CoWorking Spaces Are Shaping the Future of Regional Workplaces
Kate Dezarnaulds, founder of WorkLife, shares how her certified social enterprise is redefining work in regional Australia—supporting the planet, the community, and local professionals.
Work to live or live to work? For entrepreneur Kate Dezarnaulds, the answer lies in creating vibrant, community-focused spaces that offer a better way to do both. As the founder of WorkLife, a network of coworking spaces in Berry, Picton, and Coledale, Kate is on a mission to build a business that’s about more than just profits—it’s about positive impact for people, the planet, and the community.
WorkLife operates as a certified social enterprise, reinvesting profits back into regional communities and focusing on sustainability, wellbeing, and local connection. In 2024, WorkLife also completed its B-Corp assessment, reflecting its commitment to balancing purpose with profit.
“We built WorkLife on the belief that business can be a force for good,” explains Kate. “Our model isn’t just about providing workspaces—it’s about improving the communities we’re in, reducing our environmental footprint, and creating meaningful connections for regional professionals. We’re here for the long-term wellbeing of our planet and our people.”
The Rise of Regional Coworking
The global coworking sector is booming as businesses and workers embrace more flexible and hybrid work models. This shift—accelerated by the pandemic—has increased demand for coworking spaces, especially in regional areas where lifestyle, affordability, and work-life balance are the ultimate drawcards.
“COVID was tough for all of us,” says Kate, “but it was also a catalyst for change. It made people rethink where and how they wanted to work, and suddenly regional coworking spaces like WorkLife became the perfect solution for those wanting to escape the city without sacrificing their careers.”
WorkLife has seen a surge in demand for part-time memberships and casual one-off bookings, especially from professionals who want to mix working from home with the social and professional benefits of a coworking community. The flexibility offered by WorkLife helps small businesses and remote workers thrive without the high costs or long-term commitments of traditional office leases.
A Hub for Connection and Growth
Unlike big-city coworking providers, WorkLife is deeply embedded in its local communities. Its members span a range of industries—tech startups, creatives, e-commerce businesses, health and wellness, consultants, nonprofits, and professional services—with many entrepreneurially minded members using the space to launch passion-driven ventures or scaling their businesses from side hustles to full-time operations.
WorkLife’s social enterprise model means it goes beyond business as usual. Local nonprofits, social enterprises, and volunteer groups benefit from free or subsidised access to its spaces, and WorkLife is proud of its shop-local procurement policy that prioritises local suppliers, producers and other ethical suppliers.
“We’re not just creating workspaces,” says Kate. “We’re building ecosystems of collaboration and creativity that strengthen our towns. We host everything from writers’ festivals and startup workshops to community events that support local artists and entrepreneurs. Our goal is to be the heartbeat and HQ of each community we’re in.”
Lessons from the Industry: Sustainability and Purpose
The global coworking industry learned some hard lessons from the rapid rise and fall of WeWork. While its spectacular failure damaged investor confidence in the sector, it also highlighted the importance of sustainability, operational efficiency, and community-driven growth.
“WeWork was a wake-up call,” says Kate. “For us, it reinforced our belief in growing sustainably and staying connected to our communities. We’ve always taken a cautious, purpose-driven approach to growth. We’d rather grow slowly and have a real impact than expand too quickly and lose sight of our values.”
WorkLife’s business model emphasises partnerships with local councils and landlords to reduce upfront capital requirements while ensuring spaces are financially viable and aligned with its mission. The B-Corp framework provides an added layer of accountability, helping WorkLife measure and improve its impact across governance, environment, and community.
Technology, Flexibility, and the Future of Regional Work
Looking ahead, technology will play a significant role in improving coworking operations and enhancing member experiences. For WorkLife, this means adopting smart tools that reduce admin tasks and free up staff to focus on building human connection and community.
“Technology won’t replace what makes coworking special—it will enhance it,” says Kate. “The human experience is at the heart of what we do. People come to WorkLife for connection, collaboration, and inspiration. Technology can help us streamline operations, but it’s our community and the warmth of our team that will always set us apart.”
As more professionals choose lifestyle-rich regional towns over big cities, WorkLife is well-positioned to meet the demand, providing an inspiring alternative to traditional office life while strengthening the towns it calls home.
“We want WorkLife to be a place where people can thrive—personally and professionally,” says Kate. “And as a social enterprise, we’re proud to lead by example in showing how business can be a force for good.”
