Coworking spaces are on the rise, giving entrepreneurs and remote workers a more affordable space to get their work done. While these shared offices can be great networking opportunities, a set of etiquette rules must be followed to make the most out of your coworking experience.
From respecting others’ noise levels to keeping common areas clean, paying attention to basic manners will go a long way in creating a comfortable workspace for everyone. In this blog post, we’ll discuss 7 essential etiquette tips so you can follow the best practices for enjoying friendly interactions with your coworkers and being productive simultaneously.
Coworking Space Etiquette
These seven coworking space etiquette tips are for everyone and they will help create a happy and peaceful environment for all members.
Maintain a Clean Environment
There’s nothing worse than trying to focus on your work in a cluttered, messy environment. That’s why it’s essential to maintain a clean workplace, whether you’re in a traditional office or a coworking space. Of course, keeping things tidy can be challenging, especially when sharing with other people. But there are a few simple tips to help keep your coworking space clean and organized.
First, try to avoid creating a mess on your desk. This means being mindful of your belongings and putting them away when you’re finished using them. Second, if you do end up creating a bit of a mess, make sure to clean it up immediately. And finally, be considerate of others by respecting their personal space by keeping your things strictly to the area allotted to you. By following these simple guides, you can help create a clean and inviting coworking space for everyone to enjoy.
Use Resources Wisely
One vital thing to remember when using a coworking space is to be mindful of the available resources. Even though there’s a printer available, it doesn’t mean that you should print hundreds of pages without actual need. Not only is this a waste of paper, but it is also a waste of printer ink and toner, which can be costly.
The same goes for other resources like meeting rooms and scanners. If you need to use them, by all means, do so, but try to be efficient so that others can also enjoy the resources. After all, that’s what coworking spaces are all about: sharing resources and working together!
Minimize Noise
In any shared workspace, it’s essential to be considerate of your fellow coworkers and minimize noise as much as possible. You can do a few simple things to reduce the noise level in your coworking space. First, make sure to use headphones or earbuds when listening to music or other audio.
This will help to contain the sound and prevent it from disturbing others. Second, try to refrain from talking on the phone in common areas. If you need to take a call, step into a private room or outside. Finally, be mindful of your voice’s volume and keep conversations quiet. These simple tips can help create a more peaceful and productive coworking environment for your coworkers and yourself.
Keep Boundaries in Mind
When you’re working in a coworking space, it’s important to remember that you’re one of many trying to get work done. Just because the space is shared doesn’t mean that people don’t have a right to personal space and privacy. So, if you see someone working in a quiet corner, resist the urge to strike up a conversation or ask them for help with your work. And if you need to take a phone call, step away from your desk and into one of the common areas.
Respecting other people’s personal space is essential in any shared working space. This also means not encroaching on someone else’s desk or workspace and being aware of your own body language. For example, if you’re standing close to someone while they’re working, they may feel uncomfortable or distracted. Following these simple tips can help create a respectful and productive coworking environment for everyone and help avoid coworker conflict.
Don’t Overuse Amenities or Services
When you’re working in a shared space, it’s essential to be considerate of your fellow professionals. That means not hogging the conference room or the printers. And it also means not taking advantage of the office’s amenities and services. If you find yourself constantly raiding the candy jar or helping yourself to multiple cups of coffee, it might be time to reconsider.
Consider that everyone is just trying to get their work done like you are. So be considerate and limit your use of the office’s amenities and services. Your coworkers will thank you for it.
Stay Home if Unwell
As any experienced coworker will tell you, one of the cardinal rules of coworking space etiquette is to stay home if you’re unwell. Nobody wants to be stuck in close quarters with someone who’s sneezing and coughing all over the place, and it’s best to keep your coworkers’ health in mind, as well as your own. Of course, this can be easier said than done when you’re feeling under the weather and there’s work to be done.
However, it’s important to remember that most employers would take a sick day instead of risk infecting the whole office. So next time you’re feeling ill, do yourself and your coworkers a favor and stay home. Your health (and their peace of mind) will thank you for it.
Respect Shared Areas
As any seasoned coworker knows, shared spaces are the lifeblood of any good coworking space. From the kitchen to the conference room, these common areas help to foster a sense of community and collaboration. However, they can also be easily abused if people aren’t careful.
That’s why it’s crucial to respect shared spaces. Keep them clean, tidy, and organized. Don’t hog resources or monopolize equipment. And be considerate of your noise level, especially during work hours. By following these straightforward steps, you can help ensure that shared spaces are enjoyable for everyone.
Conclusion
Coworking is an excellent reason to leave the house and be productive, but it can also be uncomfortable if you’re unsure of what to do. Following these etiquette tips can make the coworking experience more comfortable for everyone involved. We hope you have an excellent time coworking!
