20 Coworking Space Best Practices to Optimize Your Work Experience in 2024

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Are you struggling to balance productivity and community while working in a coworking space? You’re in the right place because the most helpful coworking space best practices are right here!

Here at the Tutor Resource, we’ve been working remotely since 2012 and have been digital nomads since 2019. We’ve coworked all over the world so we know firsthand what it takes to cowork effectively.

We’ve even developed our own coworking best practices to optimize our experience, and we’re sharing them here with you to help you do the same!

Understanding the unspoken rules can make for a better shared workspace. They generally boil down to respecting privacy, maintaining cleanliness, communicating effectively, showing courtesy, considering health and comfort, and upholding professional conduct.

Keep reading to become well-versed in all of our top coworking space best practices, ensuring that your workspace is as beneficial for you as it is for others around you.

Creating a Respectful Environment

Thriving in a coworking space starts with mutual respect for personal areas. Just as you value your own workspace, so do your coworkers. It’s more than just courtesy; it’s about creating a productive environment for everyone.

1. Respect others’ work area – Coworking spaces are shared environments, so it’s important to be mindful of others’ space. Refrain from touching or moving other people’s belongings, and keep your workspace tidy.
   
2. Clean up after yourself – Remember to put away all of your belongings before you leave for the day. Clean up any mess you make, including food crumbs, cups, and dishes.
   
3. Lower your voice – Speak softly, especially during phone calls or video conferences, and avoid disrupting others around you.
   
4. Stay home if you’re sick – Don’t risk contaminating the coworking space with your germs. If you’re feeling ill, stay home. This not only prevents the spread of sickness to other coworkers, but also allows you to rest and recover faster.
   
5. Avoid wearing cologne or perfume – Some people may have allergies or sensitivities to strong scents. Keep it simple with your fragrance, or better yet, avoid wearing any at all.
   
6. Sanitize your workspace – To be respectful of others’ health, it’s best to sanitize your workspace and amenities after use. This includes wiping down your desk, keyboard, and any shared items before and after use.

Maintaining Professionalism

In the collaborative ecosystem of a coworking space, it’s crucial to master the art of communication and social etiquette. This is the backbone of professionalism and the cornerstone of a pleasant coworking atmosphere.

7. Know when to take a conversation to a private area – Coworking spaces are meant to be collaborative, but some conversations may not be suitable for public spaces.
   
   If you need to have a sensitive conversation or meeting, take it to a more private area like a meeting room or private office.
   
8. Don’t try to sell or pitch the people you cowork with – While networking is a great perk of coworking spaces, remember that people are there to work, not to be sold to.
   
   Instead, focus on building genuine relationships and offering support to your fellow coworkers. This will not only create a positive work environment, but it may also lead to potential partnerships or collaborations in the future.
   
9. Maintain a professional image – Keep professional and appropriate attire when working. Remember, you’re in a shared office space, not a coffee shop.
   
   This one also depends on the atmosphere of the working space because a space in Bali may be more relaxed than one in New York City. Tour the space before you go to work the first time to get a feel for the vibe.
   
10. Manage your time wisely – Be respectful of others’ time and space by not using amenities for an extended period of time. This includes using study rooms, computers, and other resources. Keep in mind that others may need to use these amenities as well.
    
11. Adhere to scheduled hours – Coworking spaces often have designated hours. Be aware of these hours and avoid overstaying your welcome. After all, it’s not fair to the staff to keep them after closing time.

By abiding by these key principles, you will foster a more productive and less intrusive work environment for everyone. Understanding and implementing effective communication practices and proper social etiquette is an investment in a pleasant coworking community.

Making the Most of the Space

Using the coworking space and its amenities effectively is important. Let’s discuss strategies for effectively utilizing coworking spaces to foster productivity, collaboration, and creativity.

12. Pack an extra layer – Coworking spaces tend to be air-conditioned, so it’s always a good idea to bring a sweater or light jacket to keep you warm.
    
    We found that especially in Malaysia and Singapore, public spaces are kept very chilly and we often needed a jacket indoors.
    
13. Choose the right space – Consider your needs and preferences when selecting a coworking space. Check to see if the style matches your own, or if specific amenities are offered. It’s important to find a space that fits your work style and promotes productivity.
    
14. Utilize amenities – Make the most of the amenities the coworking space offers, such as conference rooms, printers, and kitchen facilities. Bring your lunch, if there’s a fridge. Print your boarding pass for your upcoming flight.
    
