Coworking is an innovative style of work which is becoming popular worldwide. Different countries and cities have unfamiliar coworking cultures. However coworking etiquettes remains the same.
Anyone who is working with other people under one roof needs to be aware of such etiquettes otherwise it can annoy others working at the same place. Here is a list of 9 coworking etiquettes.
- Lower your noise- Every coworking space has different noise rules. Coworkers should be aware of that. If a coworking office is meant for being silent, then you should take your calls in a meeting room or cafeteria. With this others will not get disturbed.
- Find solutions to your problems before asking others– It is important to be independent while working in a cowork space. There are a few people who make a huge fuss about not able to find extra space for their bags in the lockers. This is when they have already put so much useless stuff in their lockers. Generally people forget basic etiquettes when working with other people. Coworking spaces are not service centres. Other people come there to work. You should only ask others when you are not able to find solutions to the problems yourself.
- Don’t eat other’s personal food- Generally coworkers think that they can consume anything which is kept in refrigerators. No, it’s not like that. Most of the coworking spaces have separate refrigerators one where people can purchase food/drinks and other where people can keep their personal food/drinks. It’s better to know the difference.
- Don’t occupy four seats if you have paid rent for only two- Coworking space charges per seat. If you have paid the rent for one seat then you should occupy only one seat. But the fact is that most people keep their bags at one seat and their laptops at another seat. Coworkers should not do this. It is the most important etiquette that should be followed by every coworker.
- Follow the timings of coworking space- Every coworking space has its own time rules. Some of the coworking offices have 24 hour access while some have 8-12 hour access. People should follow offices timings and choose a coworking space which is according to their convenience (time wise).
- Keep the cafeteria clean- Cafeteria is a place where people have their meals and relax while drinking tea/coffee. Every coworker should keep the cafeteria as clean as possible to provide comfort to others. They should clean the tables after having their meals and arrange the tables/chairs back to there original place.
- Carry your own supplies- It’s always better to carry your own supplies but for instance if you need to borrow them from others, make sure to return or replace them.
- Be a friendly coworker- Everyone likes a person who greet others and has a pleasing tone. This helps in building networks and promotes a good coworking environment.
- Mind the scent- If you are a regular perfume/lotion user make sure it’s smell is delicate. Some people are sensitive to smells and a strong perfume/lotion smell can be harmful for their health.
The above mentioned are some basic etiquettes that every coworker should follow. Following these will create a positive and a conflict free environment at a coworking space.