Whether it’s the convenience, creative atmosphere or trendy decor that make them so popular, it’s safe to say that coworking spaces are fast becoming an integral part of our working lives. Offering a dynamic and energetic environment, coworking spaces are great for encouraging creativity, collaboration and productivity. Sometimes, taking a break from the traditional office setting makes for the perfect opportunity to brainstorm and get creative whilst surrounded by like-minded professionals. With tasteful and refreshing spaces like Soho Works (by Soho House) offering exclusive memberships where creative thinkers can come together and share ideas, it’s important to enter with confidence and poise. Check out our 5 tips for coworking in a shared space to ensure you’re on top form and making the most of the opportunities it has to offer.
Keep it Clean & Tidy
We’re all guilty of an untidy desk sometimes. When you’re spinning (professional) plates it’s easy to end up with all kinds of loose papers, miscellaneous notes and empty coffee cups around your space. You might be able to get away with it when tucked away in your private space. However, Coworking spaces are different – don’t forget about the impression you’re making on those around you. Keep it clean and tidy wherever you go, and check in on your desk space occasionally to ensure you haven’t gone astray. Looking neat, organised and disciplined is an important perception, especially around other professionals. Not to mention, a clutter-free environment is both visually appealing and contributes to improved focus and productivity. We’d recommend The Dimaro for its clever organisational features, including business card holders, a pen loop and a zipped section for extra documents. The A4 writing pad is ideal for making essential notes whilst keeping them in a consistent place. The unmistakable refined aesthetic of the luxury Italian leather is the perfect finishing touch, giving you an ultra-smart look.
Bring your Headphones
Be mindful of volume whilst in a shared space. Make sure you bring your headphones with you to any Coworking area, they’ll come in handy for a variety of reasons. Whether it’s making phone calls, listening to podcasts or watching videos, the only person who needs to hear those is you. Some aspects of work can be noisy, however it’s important to understand the appropriate etiquette to remain considerate and professional towards others. We’d recommend moving calls to a private meeting room, outside or in breakout spaces. Most Coworking spaces have dedicated areas for phone calls; Second Home, for example, even have phone booths. With four locations across London, Second Home is loved for its vast coworking space options, ensuring you have the right resources and space to carry out any type of work successfully.
Be Mindful of Others
It’s courteous to ensure you’re not encroaching on someone else’s space in these shared environments. Keeping your space organised and within your designated area is a great place to start. iPads are ideal companions for Coworking spaces because of their versatility. Without taking up too much room, an iPad can give you everything you need technology-wise whilst keeping your area neat and orderly. Take your look one step further and take The Pareto iPad sleeve to ensure a professional yet polished look. Another mindful step is to avoid eating at your desk, as potent foods can be a distraction, and there are plenty of designated eating areas to take a break. By following considerate rules of etiquette, you’ll show respect for fellow coworkers, and create a pleasant atmosphere whilst reflecting positively on your work ethic and professionalism.
Make Friends
Coworking spaces are perfect for allowing individuals from diverse backgrounds and industries to come together under one roof. The combination of state-of-the-art amenities and flexible working creates a sense of community and, in turn, opens the door for opportunities to meet new people. You’ll be sharing a space with freelancers, entrepreneurs and remote workers from all walks of life. It’s an ideal atmosphere to make friends – where the boundaries between work and social interaction often blur in the best way possible. With a meticulous yet approachable energy, you’ll attract the right kind of friends here.
Dress to Impress
Whether you have an exclusive membership or just passing by and hot-desking, you’ll be leaving a lasting impression on potential clients or collaborators who may visit the same space. Making a commitment to how you present yourself is vital, as you never know what contacts you might make or who you may run into. A smart-casual dress code is the perfect balance, complemented by sleek business accessories to maintain a refined style. The Calvino Canvas is our top recommendation for a modern briefcase investment. The sophisticated combination of lightweight canvas and luxury Italian leather makes for an unmistakable look of effortless style. For the ladies, we’d recommend The Fiorella to enhance any Coworking outfit with an air of class. The inner quilted pocket is ideal for a 15-inch laptop or 16-inch laptop MacBook Pro, whilst the beautiful vegetable-tanned leather seamlessly upgrades your look. In a place where networking opportunities are abundant, be ready for any business encounter with confidence and style.