Episode Summary
It’s June 2025, just a few weeks after European Coworking Day united coworking communities across Europe—and this week's SXSW event in London—are buzzing with energy about AI and creating meaningful experiences.
We’re resharing a grounding, unforgettable episode with Denise Brouder, founder of The Future of Work Alliance and author of "The Science of Flexibility."
Her report, initially published in January 2025, has never felt more urgent.
In this conversation, Denise makes a bold case: flexible work isn’t a policy—it’s a cultural shift.
One that must be designed, practised, and defended if we’re serious about inclusion, wellbeing, and future-proof workspaces.
She unpacks how enterprise and coworking can bridge the gap, why independent spaces matter more than ever, and how third places offer more than just desks—they offer dignity, autonomy, and access.
“The future is already here—it’s just unequally distributed.”
Join us for the next Unreasonable Connection on 18 June—link in the show notes.
Timeline Highlights
[00:53] Bernie introduces Denise and her head-hurting insights
[01:08] What Denise is known for— and what she wants to be known for
[02:34] How The Science of Flexibility came together with Sam and Ashley
[05:10] The third place dilemma—how coworking differs from 'just offices'
[06:56] Educating knowledge workers on “work from near home” strategies
[09:26] Why people don’t know coworking exists—and why that matters
[11:00] The invisible rituals of going to work—and why they still matter
[13:23] How independent space founders speak from lived experience
[14:04] “Pioneers take the arrows…”: the hard work of normalising third places
[16:32] Is coworking finally embracing enterprise clients? A then-and-now look
[19:15] Adam and Alex’s rule: no teams sitting together
[22:13] How removing flexibility punishes women—and what real inclusion looks like
[25:48] Are we losing our edge in the flex work conversation?
[30:08] From fringe to mainstream: how systems change spreads
[32:04] Coworking as infrastructure for collective, inclusive change
Episode Breakdown
The report that broke Bernie’s brain
Denise’s Science of Flexibility report doesn’t just talk trends—it names what’s broken and dares to imagine what’s next.
It’s dense. It’s bold. And it’s a wake-up call for coworking.
Thinking differently to work differently
From enterprise boardrooms to indie coworking havens, Denise argues that change begins in the way we think about space, autonomy, and value, not just how we structure work.
Third place vs. office space
Coworking can’t just look like a repurposed cubicle farm.
Denise explains how space design signals dignity—and why most workers still don’t even know these options exist.
Habits, boundaries, and belonging
Denise breaks down how rituals—like leaving the house—signal a shift in state. Coworking offers more than Wi-Fi.
It offers identity, rhythm, and a sense of belonging.
Coworking and the enterprise bridge
This isn’t a hypey “corporates are coming!” segment.
It’s a real take on what happens when freelancers and bank workers sit at neighbouring desks.
Inclusion means practical access.
Denise shares how mandating full-time office returns can crush mobility for marginalised workers—and how flexibility can open up leadership opportunities, not just schedules.
The future’s here—it’s just not evenly distributed
You’ll leave this episode seeing coworking not just as a business model, but as civic infrastructure.
A way of redistributing possibilities in how we live, work, and gather.
Links & Resources
Download your own The Science of Flexibility report.
RSVP for Unreasonable Connection
One more thing
Coworking brings communities together, helping people find and share their voices.
Each episode of the Coworking Values Podcast delves into the core values that drive 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 their lives, build their careers, and strengthen their communities.
Community is the key 🔑
Share this post