Etiquette Matters in Shared Workspaces – Here’s Why…
Coworking spaces have become increasingly popular among businesses, freelancers, and even startups seeking a flexible and collaborative work environment. Unlike traditional offices, coworking spaces bring together a diverse mix of individuals, each with unique schedules, projects, and work habits. With so many people sharing one space, etiquette is essential to maintain harmony, productivity, and respect for everyone sharing the space. This guide covers the key do’s and don’ts to help foster a professional and pleasant coworking experience.
Keep Noise Levels in Check
A fundamental aspect of coworking etiquette is understanding noise control. While some people thrive on background noise, others need near silence to focus. To create an accommodating environment for everyone:
- Use Headphones for Calls and Media: If you’re listening to music, watching videos, or taking calls, headphones are an absolute must. This simple considerate act minimizes disruption for those working nearby.
- Set Phones to Silent Mode: In an open environment, constant notifications can be distracting for others. Set your phone to silent mode to maintain a quiet workspace to prevent others from being triggered.
- Hold Extended Conversations in Designated Areas: Casual chats or brainstorming sessions are common, but they’re best kept short in open spaces where others are trying to focus. For longer conversations, move to a designated meeting room or a lounge area to avoid disrupting others.
Respect Shared Resources and Cleanliness
Coworking spaces often provide shared amenities—desks, meeting rooms, kitchens, and even common recreational areas. These communal resources require extra care to ensure everyone can enjoy them equally.
- Tidy After Use: Especially in shared areas like desks, coffee stations, or printers, taking a moment to clean up after yourself is an expected courtesy.
- Use Meeting Rooms Considerately: Book meeting rooms for necessary discussions and avoid overstaying your time slot to be respectful to others. Many coworking spaces have high demand for meeting rooms, so a bit of planning and adherence to booking schedules ensures that others can use the space too.
Be Mindful of Personal Boundaries
Coworking spaces promote community and collaboration, but it’s important to respect personal space and boundaries to maintain professionalism and create a safe place for people to work.
- Respect Privacy Cues: Headphones on? Eyes glued to the screen? These are clear signs someone is deeply focused and would prefer not to be disturbed. If you need to reach out, a quick message on a chat platform might be less intrusive.
- Maintain Physical Space: In shared spaces, personal space can feel limited. Avoid crowding others by keeping your belongings contained and respecting others’ designated work areas.
- Avoid Overly Personal Conversations: While it’s natural to build rapport with fellow coworkers, be mindful of discussing personal matters too loudly in shared areas. It can make others feel uncomfortable, especially in a professional environment.
Practice Digital Etiquette
In today’s coworking spaces, hybrid work is the norm, and digital etiquette is just as important as in-person behavior.
- Keep Video Calls Professional: If you’re joining virtual meetings, try to find a secluded spot or a meeting room to avoid distracting others. Using headphones with a built-in microphone also reduces noise for others in the space and help the people you are in a meeting with.
- Be Mindful of Wi-Fi Usage: Coworking spaces share internet resources, so keeping bandwidth-heavy tasks to a minimum is courteous if these resources are limited. Avoid excessive streaming or large file downloads that might slow the network for others.
- Limit Device Spread: In an era of multiple gadgets, it’s tempting to spread devices and accessories across the desk. Try to keep only necessary items on shared desks, and avoid clutter that could impact the space of those around you.
Building a Respectful Coworking Community
In coworking environments, etiquette is key to maintaining a professional, efficient, and comfortable workspace that feels inviting to everyone. By adhering to these simple practices, members contribute to a harmonious atmosphere that supports productivity and positive connection. Whether it’s managing noise, respecting boundaries, or caring for shared spaces, these small efforts go a long way in creating a coworking community that everyone can enjoy.
For those considering joining a coworking community, these San Francisco coworking spaces offer models of environments where professionals can thrive together. By practicing these etiquette guidelines, you’re not only respecting your fellow coworkers but also helping to shape a workplace where everyone can succeed.
