There's something rather lovely about getting together at the end of a working day, putting the laptops away, pouring a drink and talking about something completely different from work.
Last night, we hosted another of our OfficeTribe Book Club evenings, and this month's choice was Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer.
It's a beautifully thoughtful book that brings together Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge and the natural world, exploring our relationship with the environment and, perhaps most importantly, with one another.
And while we might not have expected a book about plants, forests and the natural world to make us reflect on our little coworking community in Tunbridge Wells, that's exactly what happened.
The Importance of Connection
One of the themes running through Braiding Sweetgrass is the idea of reciprocity.
In nature, nothing really exists in isolation. Plants, trees, animals and ecosystems are connected, each giving and receiving in ways that help the wider community thrive.
Kimmerer encourages us to think about our own relationships in much the same way. What do we give? What do we receive? And how can we look after the communities we're part of?
It got us thinking about OfficeTribe.
Because although we're a coworking space rather than a woodland ecosystem (and our office plants might not always be thriving!), there's something rather wonderful about the little community we've created.
Finding Your Tribe
When people first join OfficeTribe, they're often simply looking for somewhere to work.
Perhaps they're tired of working from home, need a desk for a few days a week, or want a private office for their growing business.
And of course, that's exactly what we're here for.
But what we love most is everything that happens beyond the desks.
The morning conversations over coffee. The spontaneous lunches. The advice shared between members. The friendships that develop between people who might never otherwise have crossed paths.
Sometimes it's something as simple as someone making an extra cup of tea or checking in on another member.
Small gestures, perhaps, but they're the things that make a workspace feel like a community.
And that's something we think is worth celebrating.
A Book Club That's About More Than Books
Our OfficeTribe Book Club is a lovely example of this.
It's an opportunity to step away from work, get together with familiar faces and have conversations we might not otherwise have.
We don't all have to agree on the book. In fact, sometimes the best discussions happen when we don't!
Everyone brings their own experiences, perspectives and ideas to the conversation, and there's always something interesting to take away.
That's what makes it so enjoyable.
And it doesn't really matter whether you're an avid reader or someone who occasionally finds themselves finishing the last few chapters just before book club!
It's about making time to connect.
Why Community Matters in Coworking
Working for yourself or running a small business can sometimes be a little isolating.
You might have a busy working day, a full inbox and plenty of meetings, but still miss the everyday social interaction that comes from being around other people.
That's one of the reasons we love coworking.
At OfficeTribe, with our two spaces in central Tunbridge Wells, we're lucky to have a wonderful mix of freelancers, business owners, creatives and professionals, all working on completely different things.
And yet, somehow, it works.
People support one another, share ideas, recommend each other's businesses and enjoy being part of something.
Our book club, member lunches, coffee mornings and little social gatherings are all part of creating those connections.
We don't believe you need a huge office or a big team to enjoy a sense of belonging at work.
Sometimes, you just need to find your people.
A Little Reminder from Braiding Sweetgrass
One of the things we took away from our latest book club was the reminder that communities don't simply happen. They're built through kindness, generosity, shared experiences and looking out for one another.
And while Braiding Sweetgrass explores those ideas through our relationship with the natural world, we think there's something in that message for all of us.
A good community isn't just about what you get from it.
It's also about what you bring to it.
Whether that's sharing your knowledge, lending a hand, welcoming someone new or simply being there for a chat over coffee.
It's those little things that make all the difference.
More Than a Desk. More Than an Office. A Tribe.
We're incredibly proud of the friendly community that's grown around OfficeTribe.
Of course, we offer flexible hot desking, dedicated desks, private offices and meeting rooms in Tunbridge Wells.
But the thing that really makes OfficeTribe special isn't the furniture, the Wi-Fi or even the excellent coffee.
It's the people.
And evenings like our book club are a lovely reminder of that.
A big thank you to everyone who joined us for Braiding Sweetgrass. Here's to more good books, interesting conversations and time spent together.
And perhaps to remembering that, just like the natural world, we're all a little better when we look after one another. 🌿💚
Come and Find Your Tribe
If you're looking for a friendly, flexible coworking space in Tunbridge Wells, we'd love to welcome you.
With two central locations at London Road and Mount Pleasant Road, OfficeTribe offers affordable hot desking, dedicated desks, private offices and meeting rooms, all with a wonderful community at the heart of it.
Whether you're looking for a desk for the day or a more permanent workspace, there's always a friendly face and a good cup of coffee waiting.