The Dos and Don’ts of Co-working Etiquette

Coworking spaces have become the go-to solution for professionals seeking a flexible and collaborative work environment. However, with shared spaces come shared responsibilities.

Navigating the dynamics of a coworking space requires a respectable awareness of etiquette to ensure an easy productive atmosphere for everyone involved.

If you don’t know where to start, we’ll help you out with the dos and don’ts of coworking spaces so you can be confident you’re coworking the right way!

The Dos

1. DO: Keep your space for the day clean and tidy

We would like to think that this is a no-brainer but it’s important to practice good cleanliness and hygiene in a space that sees so many new people every day.

Aside from the usual wrappers and dust, this includes bringing in your own personal photographs, plants, and knickknacks. Personalising a desk space may come across as marking your territory and typically isn’t best practice in coworking spaces.

Always make sure to do a quick sweep or wipe of your space before leaving for the day, leaving it as you found it when you arrived.

2. DO: Make the most of the facilities

One of the best parts of coworking spaces is the access to a range of shared facilities. Every coworking space will have its own special amenities so it’s important to look around so you choose the right place for you.

At 1 Cardale Park, we offer a free co-working trial day so you can be sure it’s the right place for you. 

We also provide free on-site parking, lockable storage, kitchen and lounges with unlimited tea and coffee, showers, and so much more! We encourage all our desk tenants to make the most of our facilities.

3. DO: Socialise and network 

Coworking spaces are lively communities where people from different backgrounds and industries come together to work hard.

Connect with your coworkers by introducing yourself during breaks or in common areas, but be mindful not to turn it into a sales pitch or disrupt their work.

We even have business and wellbeing events programmes throughout the year to encourage networking between a range of businesses and individuals.

The Don’ts 

1. DON’T: Claim your territory 

The beauty of coworking is the ability to enjoy a flexible working environment from dedicated desks to hotdesking.

Claiming a desk as your own goes against the concept of an individual, shared workspace and can seem territorial. Even if you’ve booked out a permanent desk, remember that the space itself is not yours to do whatever you want with.

You might find a spot in your coworking spaces that you really love, but it doesn’t make it yours to keep. That’s the beauty of coworking spaces – the ability to change up your routine and share space with people from all walks of life. 

All spaces offer different desk setups. At 1 Cardale Park, we offer both dedicated coworking spaces and hotdesking. 

2. DON’T: Eat at your desk

To save any disturbances, it may be best to enjoy your meals in one of the break rooms or social spaces.

Regardless of the aroma, eating in the coworking space can be distracting, and the sounds and crumbs left behind may disrupt others’ focus.

Also, with so many different people around you, you just never know what allergies or sensitivities others suffer from. 

3. DON’T: Be loud

Coworking spaces are a great place to be social but recognise that the reason for people being there is to work first and foremost.

Refrain from talking too loud, disturbing people whilst they’re working, making personal calls, or taking meetings on your laptop. 

Instead, move to a designated area or meeting room, or step outside to prevent creating distractions.

Find your new coworking space in Harrogate today

Follow these tips to make your coworking spaces positive and collaborative, creating an ideal environment for productivity and professional growth.

To learn more about the amenities and services available for coworking at our Harrogate office space, feel free to contact us.

You can call us, email us, or fill out our online inquiry form, and we’ll respond promptly.