15. Don’t overuse amenities – Some coworking spaces limit the use of their amenities, such as conference rooms or printers. Be mindful of these limits and use such amenities responsibly.
    
    If the kitchen offers free coffee, don’t use all the pods or take extra packets for use at your apartment.
    
16. Keep track of your supplies – Avoid using other people’s supplies without asking. Make sure you have your own, or make arrangements to share with others. And don’t leave your stuff lying around to be lost or misplaced.

Community Engagement

Engaging professionally with your coworking community can enhance the experience for all members. Consideration for others is key, and here are some strategies for a synergistic coworking environment.

17. Attend workshops – Coworking spaces often offer workshops and events for their members. These are great opportunities to expand your knowledge and meet other people in the community.
    
18. Collaborate with other members – Coworking spaces are filled with other professionals and entrepreneurs. It’s a great opportunity to collaborate on projects or exchange ideas.
    
19. Build relationships – Coworking spaces offer a chance to make meaningful connections with other like-minded people, so be open and approachable.
    
    Who knows, you may even find a new friend or travel buddy. We found one of our favorite travel buddies at a coworking event!
    
20. Be resourceful – Coworking spaces are great for networking and resource sharing. Utilize the knowledge and skills of those around you, and offer your own.
    
    If the coworking space doesn’t have an amenity you want or need, it’s our personal coworking space best practice to be creative and find an alternate solution to address our needs.

Final Thoughts on Coworking Best Practices

Embracing these coworking space best practices in coworking spaces is pivotal for creating a productive, harmonious environment that benefits everyone.

Let’s recap the key coworking space best practices takeaways to ensure you’re equipped to make the most of your shared workspace experience:

• Respect others’ work areas to maintain a sense of personal space and professionalism.
• Always clean up after yourself to contribute to a tidy and organized setting.
• Keep your voice down and move to private areas for extended or sensitive discussions.
• Stay home if you’re feeling unwell to prevent spreading illness in the community.
• Be prepared for varying temperatures with an extra layer of clothing.
• Avoid strong scents like cologne or perfume, to respect shared air space.
• Refrain from unsolicited selling or pitching to fellow coworkers to preserve a collaborative atmosphere.
• Select a coworking space that aligns with your work style and community values.
• Participate in workshops and events to enhance your skills and network effectively.
• Partner with others for mutually beneficial collaborations and make the most of shared amenities.
• Uphold a professional image and practice wise time management to foster trust and respect.
• Adhere to the coworking space’s scheduled hours to demonstrate reliability and consideration.
• Avoid monopolizing shared resources to ensure fair availability for all members.
• Be resourceful by utilizing what the space offers without imposing on others.
• Regularly sanitize your workspace to contribute to the community’s health standards.
• Keep your personal supplies in check to avoid clutter and disruption.

Coworking spaces can be fun and enjoyable spots to get some work done, whether it’s in your hometown or somewhere else in the world. Follow our coworking space best practices and you’ll improve your chances of making it a positive experience!

Coworking Space Best Practices FAQs

Do you still have questions about coworking best practices? Here are answers so some frequently asked questions.

How can I make the most out of coworking space workshops and events?

Maximizing the benefits of workshops and events in coworking spaces involves active participation and networking. Engage with speakers, ask questions, and connect with fellow attendees to expand your knowledge and professional circle. These activities not only improve your skills but also can lead to potential collaborations and new business opportunities within the coworking community.

What are some strategies for effective collaboration in a coworking environment?

Effective collaboration in a coworking environment requires clear communication, setting mutual goals, and respecting each other’s time and contributions. Utilize shared calendars or project management tools to coordinate efforts, ensure accountability, and maintain productivity. Most importantly, be open to feedback and adapt your collaborative approach to meet the evolving needs of the partnership.

Are there any rules for using shared amenities in coworking spaces?

While rules for using shared amenities can vary by coworking space, common etiquette includes cleaning after use, booking the amenities ahead of time if necessary, and not monopolizing resources that others need. It’s also courteous to report any issues or damages immediately to the management to ensure a well-maintained environment for all members.

How can I stay productive while respecting the coworking space’s scheduled hours?

To remain productive within the coworking space’s operational hours, prioritize your tasks, set deadlines, and use time-management techniques such as the Pomodoro method or time blocking. Treat the space’s schedule as you would an office working day to instill routine and discipline into your workflow, making it easier to switch off and rest after hours, which is essential for sustained productivity.