If you feel like you get more work done in an office, parallel working or body doubling — working with another person in the room — might be for you.
For many, another person’s presence can hold them accountable and improve focus.
Experts say it’s particularly useful for people with ADHD: J. Russell Ramsay, professor of clinical psychiatry at the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine, told CNN that they’re often more likely to do something if another person is relying on them.
Of course, many of us have already done this in libraries, offices, and coworking spaces.
But now it’s taking off online
In a WFH world, remote workers are logging into virtual coworking sessions to feel less lonely and boost productivity.
Nicole Onyia, a 24-year-old data analyst, holds daily “work alone together” streams for her 100k+ TikTok followers, per Fortune, occasionally pausing work to answer questions from her comment section.
StudyMD, a YouTube channel featuring “study with me” videos — replete with lofi beats, rain noises, and Pomodoro timers — has 462k+ subscribers. (Bonus: Workers can watch whenever they want, camera off.)
For the on-camera types, several startups offer virtual coworking sessions:
- Flown features deep-work blocks, morning productivity rituals, guided breathwork, and more.
- Focusmate matches members for video sessions not limited to work. They can do chores, exercise, make art, or anything that can be done on camera.
- Flow Club members log in to timed work sessions with optional music, then debrief on their goals with session hosts.
- Caveday offers one- and three-hour guided focus sessions for groups.
