Coworking is fast becoming the preferred choice for entrepreneurs, freelancers, start-ups, SMEs, and even large corporates and MNCs. It comes with several benefits that a traditional office doesn’t offer – collaboration, networking opportunities, cost-effective packages, flexibility, and the list goes on.
You must keep in mind, however, that the coworking environmentis different from that of a conventional office. For starters, it is filled with people and buzz, which can be distracting. Due to the abundance of networking opportunities, you might spend the whole day socializing rather than working. Above all, coworking offers you immense freedom and flexibility, which can backfire if you are not a self-motivated person.
So, how do you stay focused and productive while working from a shared office? Listed below are the 8 tips to increase productivity in coworking spaces:
1. Choose the Right Office – The first step is to choose a coworking space that promises a work environment conducive to productivity. The office should have well-equipped workstations, ergonomic furniture, coffee machines, other amenities, quiet zones, and spaces for recreation and networking. Good ventilation, ample natural lighting, high-speed Wi-Fi, and a user-friendly office design are other factors to consider while choosing a coworking office.
2. Choose a Desk Plan That Best Suits You – Typically, a shared office will have both flexible desks and dedicated desks. Ask yourself what will help you stay focused – working at the same desk everyday or having the freedom to choose a different spot each day? If having a fixed workstation helps increase your productivity, opt for a dedicated desk by paying a little extra. Flexi seats, in contrast, are ideal if you want a change of scenery to stay productive or the flexibility to switch to unoccupied desks with less noise and fewer distractions.
3. Personalize Your Workstation – Coworking spaces are offices that come with pre-furnished workstations. Adding a little personal touch to your desk will go a long way in removing the corporate blandness and creating a sense of individuality, which leads to increased productivity. You can dress up your desk using pictures of your family, friends, or pets, plants, artwork, inspirational quotes, and personal mementos.
4. Tap Into the Benefits of Flexible Working – One of the key features of coworking is that it makes room for flexibility, and you can take advantage of it to enhance your productivity. Is morning your most productive time of the day? Head off to your coworking office in the morning and get your work done before the place gets too crowded. Want to skip the morning traffic and start your day a little late? Or do you prefer working till late in the night? You can plan your work hours accordingly. Likewise, you can increase your productivity at work by following a hybrid work model – that is, work from home for a few days a week and work from the shared office for the remaining days. Pay-per-use membership plans are best suited for people who want to follow this model.
5. Plan Your Day – It is easy to get distracted and lose track of goals while working in a coworking space, especially since the people around you don’t share your same deadlines or targets. To achieve the optimal level of productivity in coworking spaces, you must plan your day, manage your time, track your progress, and above all, keep yourself accountable. While preparing the daily schedule, make sure to include coffee breaks and some time for socializing and networking with other coworking members.
6. Use Noise-Cancelling Headphones
The most talked-about drawback of coworking is that the office is often too loud, thanks to people coming in and going out, having chitchats, and discussing projects. Here’s good news – you can easily fix this problem. Invest in a pair of good-quality noise-cancelingheadphones to block out the distracting noises in and around your workstation. You can even play some favorite tracks if that helps you focus.
7. Leverage Technology – Leveraging technology is another way to enhance your productivity in coworking spaces. There are several productivity apps for organizing and keeping track of your daily tasks, many of which are extremely useful for coworking professionals. By using these multi-purpose planner apps, you can achieve effective time management, create to-do lists, take notes, set reminders, visualize data, and more.
8. Engage In Meaningful Interactions – Though collaboration is the defining feature of coworking, excessive socialization might come in the way of your productivity. Shared offices present you with a plethora of networking opportunities and it is easy to get carried away when you are surrounded by people with diverse talents and skills. However, it is in your best interests to engage in meaningful interactions – ones that are beneficial to you or your team. Of course, you must have a good rapport with other members in the office, but exercise restraint when necessary.
In addition to the above-mentioned tips, there are a few general tips you can try to increase your productivity at work. For instance, take scheduled breaks, keep your desk clean and clutter-free, use the recreational options available in the office, and most importantly, reward yourself for every progress you make.
