As more companies and industries transition to remote or flexible work, coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular. Some companies, especially start-ups, have always worked in coworking spaces. Other professionals are probably more used to traditional offices. Coworking might be a new concept and experience for many people, and it’s important to understand coworking etiquette if that’s the case.
Coworking spaces are shared office spaces that can be used by individuals, teams, and even entire companies from different organizations. Most coworking offices have everything you need for a productive workday and more! Think high-speed internet, freshly-brewed coffee, and even after-hour events.
Of course, when working from a shared office space, it’s essential to be mindful of others working around you. Understanding the unspoken coworking rules before arriving at a shared space for the first time will ensure you’re a respectful member of that space. To make it easy, we've put together this helpful list with tips for using coworking spaces.
1. Don’t forget your headphones
Whether you like to listen to music, podcasts, or white noise while you work, make sure you do so privately. A good pair of headphones is an absolute must-have in coworking spaces. Not only do they ensure you aren’t bothering others, but noise-canceling headphones can help block out conversations and activities that may be going on around you to ensure you stay focused. Remember that this goes for calls and meetings as well. Odds are, nobody else wants to hear both sides of your conversation! Of course, one of the many benefits of a coworking space is the chance to meet and share ideas with other professionals, but sometimes you don’t want to be disturbed, and headphones are a great way to signal that.
2. Be mindful of space
In some coworking spaces, you’ll have a specific desk, table, or booth to yourself. In others, you’ll be sharing space, and nearly all coworking spaces have communal areas with tables and couches for working and taking a break. The shared nature of these spaces means it’s essential to be mindful of how much space you’re using. Remember that being in a coworking space means you're working in a public space. If you won't take up that much space in any other public area, you shouldn't be doing it in a coworking office either. It’s impolite to spread your papers and tools over an entire table if others are also looking for somewhere to work too.
3. Make use of call booths
Most communal offices have “phone booths” for making calls or having short meetings. These booths tend to be soundproof and allow you to talk freely without disturbing those working around you. Make use of these booths as much as possible when you’re on calls or meetings to prevent disturbing others. Some coworking spaces will have a process of reserving booths, while others will be available on a first-come-first-served basis - research what needs to be pre-booked in which coworking locations before you go for a seamless and fuss-free working experience for yourself and those around you.
4. Keep an eye on the clock
In coworking space etiquette, time is everything. If you’ve reserved a meeting room, be mindful of the person who has booked it after you. If you’re using a phone booth, be aware that others may be waiting to use it as well. The same goes for booking tables or workspaces. Most things in coworking spaces are shared, so keeping to a strict and concise schedule makes you a good communal user and allows others to effectively do their work too.
5. Clean up after yourself
General etiquette in most public spaces dictates you clean up after yourself, and coworking spaces are no different. While every shared office will have janitorial and cleaning services, it’s important to leave your workspace just as clean as you found it, so that the next person can easily sit down and get to work. This also goes for the communal kitchens many coworking spaces will have, as well as printer rooms, meeting spaces, and phone booths.
6. Be aware of boundaries
Collaboration is one of the many brilliant benefits of coworking spaces. That being said, not everyone wants to collaborate all the time. Be mindful of other people’s work habits, and try not to interrupt when you can avoid it. Many coworking spaces will host events specifically for networking and collaboration. Get to know your fellow workers there instead of when they're trying to work!
