What’s a Coworking Office? 

A coworking office is a shared office space where you go to work. 

It’s a bit like a library, office, and café combined to create an environment where you can be focused and productive.

In 2020, I moved my office from a medical building to a coworking office and have been there ever since. I love my coworking space so much I can’t imagine ever going back to a more traditional office setup.

I have a private office that’s just mine; that’s where I do all my Zoom calls with clients. Then, there are all the communal areas that I can use as much or as little as I want.

My coworking space has a lovely modern kitchen, dining area, bathrooms, and breakout rooms, such as small, quiet rooms to take phone calls (which I don’t need because I have a private room) but people also use them to pray and meditate in. There are large meeting rooms, a room with a walking treadmill, and even a few rooms with comfy massage chairs.

Every coworking space has its own special features, but the ones they have in common are

• Flexible workspace rental (hourly, daily, weekly, monthly)
• Shared (hot desks) or private offices
• Reliable Wi-Fi and comfortable seating with tables and desks
• Quiet zones for focused work and communal areas for collaboration

One of the benefits of a coworking office is that you work around other people, even though you are working with them. 

Everyone’s focused on their own projects, whether they’re freelancers, remote workers, entrepreneurs, or part of a small team. You’re not collaborating but just being in that shared, productive energy feels inspiring and motivating.

There’s a friendly, professional atmosphere. There isn’t an official dress code, but most people wear business casual or suits, though Fridays tend to be more relaxed.

Coworking spaces great when you have ADHD because they naturally address many of the challenges you face in your work day, like distractibility, procrastination, low motivation, and isolation in a supportive, brain-friendly environment. 

Here are 9 reasons coworking spaces work so well for ADHD brains:

1. Built-In Structure 

When you have ADHD, creating your own structure can be tough, but when the structure is in place, it helps your brain feel organized, focused, and productive.

A coworking space offers a built-in structure without feeling restrictive. It’s a defined place to work with a natural start and stop time.

For example, even if a coworking space is open 24/7, leaving in the evening is a signal to your brain that the workday is over. Plus, being around other people creates social cues that say, “Now it’s time to focus.” This means you don’t have to invent your own structure every day. The environment does it for you.

2. A type of Body Doubling 

Traditionally, body doubling involves having another person physically next to you while you work on a task. Your “body double” may be working alongside you on their own activities but primarily is there to help anchor your attention and reduce distractions. 

Their presence helps you feel motivated and focused on the task, makes it easier to fight distractions, and generally makes working on the task feel less isolating and overwhelming.

A coworking space can have a similar effect to traditional body doubling. Even if you don’t personally know the people around you and they don’t know what project you’re working on, being in a shared environment where other people are also working can increase your focus +++

The presence of others creates a sense of accountability and Momentum. “If they’re working, I might as well too,” which reduces feelings of loneliness and makes distractions less tempting This is an example of positive default prioritizing.

The ambient “body doubling” effect of a coworking space can have the same ADHD-friendly benefits as having a personal body double: it provides a supportive social context that helps your brain stay engaged and productive.

3. Fewer Home-Based Distractions 

Home is full of distraction traps like laundry, snacks, unfinished projects, naps, and phones. Even if you have a home office and can’t see the laundry hamper or your bed, you know they are there.

A coworking space removes those temptations by creating a clear boundary between “home” and “work.”

It minimizes visual and physical distractions and simplifies decision-making.

4. Dopamine Boost

ADHD brains love stimulation and novelty.

The environment of a coworking space gives dopamine boosts with the new sights and sounds, people-watching, and the satisfaction of finishing tasks in a productive setting. This makes starting and completing tasks feel so much easier.

5. Reduces Loneliness and Builds Momentum

Working from home can feel lonely, which can drain motivation and make starting tasks even harder than usual.

You don’t have to interact directly with the people at your coworking office (although you’ll properly make some friends there). Just being around others in a coworking space is a great way to shake the “I’m doing this all alone” feeling and unlock your motivation.

6. Easier to Shift Into “Work Mode” 

Transitions, especially into focus mode, can be difficult for ADHD brains. Physically going to a space dedicated to your work flips a mental switch. Your brain knows, “This is my time to get stuff done.”

