advice she would give to someone coming to the coworking space for the first time. Her recommendation: start by booking a day pass and stopping by for a coworking tour. And anyone who becomes a member should definitely grab a coffee, head into the Communication Space, and simply strike up a conversation with people.
After this day, I have a much clearer impression of how much organization goes into the coworking area and how much, just like in coliving, chance and encounters take center stage here as well. I’m excited to see what stories await me next.
