What it’s like to work at Groundwork: The little things that make a big difference

Have you been wondering what it’s like to work at Groundwork? This blog will answer that question. But it’s not another blog about why coworking will improve your work and life. This blog is about some very specific little things that Groundwork offers that make a big impact. And after almost three years at Groundwork, I think I’ve landed on the truly best little things that reflect how Groundwork shows up for its community.

Our coffee is superior

I know what you’re thinking, coffee is not a little thing. 

It’s true. Coffee is important. It’s a very small part of the day, but for most people, it’s how the whole day starts. Which means it’s important that we get it right. So we don’t just brew a carafe of whatever and call it a day. The coffee we serve really is the best. 

No, seriously. Our members and visitors RAVE about it all the time. 

While we can take credit for choosing a good brand and brewing a solid cup, the real star of this show is the team at Coastal Roasters, a micro-roaster and cafe located in Tiverton, Rhode Island. 

Not only are they a local business, but Coastal Roasters also roasts their beans in house so you know the coffee you’re drinking at Groundwork is fresh and truly special. 

But don’t take my word for it. Come try a cup and I dare you not to swoon.

Local art is everywhere

The Groundwork buildings are arguably art in themselves, being historic buildings with many of the original structures preserved or repurposed. But I’m talking about the art that adorns our walls in both Fall River and New Bedford. It’s an eclectic mix of work that is at times beautiful, but will just as often make you stop and think. The kind of art that might even make you a little uncomfortable. It’s art that has something to say created by artist who live right in our communities.

Which means there are local artists everywhere too. We’ve had the pleasure of working with some very inspiring and talented people, and we’re fortunate to have a place where they can share their work. Our goal is to bring even more creative collaborations, events, and opportunities into the Groundwork Art Space.

We’re about that dog life

Seriously, who doesn’t love a dog-friendly work place? Maybe someone who is allergic, or had a traumatic childhood experience, or just has no soul… But most of us agree that dogs are the best and we want them around as much as possible.

Luckily, Groundwork Fall River is not only dog friendly, but most of the community there is dog-obsessed. So if you are worried about your dog bothering a member, here’s a little peace of mind. You will probably bother that member more than your dog does.

Kidding. But seriously, speaking from personal experience. It’s a comfort knowing I can bring my dog to work with me and the people there want to see her. It’s an expectation at this point. In fact, some members seem disappointed when I walk through the door without her. I’ll try not to take it personally.

If dog’s aren’t your thing, no worries! Dogs are kept on a leash while in the coworking space so everyone can feel comfortable and safe. But if you prefer a dog-free environment, head over the GW New Bedford.

We have options to fit your mood, vibe, and commute

This winter has demonstrated just how important it is to have options. Between parking nightmares due to snow that’s taken up permanent residency on the street, to heating issues because, well, it’s freezing. What made these issues somewhat bearable was knowing our members have the option to go to the other location. It’s not a perfect fix, but it offers an alternative when things aren’t going right.

Having two places to work isn’t just about commute, convenience, and disaster-aversion. It’s important because a little change of scenery can often make a big difference to our mental clarity. Our brains wake up when we experience the novelty of a new environment leading to sharper thinking and better work.

While there are lots of coworking spaces that offer multiple locations, what makes Groundwork different is that our two spaces are distinct in both vibe and aesthetic.

Fall River is intimate, studious, and cozy. New Bedford is bright, spacious, and energetic. They are yin and yang, each complimenting the other by it’s own unique presence.

Our community white board tells a story

I never imagined that the community white board would be as popular as it is when we first started sharing little prompts. It’s a very little white board, so when you see all the answers crowded into that tiny space, you just know you’ve hit on something special.

The white board reflects something important about people. We want to connect about all of the things, not just our work life and businesses. We want to get silly and answer questions, like what fictional world would you visit for a day? Or, who would play you in a movie?

In a way, the white board lets us act like kids. It’s a place where we can stretch our imagination and share nonsense as often as we share insights and advice.

The white board has also become a unique way for our members to learn more about each other, and to get curious about each other, too. Because it’s all anonymous. When you see an answer on the white board, you are forced to sit and wonder, Who thinks that Bradley Cooper would play them in a movie?!

And people don’t just get silly on the white board. They get real. It is an honest reflection of how people in the space are doing and what they care about. 

The community white board has become a clear sign that we’re doing a small thing right in a big way.

It all comes back to our community values

At the heart of all these little things lies our core values. We do them because we care. About the people who work here, how the space feels, and how it supports real life, not just productivity. We aim to be present and pay attention to what actually makes a difference, even when it’s small. We hold ourselves accountable by supporting local artists and businesses and by making choices that reflect the kind of community we want to be part of. And we stay curious. About each other, about ideas, and about what happens when people feel comfortable enough to show up as themselves. These small choices add up, and together they’re what makes Groundwork feel like more than just another place to work.