TY  - JOUR
AB  - Purpose Urbanisation is trending globally, leading to population densification and housing shortage and people living increasingly in isolation. This entails challenges to sustainable development including ecological, social and well-being issues. This paper aims to evaluate the effects of a six-month onboarding self-leadership programme including exercises in mindfulness and acceptance and commitment therapy, amongst residents in a co-living space (n = 24) and a waiting list (n = 21).Design/methodology/approach At baseline and post-intervention, participants filled out questionnaires and two waves of in-depth interviews (n = 24) were conducted. Repeated measures one-way analysis of variance and thematic text analyses were performed.Findings Participation in the programme significantly (all ps < 0.000 to 0.050) improved relationship quality and communication about one’s needs regarding work-non-work boundaries, especially amongst residents at the co-living space. Moreover, programme participation significantly increased perceived work-non-work boundary control, work-life balance, psychological well-being, psychological flexibility and self-compassion, with effect sizes (hp2) in the medium to the large range (0.14 to 0.39). Qualitative findings suggested that increased psychological flexibility and self-compassion encouraged co-living residents to be more vulnerable and trusting, which enabled communication regarding one’s needs and enhanced mutual social support and relationship quality. This, in turn, improved overall boundary management, work-life balance and well-being.Originality/value Co-living settings – while contributing to overall sustainable development through more efficient use of space and resources – can also contribute to societal and individual sustainability. However, to ensure this contribution, the physical environment including private areas and common and semi-public areas, as well as the socio-emotional environment need to be considered.
VL  - 14
IS  - 5
SN  - 1753-8270
DO  - 10.1108/IJHMA-09-2020-0117
UR  - https://doi.org/10.1108/IJHMA-09-2020-0117
AU  - Mellner Christin
AU  - Niemi Maria
AU  - Pollanen Elin
AU  - Osika Walter
PY  - 2021
Y1  - 2021/01/01
TI  - Enhancing social and individual sustainability in urban co-living
T2  - International Journal of Housing Markets and Analysis
PB  - Emerald Publishing Limited
SP  - 1129
EP  - 1144
Y2  - 2024/09/26
ER  -