November 20th 2021
If you’re a freelancer, a professional with no current office or a small team looking for a base of operations, then there’s no better alternative than a co-working office space. They provide you with all the necessary amenities and services you’ll need to work, while also thrusting you into the midst of other working professionals with similar goals. More and more people are opting to enter into a co-working space nowadays, especially in a post-COVID era, as they try to save on overheads after being hit hard by the pandemic.
This being said, there are a few things you’ll need to know before entering into one of these office set-ups, so we’re going to give you the rundown on how to master the co-working space.
Getting Yourself into a Routine, and Managing Your Time
Just like a regular office, a co-working space will have opening and closing times. This means that you’ll need to get into a good routine of arriving and leaving at similar times in the day. It’s also important to manage your time effectively while you occupy the space. Set yourself goals for each day, such as finishing that article, managing your spreadsheets, or putting the final touches on that piece of digital art. It’s advised to always go in knowing what your plan of action is for the day ahead.
Prepare All Necessary Equipment Ahead of Time
Unlike other office set-ups, a co-working office won’t be supplying you with any equipment or computers, only the space. Ensure you have all of the critical tools and gadgets you’ll need to do your job. These can include:
- Laptop – Goes without saying, the most critical piece of tech
- Headphones – For privacy, and not to disturb others who are working
- Mobile Phone – For those critical calls
- USB Stick/Hard Drive – To store and retrieve your work
- Mouse and Keyboard – If you prefer a more traditional computer set-up
- Pens, Pencils and Paper – If you enjoy taking quick notes
- Water Bottle/Lunch – Remember to always stay hydrated!
Familiarise Yourself with Office Rules and Management
It’s always best to know the rules of the space that you’re occupying. If you’re unsure of these, there will usually be a community manager based in the office that can give you all the information you need on what the rules are. These community managers are also a great resource for any freelancer or business, as they will typically know all of the people who are currently co-working. This means they can point you in the direction of other businesses that could possibly benefit from your product or service. Likewise, you can ask them to point others in your direction if they think you’ll be a good fit. Use them as a free networking tool!
Proper Office Etiquette – Knowing the Boundaries
Etiquette is different from rules. Etiquette in co-working means to be considerate of your surroundings and not negatively impact others who are trying to work. You may need to be quiet at certain times of the day, and not blast your favourite tunes from your laptop, for example. Some spaces may have more relaxed approaches, but it’s always good to know the boundaries of the space you’re in. Don’t be afraid to ask your other co-workers what the do’s and don’ts are before you get into trouble.
Get to Know the People – Become Part of the Community
Speaking of other co-workers, get to know them! Co-working spaces are often small communities of likeminded individuals or teams that are all striving for business success. There could be people there that are a great fit for your business, and you could even end up working together. Co-working offices can create great opportunities for collaboration, socialisation, and networking, so make sure to venture away from your desk from time to time, to get a feel for the atmosphere and what others are working on. It may be one of the best things you ever did.
Get to Know the Space – What Works for You?
The beautiful thing about co-working offices, is the ability to work anywhere in the space. There are usually no restrictions to where you can base yourself for the day, whether it’s in the communal area with comfortable beanbag chairs, or the more secluded single booths. Many co-working spaces aim to create a certain ‘atmosphere’, which can bring out the best in the people who are occupying it. The best part is, if you feel the need to move halfway through the day and work somewhere else, you can! Gone are the days of static desks and workspaces, and co-working offices aim to alleviate the stress of the traditional office by creating a fluid and malleable work environment for those who use them.
Meeting Rooms – the Underrated Bonus
Many co-working offices will have access to a meeting room or conference room. These are the unsung heroes of business, as many world-changing ideas were born out of them. They can be used for private calls (when discussing sensitive information with clients), brainstorming sessions, and even meetings between you and your other co-workers if you decide to work together. Having access to a closed-off, private space is a great addition that’s included in many co-working offices across the world, and just another bonus to entering into one of these work environments.
Remember to Clean Your Workspace!
When entering into a co-working set-up, you’re entering into a communal space that’s going to be used by others too. That’s why it’s always best practice to get used to cleaning any workstation you’ve used for the day. Wipe down any surfaces, throw away any packaging or food items that you’ve consumed, and put everything back where it was before you got there. Although it sounds relatively obvious that this is what should be done, never forget to thoroughly clean down your workspace. It will keep you in the good books of office management and your co-workers alike!
So, now that you know what to do before and during your time in a co-working office space, there’s nothing stopping you from signing up to one today! Whether it’s the networking opportunities, the private meeting space, or simply the social aspect, Click Offices has many set-ups available. Head over and look at our co-working office spaces today to take a look at your options!
