Collaboration, connection and new opportunities

FEELING a sense of connection and belonging has never been more important as we face isolation and, for many, working from home alone.
Where we work – and how that affects our overall wellbeing – is something Happy Spaces founder Matty Lawrence is passionate about.
Matty is a big believer in the benefits of working close to home, but not in the home, and how it is proven to make people happier.

His thoughtfully designed co-working and event spaces are providing an inspiring environment suited to professionals, entrepreneurs and small businesses wanting to work close to home in coastal settings.
The Torquay space, located in the village hub of Gilbert Street, is set to be fully functional by September or October.
Matty says while lockdowns have presented big challenges, more flexibility in how we work is allowing people to put their lifestyle first and cut commute times that eat into their precious time.
“It has been a massive disruption like nothing we would ever have imagined but now we are seeing how we adjust and what comes of that, the challenging and the positive,” Matty says.
“Overnight, almost, there is a decentralisation of office spaces where now so many companies are saying ‘work from home full-time or come in two or three days a week’.
“I think that is absolutely incredible because there seemed to be a trust barrier there in corporate landscape where they would question ‘is the employee going to do their work?
“Through this national prototype of working from home that we have had for administrative businesses everybody has now had the experience whereby a dream has come true really.”
Matty sees a “return to local” being a huge focus, with the Surf Coast offering huge appeal due to its sense of community and natural beauty.
“I’ve had a few conversations with real estate companies and the inquiry levels are really high and people are now looking to put their lifestyle first,” he says.
“Walking down the street and bumping into people you know is now enticing because we can’t do those things at the moment, particularly in Melbourne.”
But working from home can have downsides which is why Happy Spaces came into existence.
“Working from home for some people has a very short shelf life because of the mental health effects of isolation which can impact your productivity, emotional state and wellbeing,” Matty explains.
“There are so many domestic distractions when you work from home… the lines are very much blurred which is challenging.
“We are finding people don’t feel like they can be fully present in their work situation or their domestic situation.
“There is a frustration and anxiety around not being able to fully deliver on either but they feel like they are working really long hours.”
Happy Spaces creates spaces where people connect, collaborate and find new opportunities beyond working.
A survey of members showed 91 per cent had made new friends in the space, 70 per cent had collaborated and 40 per cent generated new business.
On average members had saved 30 business days per year on their previous commute time.
“When you start to quantify those things it becomes really powerful because it gives people back time and time is what everyone is looking for,” Matty says.
“What we are seeing from the Torquay members is people actually working less hours and still getting a lot of stuff done.
“They are going surfing together, walking together, mountain bike riding and meeting outside the space which is why we exist from a mutual connection and belonging perspective.”
With a mantra of big things can happen in small spaces, Happy Spaces also focus on locally inspired decor, upcycling and sustainable work practices.
“Part of what we’ll be doing at Happy Spaces is really championing that return to local through events and activities dedicated to community wellbeing and sustainability,” Matty says.
“It’s needed more than ever now.”
To discover more about Happy Spaces visit
www.happyspaces.com.au or call 03 9521 9278.