Hybrid working has given us greater flexibility over where and how we work.
But as our working patterns become less predictable, the everyday interactions that help us build relationships can become easier to miss.
Whether it's catching up with a colleague over coffee or striking up a conversation with someone from another business, these unplanned interactions give us a chance to get to know the people around us — something that couldn’t quite be replaced by a video call alone.
At The Auction Rooms, we see community as an important part of the workplace experience. From shared spaces that encourage everyday interaction to events that bring members together, we aim to create opportunities for relationships to develop beyond the usual working routine.
In this article, we explore how workplace community can strengthen a sense of belonging in a hybrid world, and the role that shared spaces, events and everyday interactions play in building meaningful relationships
Why Connection Matters More Than Ever
One of the greatest advantages of hybrid working is flexibility. However, spending less time together in person can also mean fewer opportunities for everyday interactions that help people feel connected.
According to Gallup’s 2026 report, 24% of hybrid workers worldwide reported experiencing loneliness, compared with 18% of on-site employees.
This doesn't mean hybrid working causes loneliness. It does, however, highlight the importance of creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect, regardless of their working arrangements.
Another 2025 study published in the Journal of Vocational Behavior also explored how hybrid working influences our sense of belonging. The research highlighted the role of human connection, informal information exchange, and purposeful time spent together in helping employees feel part of their workplace.
For businesses, the message is clear: flexibility is valuable, but so is belonging.
And a strong workplace community can help people enjoy both.
Making the Office Somewhere People Want to Be
As hybrid working becomes an established part of professional life, the purpose of the office is evolving.
Gone are the days where simply providing a desk, a meeting room and setting up reliable Wi-Fi meets workers’ needs. Now, offices should provide an experience that makes the journey into work worthwhile. Some of the most valuable workplace interactions happen outside scheduled meetings. They might involve sharing an idea over lunch, meeting someone from another business or discovering a common interest with a colleague.
There's research to support the value of these moments, too. Gallup’s research into social time found that spending time with others in person was positively associated with improved mood, with shared activities such as exercising and eating together showing particularly strong benefits.
These everyday experiences can help turn a workplace from somewhere people simply visit into somewhere they genuinely feel part of.
That is why creating opportunities to connect beyond the desk is such an important part of what we do at The Auction Rooms.
A Building Designed with People in Mind
Situated in the heart of Edinburgh's New Town, The Auction Rooms by Mota Spaces, brings together professionals, entrepreneurs and businesses from a variety of industries. While our beautifully designed workspaces provide the setting for a productive working day, we believe it's the people and experiences that make our community special.
The design of The Auction Rooms is intended to make everyday interactions easier to happen. At the heart of the building, the Auction Hall Members Lounge provides a shared space where members can step away from their desks, host informal meetings, enjoy lunch with colleagues, or catch up over coffee with fellow members.
More broadly, the mix of private offices, meeting rooms and communal areas gives members different reasons to move through and use the building throughout the day. That variety helps create more natural opportunities for people to cross paths, start conversations and build relationships, making community part of the way the space works rather than something that has to be scheduled.
Building Community at The Auction Rooms
Throughout the year, we organise a variety of events and activities designed to bring our members together in a relaxed, welcoming environment. Our quarterly members' events offer an opportunity to step away from busy schedules, meet fellow professionals and build relationships with people working under the same roof. Whether you're making a new business connection or simply getting to know a familiar face, these gatherings help create a stronger sense of community.
But connecting with others doesn't always need to involve traditional networking.
Our run club and wellness sessions give members the opportunity to prioritise their wellbeing, enjoy some movement and connect with others through a shared activity.
We also bring a little creativity into the working week with experiences such as wine tasting and pizza-making workshops. These activities offer something different from the usual office routine, encouraging members to relax, try something new and enjoy time together.
For some, an event might lead to a valuable professional introduction. For others, it's simply a chance to unwind and have a good conversation.
Both are equally important.
A Community That Extends Beyond the Office
Being part of a workplace community shouldn't end when you leave the building.
One of the advantages of working in Edinburgh's New Town is having so many fantastic independent businesses, restaurants, cultural experiences and activities right on your doorstep.
At The Auction Rooms, we work with local partners to help our members make the most of everything the city has to offer.
Alongside our own events, members can enjoy a range of exclusive benefits and discounted opportunities with local businesses, including experiences such as wine tastings at Cockburns of Leith, a rooftop pool session with One Spa or even a personalised styling session with Yellow Souls.
These partnerships provide another way to enjoy time outside the office, discover something new, and connect with the wider Edinburgh community.
Whether it's attending a local event with colleagues, trying a new activity or enjoying a member discount at a nearby business, these opportunities add something extra to the working week.
They also reflect something we strongly believe in: A great workplace should enhance your experience both inside and outside the office.
The Future of Work Is About People
Hybrid working has given professionals more freedom over how they organise their working lives. But as the workplace continues to evolve, creating a sense of community remains just as important as providing flexibility.
A welcoming environment, opportunities to meet new people and shared experiences can all contribute to making work more enjoyable and rewarding.
At The Auction Rooms, we're proud to offer more than premium serviced offices. Through our quarterly members' events, wellness activities, creative workshops and local partnerships, we're building a community where people can connect, collaborate and feel part of something bigger.
Interested in becoming part of The Auction Rooms community? Explore our membership options or get in touch to discover how you can make the most of working at The Auction Rooms.