Dr. Gleb Tsipursky – The Office Whisperer
Nirit Cohen – WorkFutures
Angela Howard – Culture Expert
Drew Jones – Design & Innovation
Jonathan Price – CRE & Flex Expert
Summer brings unique challenges to coworking spaces everywhere. As temperatures rise and people start taking vacations, keeping your space comfortable, attractive, and active becomes more difficult. The big question is whether your coworking space is truly prepared to handle the heat and the seasonal shifts in attendance.Â
Simply put, is your space summer-proof?
What Does Summer-Proofing Mean for Coworking Spaces?
Summer-proofing goes beyond cranking up the air conditioning; it means creating an environment that stays cool and inviting even on the hottest days while maintaining a lively atmosphere that keeps members engaged and connected. It also means adapting to how people’s work habits change during summer months, with many opting for flexible schedules or remote work.
If your space feels like a sauna by midday or if some members complain about freezing near the AC vents, you are not alone. The most common complaint at any time of year in coworking spaces is a lack of temperature control. When half the room is too hot and the other half too cold, it creates discomfort and fractures the sense of community.Â
These climate challenges are only intensifying with rising global temperatures, making it essential to find smart solutions.
Five Ways to Summer-Proof Your Coworking Space
1. Invest in Shades and Insulation
Keeping direct sunlight out is one of the most effective ways to control indoor temperature. Make sure your windows have enough shades, blinds, or curtains to block the harsh summer sun, especially on south- and west-facing walls.Â
Insulated walls are another key component, as they reduce heat transfer from outside, making your space cooler without overloading the air conditioning system (this also helps with energy costs and sustainability).
2. Create Smart Climate Zones
Not everyone feels comfortable at the same temperature, so a single thermostat controlling an entire space will inevitably leave some people too hot and others too cold. Zoning your HVAC system allows different areas of your coworking space to be kept at different temperatures. Some spaces can be cooler, while others stay warmer, giving members a choice and minimizing complaints.
3. Offer Summer-Specific Amenities
Give people a reason to come into the office instead of working from home or the beach.Â
Adding cold brew coffee stations, smoothie bars, or refreshing infused water taps can make your space more appealing. Outdoor patios or rooftop decks equipped with shade, fans and misting systems create inviting work areas that help members enjoy summer while staying productive.
4. Keep the Community Active and Engaged
Summer often means vacations and unpredictable attendance, but hosting fun events such as lunchtime yoga classes, workshops, or happy hours with rotating times helps keep your community engaged no matter who is in the space that day. Digital tools like apps or Slack channels can connect remote or part-time members so they stay involved even when they are away.
5. Design Cool and Comfortable Retreat Areas
Designate certain zones within your space as cool-down spots. Furnish these areas with comfortable seating, fans, or air purifiers. These spots can become natural gathering places where members can escape the heat, collaborate on projects, or simply recharge without feeling uncomfortable; this thoughtful design encourages socializing and supports wellbeing.
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Climate Change and Long-Term Community Building
Climate change means hotter summers and more extreme weather patterns, so coworking spaces must think long-term about how they handle temperature control and member comfort.Â
Summer-proofing your office is not only about surviving a season but also about building loyalty and trust with your community.Â
When members know their comfort matters and that their workspace adapts to their needs, they are more likely to stay, recommend the space, and contribute to a positive culture.
Balancing temperature control with customer satisfaction can be tricky, especially when half the room feels chilly and the other half too warm. Addressing these issues requires intentional design, smart technology, and a willingness to listen to member feedback. Insulated walls, climate zones, and shading are investments that pay off in happier members and lower energy costs.
Ultimately, a summer-proof coworking space is one that anticipates seasonal changes and creates a welcoming environment year-round. It encourages people to work, connect, and collaborate no matter how hot it gets outside.Â
The strongest coworking communities will be those that turn summer challenges into opportunities to innovate and grow.
