by Cat Johnson

Coworking is dismantling loneliness. We’re creating communities of happier, healthier, more productive, more connected professionals.

And we can do more.

CheckYoMate is a movement to encourage members of the global coworking community to check in on the people around us. In particular, we hope to start conversations around mental well-being and to help destigmatize mental illness.

CheckYoMate was inspired by the unexpected death of Bennett, a beloved member of our global coworking community. His passing left his coworking community in Santa Cruz, California wondering if they could have done more to help Bennett.

Despite all of the tools designed to make us more social, many people quietly struggle with feelings of isolation, as well as depression, anxiety and overwhelm.

It doesn’t have to be that way.

The global coworking community is over one million members strong. Together, we can take a stand against loneliness and mental illness, starting with the simple act of asking those around us how they’re doing—by checking on our mates.

The first annual CheckYoMate Day is December 21, Bennett’s birthday. Participation is easy. Simply check in with the people around you to find out how they’re feeling. Let them know that, if they are struggling, they’re not alone. We’re all in this together and we are a mighty, global community.

You can help us promote and grow the CheckYoMate movement by inviting your coworking members, friends and family to participate. Use and follow the #CheckYoMate hashtag to join the conversation on social media.

To learn more about CheckYoMate, visit checkyomate.com.

Cat Johnson is a writer and content strategist focused on coworking and community. She blogs about coworking and content at catjohnson.co and publishes the Coworking Out Loud Newsletter.