Coworking Space Etiquette | 5 Tips from Experts

Coworking spaces are constantly growing in popularity by giving entrepreneurs and remote workers a more affordable option to get their work done in a more inspiring and flexible environment. But, while these shared offices can present great networking opportunities, certain etiquette rules must be followed to make the most out of your coworking experience.

From respecting others’ need for quiet and privacy to keeping common areas clean, paying attention to basic manners will go a long way in creating a comfortable and productive workspace for everyone. Below, we’ll discuss seven essential etiquette tips so you can follow the best practices for enjoying friendly interactions with your coworkers and simultaneously being your most productive self.

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

Few things are 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. Nevertheless, 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 in the first place. This means being mindful of your belongings and putting them away when you’re finished using them. But, if you do end up creating a bit of a mess, make sure to clean it up as quickly as possible. Additionally, be considerate of others and respect their personal space by keeping your things strictly in the area allotted to you. By following these simple rules, you can help create a clean and inviting coworking space for everyone to enjoy.

Use Resources Wisely

One vital aspect to remember when using a coworking space is to be mindful of the available resources: Just because 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’s also a waste of printer ink and toner, which can be costly. At the same time, try to be mindful of how much coffee you’re drinking or how many snacks you’re enjoying every day because those are also shared perks that every coworker should be able to have.

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 them, too. 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. Fortunately, 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. Instead, if you need to take a call, step into a private room or outside. Finally, be mindful of your voice volume and keep conversations quiet. These simple tips can help create a more peaceful and productive coworking environment for your coworkers and yourself.

Maintain Boundaries

As any seasoned coworker knows, shared spaces are the heart and soul of any good coworking space. From the kitchen to the conference room, these common areas help to foster a sense of community and collaboration. That said, they can also be easily disrupted if people aren’t careful.

Specifically, keep in mind that, just because the space is shared, it 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.

Respecting other people’s personal space 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 avoid coworker conflict.

Stay Home When Feeling Unwell

As any experienced coworker will tell you, one of the cardinal rules of coworking space etiquette is to stay home when 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 rather you take a sick day instead of risk infecting the whole office. So, the next time you’re feeling ill, do yourself (and your coworkers) a favor and stay home. Your health — and their peace of mind — is always worth considering.

Coworking is an excellent reason to leave the house and be productive, but it can also be challenging if you’re unsure of what to do. Fortunately, following these etiquette tips can make the coworking experience comfortable and productive for everyone involved.

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!