Top 5 Coworking Space Productivity Hacks to Optimize Your Workday

Getting used to an office job — especially if you’ve just joined the workforce or if you recently changed your place of employment — might be more challenging than it looks. Being in front of a screen for a long period of time and having to stay focused on your tasks in order to get the best results can take a toll even on the most experienced of workers. And, when not managed properly, the mental and physical demands of an office job can lead to burnout.

For this reason, it’s best to develop healthy habits that will help you balance productivity with periods of rest, as well as find alternate ways to get your mind off things to ultimately get back on track in a fresh mood. Fortunately, when you’re in a coworking space, you have the advantage of experiencing unique resources and flexibility. That’s because you can make use of the quiet areas for deep focus and concentration and then take breaks in the communal areas to refresh and chat with other professionals.

So, in this article, we’ve compiled five productivity hacks that might be just what you need for a successful workday in a coworking space.

1. Find the Perfect Spot

Being in a coworking space means that you have great flexibility when it comes to choosing the workspace that works best for you. For example, if you need some sunlight to recharge your batteries, try to get a spot where the sunrays are coming through the window. Or, if you require peace and silence to work efficiently, look for a corner or a less-crowded area to minimize distractions. Conversely, if you need to socialize a bit during your tasks, choose a desk closer to common areas where you can easily engage with others. It’s all about your personal needs, so make sure you choose wisely.

2. Avoid Distractions

Another benefit of a shared space is that you’ll meet new people with different ideas, perspectives, and opportunities to offer, which might lead to new business partners or even friends. On the other hand, constant interaction can become distracting, and it’s easy to get caught up in that situation when the place is filled with people who share the same interests regarding work. Therefore, if you’re the type of person who can work better in complete silence or with a good song playing, but don’t necessarily want to get a private office, it’s best to search for some earmuffs or noise-canceling headphones. The latter can give you a boost of energy to listen to some of your favorite songs while working.

3. Keep Belongings Well-Organized

Just as you should choose the right spot based on your preferences, it’s also vital to keep it well-organized. In this case, it’s best to select just a few items to bring to your desk. That way, you don’t overcrowd it and make a mess of something that was supposed to inspire you in the first place. Just imagine dealing with a tight deadline or having to quickly switch between tasks when your desk is full of clutter that gets in the way. Instead, make a habit of decluttering your desk at the end of each day. Simply spend a few minutes organizing and putting things back in their designated spots. This routine not only keeps your workspace tidy, but also sets a positive tone for the next day.

4. Take Time to Relax

When work is getting tough, sometimes the most productive thing you can do is to just take a break. Take a walk around the place, listen to some music, or get a coffee or a healthy snack. Even just 10 minutes off can help you tremendously, whether you stretch tired muscles and find physical relief or simply disconnect and let your mind focus on something light and positive. Some studies say that the most productive people work for almost an hour at a time and then rest for 17 minutes. In this case, it’s best to combine intense work sessions with relaxing breaks so that you can get the best of both worlds —  productivity without stress and fatigue.

5. Network & Socialize

It might sound like the opposite of what this article is about, but hear us out: While on break, try to engage and socialize with other coworking members. Ask what they did over the weekend, what they’re working on at the moment, or share something interesting that you learned recently. You might learn some new things in the process; hear about exciting business ideas and strategies; or even make new business partners or friends. This can really revitalize your mind and boost your productivity when you return to your tasks.

At the end of the day, a coworking space can be a great way to grow your business and a fulfilling experience at the same time. These tips and recommendations can help you keep your mind clear, focus on your work more effectively and avoid the ultimate enemy — burnout. Try these methods, test them out, and make sure that they works out for you, while simultaneously utilizing the available resources that a coworking space has to offer.