Being a Host vs. Being Hospitable: Why Both Matter in Coworking

Host vs. Hospitable: Why Both Matter 

I first stumbled on this idea in an Instagram story.

An influencer I follow was asked how she always seems to have a house full of people without burning herself out.

Her answer stopped me in my tracks: “I’m not hosting. I’m being hospitable.”

She went on to explain that hosting meant doing it all … preparing the meal, serving, cleaning up, etc while everyone else sat at the table. Exhausting. But hospitality, to her, meant something else: inviting people in to be a part of her life. When friends came over, they helped chop vegetables, set the table, pour wine, and tidy up afterward. Instead of carrying the weight alone, she gave them buy-in, not just a seat.

Not long after, I heard the same theme pop up on a homesteading podcast (I live on a working ranch). The host shared that she rarely “hosted” in the traditional sense. Instead, she practiced going first and inviting others along. She opened her circle, asked people to join her in the work, and gave them a chance to contribute and enjoy the outcome. People didn’t just consume the experience; they co-created it.

And that’s when it clicked for me: this distinction between being a host and being hospitable is exactly what sets great hospitality-driven businesses apart, especially coworking spaces.

Here’s the difference in a nutshell:

• Being a host means: I’ll take care of everything for you.
• Being hospitable means: Come alongside me, be part of this, and let’s create it together.

Being a Host

Being a host is about taking responsibility for the what. 

In coworking, hosting can look like:

• Greeting a new member with a tour and orientation.
  
• Running an event on schedule with working tech.
  
• Making sure there’s coffee, clean mugs, and clear policies.
  
• Holding the line on rules that keep the space safe and fair.

When you’re hosting, you’re providing structure. You’re the one carrying the details. And while that builds trust, it can also start to feel transactional if it stops there.

Being Hospitable

Being hospitable is different. It’s about how people feel in your space, and whether they feel invited in to contribute, not just consume.

In coworking, hospitality looks like:

• Greeting members by name each morning.

• Introducing a new member to others so they immediately feel connected.

• Asking for help setting up for a happy hour and letting people create the vibe.

• Encouraging members to take ownership in the space and community by sharing their skills.

Hospitality isn’t about doing everything for people. It’s about opening your circle and letting them participate. It creates belonging, buy-in, and a shared sense of ownership.

Both are valuable, but they create very different dynamics. Hosting provides clarity and structure. Hospitality builds community and connection.

A coworking space that only “hosts” may run like clockwork, but it can feel sterile. A space that leans only on “hospitality” may feel warm, but chaotic without structure. The spaces that thrive are the ones that do both: they set the table and invite members to help shape the experience.

That balance is what transforms a transactional workspace into an incredible community.

The next time you think about how you welcome people into your space, I challenge you to ask yourself: Am I just being a host… or am I being hospitable too?

In our industry, excellence isn’t about doing it all for your members. It’s about creating an environment where they feel empowered to co-create the experience of a place where they’re not just guests, but part of something bigger.