And it will be easier to get into and stay in focus mode.

7. Getting Dressed

One surprising benefit of going to a coworking space is you get dressed.

When you work from home, it’s easy to stay in pajamas. Or just dress the top half of you if you have a Zoom meeting. But getting dressed to leave the house 

• Boost motivation and confidence. You feel more mentally sharp when you are wearing ‘proper’ clothes
• Reduce the mental fog that can come from drifting into work without a clear start
• Is another helpful signal that its time to switch to “work mode”

Your clothes don’t need to be formal or fancy just something that makes you feel like you’re ready for the day ahead.

8. Built in Transition Time

Commuting to a coworking space naturally creates built-in transition time, which is really helpful for your ADHD brain. Whether it’s a short walk, bike ride, drive, or train trip, that travel time acts like a mental reset, something you don’t get when the “office” is just a few steps from bed.

. It gives you space to:

• Gear up for the day, mentally shift into focus, set intentions, and feel ready to begin
• Wind down afterward, reflect on what you got done and decompress before stepping back into personal time

These small bookends to your day can make a big difference in how calm, focused, and in control you feel.

9. Fun and Energizing 

Many coworking spaces have cool features. There are obvious ones like high-speed, secure internet, good lighting and comfortable seating. Then there are nice-to-haves like quality coffee, snacks, cool aesthetics, and friendly people. 

When work feels enjoyable, you’re more likely to want to go, be productive generally enjoy your workday more.

If you have ADHD, working the right environment can make a world of difference not just in your productivity, but in how you feel (blah, cheerful, motivated, etc.) throughout the day.

Even if you do not ‘need’ a coworking space because you can technically work from home, having a dedicated place to focus can be a game-changer.

If you would like to find a coworking space near you, here are the steps to help you choose one that suits you and your ADHD brain’s and working style.

Steps to Finding Your Coworking Office

1. Get clear on What You Need.

• How many days per week do I want to use the office?
• Do I need a private space, or is a shared, open space OK?
• What hours do I want to access? (e.g., 24/7 or business hours)
• Do I need access to a meeting room?
• Do I want a space that feels social, quiet, or both?

2. Research Options

• Search “coworking space [your city]” (e.g., Montreal)
• Browse listings on Google Maps 
• Look to see how long your commute would be.
• Make a short list of 3–5 spaces that look like possibilities. 

 3. Contact & Schedule Visits

• Reach out to each space (email or quick call)
• Ask about pricing, availability, and any trial days
• Schedule 2–3 visits to have a look in person.

4. Tour the Spaces

• Bring a list of questions:
  • Is it quiet enough for Zoom calls?
  • Are there hidden fees?
  • Can I bring guests/clients in?
  • Is coffee included? 😄
• How does space feel to you (welcoming, inspiring?)
• Take a few photos to help you remember
• Ask yourself: “Can I see myself being productive here?”
• Ask yourself, ‘What is the noise level? 

5. Compare & Decide

Compare:

• Cost vs. budget
• Commute time
• Amenities (are there one you want?)
• Vibe/community
• Ask yourself: “Which space makes me feel the most excited, calm, or focused?”
• Pick your top choice

6. Sign Up / Join

• Review the contract or terms carefully
• Ask about:
  • Billing cycles
  • Cancellation policies
  • Flexibility in changing plans later
• Sign up and make your first payment
• Mark your start date in your calendar!

7. Prepare to Start!

• Pack a coworking bag:
  • Laptop, charger, notebook, headphones
  • Snacks, water bottle, etc.(if not available at your new office)
• Plan your first day (day and time you’ll go)
• Tell a friend or accountability buddy you’re going for accountability the first time

 8. Celebrate the Win!

• Treat yourself (coffee, walk, favorite meal) for doing something new and out of your comfort zone.

The Untapped Brilliance Club gives you structure, tools, and support, just like a great ADHD-friendly coworking space does. If you’re ready to stay focused and follow through on your goals, check out the Club!

Want a printable version of the checklist to take with you while you explore coworking spaces? 

Just pop your email below and I’ll send it straight to your inbox perfect for keeping you on track without needing to remember all the details.