Co-working etiquette: A guide to Conduct in Shared Workspaces
What is co-working?
Co-working environments bring together professionals across differing industries, in a shared environment designed with flexibility, productivity and connection in mind. Whether you work freelance, as part of a growing business, or as a remote worker, you can access a professional office without commitment to a traditional office.
Often built around flexible seating, rather than assigned desks. Allowing co-working users to work alongside others whilst reaping the benefits of professional facilities.
Is there an etiquette observed in co-working spaces?
There are unwritten rules for working in a shared work environment that might not be explicitly stated but are observed.
Creating a welcoming atmosphere is in part about the office design, but is also attributed to members who make an effort to greet or smile at peers. Introducing yourself to other professionals not only helps create a friendly, inviting ambience but also creates opportunities to network with new businesses.
An important aspect of co-working spaces is having an environment where it’s easy to focus. To avoid disrupting productivity, keeping it at a reasonable volume is recommended. Chatting isnโt banned, and it shouldnโt be. But consider the noise you make; avoid playing music or shouting to somebody across the space. Being aware that people are working and will need a quiet, disruption-free environment is key to using a shared workspace.
One of the great aspects of co-working spaces is the tidiness of the environment and the lack of maintenance on the members’ part. One of the ways you can ensure that it stays inviting is to keep the space clean by tidying up after yourself. Whether it’s recycling scraps of paper, wiping up a spill, or tidying up your small messes ensures everybody can enjoy a tidy work environment.
Dressing for co-working isnโt like in a traditional office, but avoiding dressing down or too casual. It helps keep the environment feeling professional by avoiding a pyjama day in the office.
One of the unspoken rules of co-working is to avoid bringing in guests and visitors. Seating is reserved for members, so if spaces are being given to those without memberships, it then impacts other members’ ability to use the facilities.
Connecting with other co-working users
Connecting with your peers may feel intimidating, but it has clear advantages. One of the biggest draws for businesses is to strengthen their portfolio of professional connections. Itโs invaluable knowing businesses across sectors, whether it’s for gaining unique perspectives or simply having an awareness of business beyond your own.
Some of the simplest ways to connect and collaborate are to:
- Make an introduction. The first step to any relationship is establishing a rapport. Saying hello and goodbye can help shape a positive impression.
- Sit next to new people in the co-working spaces. Proximity creates the opportunity to connect with others.
- Bring along business cards, you never know when the opportunity to pass on your details will arise!
- Attend events held by your co-working space provider. Not only will you get to see familiar faces, but meeting news ones also meet new ones.
- Define the purpose of your networking: what is it you want to gain from a networking experience? Establishing why it is you want to network will help you in your approach to doing so. I.e., if itโs for the social aspect, a more casual approach can be taken.
- Reflect on previously successful networking experiences to delineate what has and hasnโt worked previously. This can help guide your future approaches to networking.
- Offer help. Whilst it isnโt a direct method of networking, it shows your peers youโre a team player. Creating positive impressions is one of the most effective methods for connecting.
Itโs not always obvious that putting yourself or your business out there will, in fact, benefit you, whether you manage to acquire a new contact for networking or not. Itโs about building confidence, learning to connect in a working environment, all while nurturing your professional development.
Creating a positive co-working experience
ย Co-working works most effectively when everyone using the space contributes towards the atmosphere. Small considerations, from cleaning your clutter to being mindful of noise, all help to create an environment where people can focus, collaborate and feel comfortable working from.
It goes beyond just a workspace; itโs a community. Approaching with an openness and awareness helps shape the positive co-working experiences.