Werklab helps nurture ‘goals and big ideas’
Work can be exhausting. We all know that. But, how we deal with it can differ dramatically.
And that’s where the Vancouver-based co-working space Werklab comes in. The shared work space focuses on offering freelance and self-employed people a place to get work done, sure, but to also keep burnout at bay. We caught up with Christina Disler, the founder of Werklab, to learn more about her business.
Q For those who aren’t familiar, what is Werklab?
A Werklab is a co-working space located on the corner of Clark and Venables in East Vancouver. And, more than simply offering work space for rent, Werklab is a curated wellness space. While work is, of course, a top priority, Werklab is a space where members can support one another in being the best version of themselves.
Q When and why did you start it?
A Opening Werklab in 2016 came off the back of spending over half a decade in human resources and organizational coaching and being inspired by seeing a significant shift in how I, along with my self-employed and freelance friends — millennials — wanted to work, and what we were craving from shared and/or working space. We all wanted a space where we felt cared for and supported — a more mindful and thoughtful approach to worklife balance. The way we gather is changing rapidly; people are seeking connection, belonging, and a deep sense of community.
Q And who is it for?
A The Werklab community is open to individuals seeking a space that helps nurture their goals and big ideas. Our membership base is made up of a variety of sole proprietors and freelancers, remote full-time employees, startup teams and small businesses who are seeking space that expands the way they think, the way they work, what they know about themselves, and how they can optimize their performance. It’s for people interested in growth, connection and a true sense of community.
Q Burnout at work is pretty common these days. What are some of the biggest causes?
A At the core of it, I see burnout happen when we stop taking care of our own needs in service of “the hustle.” From my own experience, in the first year of operating Werklab, I committed myself to intense, long hours and stopped taking time to check in with my own personal needs. As a result, shortly after celebrating Werklab’s first birthday, I hit a huge wall. I had completely lost my sense of boundaries, making myself available 24/7, which left me feeling blocked and disconnected — the exact opposite of what I wanted to create. As a result, my health even took a hit as I continued to prioritize work over myself. I realized I had to shift from this “hustle culture” to the idea that “doing less, but better” is going to take getting used to but will be well worth it if it’s in the best interest of myself, my business and kicking this cultural epidemic to the curb.