As coworking is a relatively new concept to everyone, the rules and etiquette that surround it aren’t very well known and might even be a bit confusing. As long as you’re avoiding these seven mistakes then there should be no need to worry.
Be the ‘oversharer’
Although socialising might be a natural and even important part of sharing communal space, there must also be something said for healthy boundaries when it comes to sharing personal information.
For example, the person you’ve only recently met and have had a total of two short conversations with previously probably isn’t ready for a 20-minute monologue of your past and present dating experiences.
Stink out the office
Bringing strong-smelling food to work such as fish or mandarins is always going to be a fine line to walk. However, if you’re a big canned tuna fan then don’t chuck your Sirena just yet.
As long as you’re mindful about keeping the smell to a minimum by keeping the seafood away from the microwave and not opening cans up around other people’s desks, then you should be safe from social exile.
Also be aware of leaving fruit peel lying around.
Not talk to anyone
There’s no point in becoming part of a coworking office if you’re not going to put any effort in getting to know the people you work with.
You don’t have to become best friends with everyone in the office, but keeping things friendly with the people who you see most days can be beneficial in a lot of ways, and make going to work a more positive and enjoyable experience.
Obviously, it’s a free world and you can choose to be a lone wolf if you really want to, but if that’s the case then a coworking office might not be the place for you.
Be part of the peanut gallery
Most people would agree that there’s nothing worse than being around people who always seem to have something to complain about.
Being negative and picky about small inconveniences isn’t going to win you any fans.
For your own sake and the sake of those around you, try to practice the art of letting things go and being appreciative for what is working and the things you do have.
Turn every interaction into a business opportunity
Networking might be a big part of being in a coworking office, but if you go too hard then you’re probably going to be avoided by a lot of people. Having the opportunity to promote your business, and maybe even get some help with it, can be a big perk.
However, it’s important that you don’t cross the line where you’re taking advantage of your fellow workers.
To avoid doing this, make sure that any help you receive is reciprocated and you don’t try to push your business at every chance you get.
Talk too loudly
If you think that the other people in the office could be overhearing your phone conversation, they almost definitely can. In a recent study, it was found that hearing a one-sided conversation is more distracting than hearing both sides of the convo. If your job involves a lot of phone calls, it could be a good idea to figure out a space you can go where you won’t be disturbing other people. Most coworking offices will have a balcony, sound-proof booth or quiet corners you can use for those phone calls that you know will last a while or cause you to raise your voice.
Treat communal space like your home
One of the worst things you can do in a coworking office is be that guy who treats the communal space as their own personal area.
Try your best to not to spread yourself around the office or constantly take up the same spot day after day.
Also be mindful about leaving rubbish and other bits and pieces lying around, everything should be left the way you found it.
Author – Madeleine Goodman
With a background in Sales and Psychology, Maddy combines her knowledge & love of words to bring us all of the things we need to know on how to survive modern day working life. She currently works as the in-house writer at deskPlex.
