Many Americans are changing how and where they work, from home offices to shared "co-working" office spaces.

According to a Gallup poll, over 40 percent of Americans work from home or remotely at least part of the time. And many of those say that joining a co-working space has improved their productivity.

Serendipity Labs in Stamford is part of a national network of shared work environments where members can pay for daily access to a communal workspace or book time in private offices or meeting rooms.

Ingrid Sarver is a small business owner and a mom of two who utilizes the space. She says that being close to home but escaping the distractions of home makes a huge difference.

"I used to work from home, or go to cafes," she says. "And that works for a little while, but coming here every day and being able to have a wonderful professional workspace, or having meeting rooms when I need, conference rooms, has been really great for my business."

Sarver says that having two kids under the age of 2 made working from home especially difficult.

"It's been measurable for my business," she says.  "All the different things that I can now focus on, and having a space to come and work every day is terrific."

Serendipity Labs says 50 percent of their members are employees of large corporations who have their monthly fees covered by their employer.

Serendipity Labs is offering those interested in co-working this summer a free three-day pass.