The Science of Efficiency: 5 Ideas to Be More Productive in a Coworking Environment
Coworking spaces are designed to sustain your productivity and well-being during your working hours. Even so, a coworking membership alone cannot guarantee a distraction-free workflow. So, if you’re a remote worker, freelancer or entrepreneur, the following tips can be nice additions to your routine.
1. Set a Structured Schedule
Creating a tailored routine will help you take full advantage of a coworking space’s flexibility. First, observe your work habits and what helps you make the most out of your day. For those who prefer quieter times, it’s helpful to know that many spaces are open 24/7, allowing you to find specific hours or even days of the week that align better with your schedule.
Second, setting professional goals will help you develop the discipline needed to follow your schedule. Then, if you work with a sense of direction, you’ll be able to overcome difficult times. Therefore, give yourself space to figure out what drives you most.
2. Make the Most of Available Tools
You can find multiple apps and tools for any purpose, which is why it may be overwhelming to browse all available options. Hence, it may be helpful to categorize the areas you’d like to improve and see what works.
Consider incorporating project management tools, communication apps and productivity software to elevate your work. You can also try time management methods, like the Pomodoro technique or time-blocking to stay focused and avoid distractions. Ultimately, using time management techniques with a routine to reach specific goals will make your coworking experience more fulfilling.
Additionally, look for features that would support you best in a coworking space. Specifically, you can usually find printers, office supplies, meeting rooms or video-conferencing equipment. Having a clear idea of your needs can help when choosing a coworking location.
3. Take Advantage of Networking Opportunities
Coworking spaces have a great sense of community, and you can usually find locations that engage in social events to support the collaborative spirit. These may be fundraising events, webinars, workshops or even holiday parties. Here, you can connect with other members to share experiences and expand your professional network. Furthermore, these events also benefit your personal development as you can test your soft skills in different contexts.
Finally, community events at a coworking space can also help you stay updated with industry trends and continuously improve your skills.
4. Create a Distraction-Free Environment
It’s always a challenge to fully control your environment, but coworking space etiquette supports a clear distinction between workspaces and relaxation zones. In fact, you can also find little things that can enhance your experience.
For example, think about what kind of environment helps you concentrate best. Some people need more background noise than others, and noise-canceling headphones can be a great asset to either add to or eliminate noise in the office. In this way, you can control your auditory environment without any hassle.
5. Maintain a Healthy Lifestyle
You’ll always have a better work performance if your well-being is taken care of. At a coworking space, you have designated break spaces that can help you relax after a period of focused work. Plus, you can incorporate little walks into your breaks, opt for healthier snacks and stay hydrated throughout the day. You can even try meditation or breathing exercises as a way to manage stress and overthinking. These little habits will help prevent burnouts and health concerns.
Remember, every person approaches productivity differently. While certain tactics might not be effective for you, they may spark fresh concepts that better suit your working style. Simply be creative and modify these ideas to fit your requirements.
In a coworking space, you’ll always find a feature to improve your day, but trying these ideas will elevate your performance and work/life balance. It may be easy to postpone, but give these a shot and see how your experience at a coworking space improves.
