Working from home has its perks, but for many, it can also lead to loneliness. Adelaide Hills resident Andrea knows this well. Running her own business from home, she often takes her laptop to a local café to work. “I find I get more done when there are people around,” says Andrea. “It’s easier to stay focused and I feel less isolated.” She’s not alone. This practice (sometimes referred to as ‘body doubling’) is a simple yet powerful technique that can help remote workers stay productive and connected. 

What’s the technique?
Working alongside others taps into several well-known psychological mechanisms that help people to stay focused and productive. The simple presence of others can create a gentle sense of momentum — known as social facilitation — which makes it easier to start and stay with a task. Sharing goals with a buddy also introduces light accountability, helping people follow through on what they intend to do. At the same time, co-working provides subtle co-regulation: being around others steadies attention, reduces the emotional drag of working alone, and boosts motivation through a sense of shared energy. Together, these elements create an environment where people feel supported, committed, and able to make meaningful progress.

Enter Spark
Social facilitation is at the heart of CoWork Club, a Spark initiative designed to support people who work from home. Launched in June 2025 in the Adelaide Hills, CoWork Club provides a welcoming space for remote workers to come together, get things done, and connect with others who understand the unique rhythms of working from home. It’s one of Spark’s suite of initiatives designed to reduce loneliness in the community.

“Offering companionship and networking, as well as a space conducive to productive work, was key,” says Jo, Spark volunteer (Sparkie) and CoWork Club host. “We wanted to create an environment where people could feel part of the community while still getting their work done.”

CoWork Club sessions are informal and flexible – bring your laptop, order a coffee, and settle in alongside others doing the same. Whether you’re tackling admin tasks, creative projects, or big-picture planning, the simple presence of others helps you stay focused and engaged.

The benefits grow
The benefits of working alongside others go beyond productivity. “Human connection plays a vital role in wellbeing” says Dr Nadia Corsini, researcher and Spark Co-Founder. “Studies show that prolonged loneliness can increase stress, reduce motivation, and lead to further withdrawal from social settings. All of Spark’s initiatives including CoWork Club help to break that cycle by offering safe, friendly spaces to connect with others.”

For Andrea, it’s been a game-changer. After attending a few sessions, she decided to become a Sparkie and CoWork Club host. “This initiative really resonates with me,” she says. “I think a lot of people working in the Hills could benefit from it.”

Bit by bit, these gatherings build community, confidence, and connection across the Hills. As more people participate, the circle widens, and the experience of working from home becomes a little less solitary.