How startups can build a strong culture in coworking spaces

For founders aiming to nurture a strong startup work culture this summer, coworking spaces for startups offer more than just places to plug in — they provide the setting where culture is built in real time.

At Clockwise, we don’t just provide workspaces — we create environments that actively contribute to startup success. Our flexible office spaces are thoughtfully designed with a deep understanding of how atmosphere, design, and amenities influence behaviour, engagement, and morale. From barista bars and wellness rooms to terraces, bike storage, and community programming, every element plays a part in helping culture take root.

Research supports what we see every day: flexible, community-driven workspaces enhance collaboration, creativity, and wellbeing. According to Deskmag, 84% of coworkers feel more engaged and motivated, while 68% report improved focus in well-designed environments. And most powerfully, 82% of coworkers say they’ve expanded their professional networks — a key cultural and commercial advantage for any growing team.

At Clockwise, we bring these insights to life in practical, tangible ways.

Here’s how:

Startup teams change — your workspace should too. But flexibility goes beyond square footage — it’s about autonomy and trust. Empowering your team to choose how and where they work shows you care about outcomes, not just presence. That trust can become a cornerstone of your startup work culture.

Flexibility is more than layout; it’s the ability to evolve without interruption:

• Private Office memberships: Secure, enclosed environments that foster focus and autonomy.

• Dedicated Desk memberships: Consistency in a shared setting — ideal for core team members.

• Club Lounge memberships: Fluid, shared zones for dynamic working styles.

• Virtual Office and Day Pass: Options that balance presence with freedom.

No matter the structure of your startup, we have a setup to support it.

Tip: Mix and match memberships across your team. Use Private Offices for roles that need focus and confidentiality, while offering Club Lounge access for creative collaboration and everyday flexibility.

A strong startup work culture isn’t built in all-hands meetings or strategy decks — it takes root in the everyday. In coworking spaces, the in-between moments matter: a spontaneous chat in the kitchen, a shared lunch on the terrace, or bonding over barista-made coffee in the lounge. These informal interactions build social glue — helping team members feel seen and valued, even in small startup companies. Coworking also brings people into contact with professionals from other businesses, broadening perspectives and encouraging open-mindedness.

We’ve designed our spaces to support productivity and community equally:

• Barista bars for spontaneous connection

• Breakout zones for informal collaboration

• Wellness rooms for rest and recovery

• Bike storage and showers to encourage healthy habits

• Meeting rooms that are seamless to book and equipped for impact

• Seasonal and social programming to inspire new ideas and relationships

These are more than features. They’re cues that help teams thrive.

Tip: Encourage teams to vary their setting — a strategy session in a private room, a creative catch-up on the terrace, or a summer ‘walk and talk’ around the neighbourhood. Changing environments keeps energy high and ideas flowing.

Startup life can be isolating — especially for lean or hybrid teams. That’s why Clockwise builds in connection from day one. Our community teams facilitate intros, plan events, and foster an environment where serendipity leads to synergy. From regular Clockwise-hosted workshops and networking mixers to wellness sessions and panel talks, our calendar is designed to help members feel seen, supported, and socially engaged.

At Clockwise, our members include entrepreneurs, developers, designers, consultants, and creatives — many of whom are navigating similar journeys. Being surrounded by peers opens doors to mentorship, partnerships, and collaboration. It also helps reduce the isolation that can creep into early-stage startup life, especially for hybrid or remote teams.

Deskmag reports 82% of coworkers expand their professional networks through shared workspaces — and culture grows stronger with every connection made.

Tip: Make community part of the plan. Rotate who attends Clockwise events so each team member gets visibility and fresh connections.

With longer days and lighter routines, summer is an ideal season to reinforce your startup’s vibe. Whether it’s weekly team lunches on the terrace, informal “walk and talks,” or Clockwise-hosted wellness sessions, these simple rituals contribute to shared memory, trust, and morale.

We make it easy to keep things vibrant without losing focus.

Tip: Build a summer culture calendar. Highlight key moments like Clockwise socials, launch milestones, and team rituals that mix fun with intention.

Clockwise isn’t just startup-friendly — we’re startup-intuitive. With years of experience supporting founders and small teams, we understand that your culture is your edge.

Every Clockwise location across the UK and Belgium blends design, data, and community to help you build not just a business, but a place people want to belong.

It’s about creating space — physically and emotionally — for your people to connect, contribute, and grow.

Looking for office space for a startup that supports your vision and your values? Find a space where your culture can thrive. Make Clockwise your home for work this summer.

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