Improving retention isn’t just about reducing churn; it’s about creating an environment where people want to stay. Research across industries shows that even a small improvement in retention rates can have an outsized impact on profitability, sometimes boosting profits by 25–95% with just a 5% increase.
In coworking, retention thrives on everyday moments of connection, care, and value. When members feel seen, supported, and part of a true community, they’re far more likely to stick around. Personal relationships play a big role, but you can also reinforce that sense of belonging through thoughtful perks and shared experiences.
Beyond building personal relationships, you can reinforce this sense of belonging through thoughtful perks and experiences. Below is a practical list of member perks tailored for independent coworking spaces, organized by category and budget, to help you boost retention in creative, meaningful ways.
Why perks matter for independents
Perks increase the perceived value of membership and make members feel part of something bigger. When people feel connected to their community, they’re far more likely to stay long-term. For independent operators, thoughtful perks are a cost-effective way to stand out against larger chains.
Explore the categories below to find creative, budget-friendly ideas that fit your space and community goals.
- Wellness perks
- Food and drink perks
- Professional growth perks
- Community perks
- Exclusive experiences
- Surprise and delight
- Implementation checklist
Wellness perks: Supporting balance and health
- Yoga and meditation. Partner with local instructors for affordable wellness sessions, or invest in certified coaches for in-house classes.
- Workspace design. Add plants, natural light, and quiet corners to reduce stress, or create dedicated wellness rooms for deeper support.
- Fitness access. If space allows, add a gym or showers. On a budget, negotiate discounts with local gyms and yoga studios.A great example is ToBe Work&Care in Kösching, Germany. The space combines coworking, childcare, an in-house fitness studio, and on-site dining under one roof. It’s designed to support a full work-life balance for freelancers, startups, and digital nomads, even offering optional childcare and healthy daily meals.
- Pet-friendly policies. Allowing dogs creates a warmer environment. Spaces like Work & Woof in Austin even combine coworking with daycare for pets.
- Family support. Create kids’ corners, host family days, or, for a bigger investment, offer on-site childcare. Spaces like juggleHUB have successfully blended coworking with childcare.
Food and Drink perks: Fueling productivity
- Coffee and snacks. Go beyond basic coffee with local roaster partnerships or weekly fresh fruit. Premium options include cold brew taps or visiting baristas.
- Breakfast traditions. Simple weekly bagel mornings or pancake days encourage connection. Larger spaces may cater full breakfasts once a month.
- Happy hours. Weekly BYOB gatherings build community affordably. For a premium twist, host cocktail nights with local mixologists.
- Catered lunches. Organize quarterly potlucks or bring in food trucks. For special occasions, host themed dinners or holiday feasts.
- Local discounts. Negotiate with nearby cafés and restaurants for exclusive member deals. This costs nothing but creates everyday value.
Professional growth perks: Helping members succeed
- Workshops. Member-led lunch-and-learns are low-cost and engaging. Periodically invite external experts for premium training.
- Mentorship. Create a skills directory for peer support or schedule regular office hours with experienced founders.
- Spotlights. Feature a “Member of the Month” online or run demo days. These low-cost recognitions help members feel seen.
- Business support. Offer group discounts on professional services. Some spaces negotiate up to 40% off essentials like accounting and HR.
Community perks: Building stronger connections
- Socials and mixers. Weekly coffee huddles or monthly game nights are easy to organize. Larger events, like themed parties, create lasting memories.
- Structured networking. Run quarterly speed networking sessions or themed roundtables. Hosting an annual expo can position your space as a hub.
- Clubs and groups. Encourage hobby or professional clubs, from surf meetups to writing circles. These sub-communities make memberships “sticky.”
- Always-on community. A Slack or Discord workspace extends value beyond the office. For bigger budgets, invest in a white-labeled community app.
- Volunteer programs. Organize group activities like neighborhood cleanups or charity drives to bond members over shared values.
Exclusive experiences: Creating VIP value
- Local access. Partner with galleries, theaters, or event venues for free tickets or VIP entry.
- Global reach. Join the Coworking Visa program to give members free access to spaces worldwide. This makes even small spaces feel global.
- Special events. Host curated dinners, anniversary galas, or member retreats. These premium experiences strengthen loyalty.
- Exclusive discounts. Use group buying power to negotiate software, lifestyle, or travel deals just for your members.
Surprise and delight: Little extras that matter
- Random treats. Surprise members with donuts, ice cream, or a spontaneous happy hour.
- Personal gestures. Celebrate birthdays and milestones with small tokens like cupcakes or gift cards.
- Member appreciation days. Dedicate a day each year to thank members with free lunch, fun awards, or giveaways.
- Unexpected upgrades. Randomly waive fees, offer free meeting room hours, or upgrade desk access. Small surprises leave a big impression.
Implementation checklist
- Start with one perk per category and measure impact with surveys.
- Standardize easy wins (coffee, socials, online community).
- Add premium moments quarterly (workshops, retreats).
- Keep a perks page updated and announce changes regularly.
- Track retention and referrals before and after new perks.
Conclusion
Independent coworking spaces win on humanity and creativity. When members feel healthy, connected, and supported, they stay. By introducing a mix of affordable gestures and premium experiences, you can strengthen retention, build loyalty, and create a community people don’t want to leave.
