Episode Summary:
Coworking spaces are meant to be inclusive, creative, and supportive, but are they designed for everyone who walks through the door?
In this episode, Bernie and Anna B. Sexton explain how most coworking spaces fail neurodivergent professionals and creatives without their knowledge.
They discuss why rigid booking systems, overwhelming environments, and community expectations can be barriers and what small but powerful changes can make coworking spaces genuinely accessible.
Anna, a neurodivergent creative, has first-hand experience navigating coworking spaces.
At the same time, Bernie challenges operators to rethink how they balance structure and flexibility to serve all members—not just the neurotypical ones.
If you run a coworking space and want to improve the experience for freelancers, creatives, and neurodivergent members, this episode is packed with practical changes you can make.
Why Coworking Operators Should Listen:
✅ Neurodivergent members struggle in your space—and you might not even realize it. Learn how coworking environments can create unintentional barriers.
✅ Discover why rigid systems don’t work for everyone. Booking platforms, onboarding flows, and workspace layouts can be frustrating or inaccessible—here’s how to fix them.
✅ Small changes = big impact. Simple shifts in designing space, structuring community engagement, and supporting members can make your coworking space more inclusive and effective.
✅ Learn how to balance social connection and deep work. Not all members want constant interaction—find out how to create an environment where community and focus can thrive.
Timeline Highlights:
[00:03] – Running a coworking space means wearing too many hats—why do small spaces need better systems?
[00:56] – What do coworking spaces get wrong for neurodivergent members?
[03:55] – How traditional coworking structures don’t always work for creative professionals.
[05:32] – The problem with rigid booking systems, onboarding, and space layouts.
[08:20] – Why some members struggle with specific workflows—and how to make them more manageable.
[09:54] – How coworking spaces can balance structure and flexibility.
[12:14] – Why perfectionism holds creatives back—and what coworking spaces can do to help.
[17:18] – What an inclusive coworking space looks like.
[19:24] – Where creative professionals get their work done.
[21:59] – The best planning tool for freelancers and neurodivergent professionals.
[23:16] – How coworking spaces can help creatives focus—without stifling them.
[26:44] – Why we think about work needs to change.
[30:27] – How coworking operators can rethink workspaces for different types of workers.
[32:15] – Where to find Anna and follow her work.
Key Takeaways for Coworking Operators:
💡 Coworking spaces often create barriers for neurodivergent members. Overwhelming environments, complicated booking systems, and a lack of quiet spaces can push people away.
💡 The proper structure helps, but too much structure is a problem. Some systems are necessary, but rigidity makes it harder for members to thrive—spaces must strike a balance.
💡 Flexibility isn’t just a buzzword—it’s essential. Some members need social energy, others need solitude—coworking spaces must design for both.
💡 Small shifts in how coworking spaces operate can create massive change. From how onboarding works to how spaces are laid out, slight improvements can make spaces genuinely inclusive.
Links & Resources:
One more thing
Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.
Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast explores the core values driving coworking: Accessibility, Community, Openness, Collaboration, and Sustainability.
These values aren’t just ideas—they shape the spaces where we gather, work, and grow.
We hope this resonates with you.
If it does, please rate, follow, and share the podcast.
Your support amplifies our reach, helping others discover how coworking can enrich lives, build careers, and strengthen communities.
Community is the key 🔑
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