For employees who do not have a space at home to do their remote work, or for teams that do not yet have a set office location, coworking spaces are the best place to work. These spaces are equipped with everything a business or worker needs, while also enabling collaboration among users.

But, much like other similar spaces, coworking spaces also have several rules – both written and unwritten – that ensure the space remains a positive work space for everyone. Whether it is your first time working in a coworking space or you want a refresher, here are some of the standard etiquette rules you should follow:

Start with Hello

No matter your reason for working in a coworking space, greeting your fellow users with a simple hello can help create a welcoming environment and make everyone feel more connected. You don’t need to start small talk with them, but by greeting them, you will let them know you are sociable and open to discussion.

If someone approaches you, don’t say no right away. Say hi politely and, if needed, kindly let them know if you’re busy or need to reschedule. This helps set clear boundaries while maintaining a respectful atmosphere for all users.

Boundaries are a Thing

Coworking spaces offer opportunities to meet new people and connect with others in similar fields. However, it is essential to remember that everyone needs to focus on their own work and feel respected in their space, which helps foster mutual respect and comfort.

Before approaching someone to start a conversation, read the room to see if it’s okay to talk to them. If a misunderstanding occurs, address it calmly and respectfully to maintain a positive environment. These coworkers of yours need to focus, too, so if you genuinely want to speak to them, attend events organised by the coworking space or approach them when you see them on break.

Respect the Space

You should also take care of the space you are using. Whether it is your dedicated desk or the standard facilities, always clean your space and never invade another person’s desk. It is also proper to ask for permission before borrowing something from another person, even if they know who you are.

When you do use the standard facilities, do not overuse or monopolise them, since others will use them too. If key resources like print paper run out or something breaks, report it promptly to staff so they can fix the issue or provide refills. Knowing how to report problems helps maintain a smooth and respectful environment for everyone.

Be Quiet or Keep Your Voice Low

Most people love working in a quiet, distraction-free space. With a coworking space, you will definitely be surrounded by people doing all sorts of tasks for their work. Some may be answering phone calls, others may be on video calls, while others may be huddling with their team.

As a rule, coworking spaces follow the same rules as libraries, since they have to be conducive to all their users. It must also be free of disruptions as much as possible so other users can use the space without interruption. If you need to talk to someone, either by phone or video call, you should use the available meeting rooms designed for these calls. You should also use the breakout areas to socialise. If you need to be at your desk and need music or podcasts to inspire you as you work, use headphones.

Plan Your Schedule Accordingly

Coworking spaces offer different schedules for their members, from 24/7 access to opening on certain holidays to accommodate international clients. With this in mind, it is best to follow the space’s schedule and make any necessary reservations. When it is time to leave, leave the reserved spaces on time so the other person can use them.

You should also cancel any reservations you may have immediately if you won’t be able to use the space’s services, to ensure they don’t interfere with other users who also need the space you reserved. With a prompt cancellation, the coworking space can give the slot to another team or individual who needs it.

Always Stay Clean

Whether it is a normal office space or a coworking space, you always need to keep everything neat. In coworking spaces, you don’t necessarily work in the same spot all the time, since it is first-come, first-served unless the space allows reservations. Aside from keeping your desk clean, you must sanitise it so it is safe to use.

You should also help maintain the cleanliness of common areas such as kitchens, bathrooms, and conference halls. While these spaces are cleaned by cleaning personnel at the end of each shift, it still pays to help keep things safe and sanitary for all.

Do Not Go to These Coworking Spaces When Sick

If you feel you have a cold or any other illness, don’t force yourself to go to your coworking spaces. Not only is it easy for viruses to spread nowadays in closed spaces, but coworking spaces often feature desks where users are close to each other or face-to-face. If a sick user didn’t clean the spaces they used, the other person who uses the desk may get infected and get sick. Should you feel ill during your scheduled time, report to the staff immediately so they can help with the cleanup and inform the other members of the space so they can take precautions.

Coworking spaces are not just places to enjoy; they are environments that help you focus on your work in a more conducive setting. These spaces offer others the same facilities you do so that they can work and collaborate with like-minded individuals without any worries. These etiquette rules will help you make the space safe for everyone and welcoming for all.

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