Coworking spaces are becoming increasingly popular as more people become self-employed. They are popular with freelancers and startups due to their flexible terms and top-class facilities.
Keeping your space harmonious and friendly takes work, and there are various things you should do to ensure that it continues to be a great place to work for you, and everyone else.
Use Your Inside Voice
If you take a lot of phone calls or video conferences you don’t want the entire cowork spaces to have to listen to your call. Either go into the hall or meeting room or learn to talk in a quiet voice. It does take practice, especially if your natural speaking voice is loud.
On a related note, don’t play your music through speakers, no matter how good you think it is, headphones are a coworking necessity.
Don’t Cause A Stink
People are very sensitive to smells. Don’t be the person who brings a fish dish in for their lunch and then microwaves it.
Ensure your personal hygiene is good too. No one wants to have that awkward conversation with a coworker. Conversely, don’t indulge in some kind of chemical warfare with the amount of perfume/cologne you wear either.
Clean Up
A tidy work environment makes it easier for you and other people to work. Clean up after yourself when you’ve used the kitchen and try and keep your desk tidy too. Don’t leave it a mess for the next person to clean up.
Be Friendly
Coworking can be a great opportunity to meet, network, and socialize with other freelancers in your own little community. Don’t be the dark cloud in everyone’s day. Be polite and friendly to everyone.
Don’t Abuse The Facilities
Try and stick to the rules of your coworking space as much as possible. This includes rules on space restrictions, guests, and supply usage.
Bring Your Own Equipment And Supplies
You should be providing everything you need for your coworking time that isn’t specifically provided by the management company as part of your contract. Don’t take other people’s items or have to constantly borrow pens, notebooks, etc from other people. If you do occasionally need something, make sure that you return it.
Be Respectful Of Other People’s Opinions
A coworking space is likely to be full of people of different races with different beliefs, sexual orientations, and political affiliations. Don’t say anything that is going to offend someone or create animosity within the space. It’s best to keep conversations like that private. Be careful when sweating and telling any jokes too if they are sensitive in nature. It may not be your intention to upset anyone but if you do, you will create an uncomfortable atmosphere within the office.
Key Takeaways
While this might look like a pretty lengthy list, the things on it mainly just involve using your common sense. Co-working spaces can be fantastic, friendly and thriving freelancer communities, by following these rules, you’ll be helping to keep them that way.
