Coworking Space Etiquette: 8 Tips for Success

Sep 01, 2023

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For some, working in a coworking space is all about getting as much done as possible in as little time as possible. For others, it's about fostering a sense of community and connecting with the people around you. Either way, it's going to be important for you to follow the etiquette of the space.

The Value of Coworking Space Etiquette

Lucas Seyhun, creator of coworking space TheFarmSoHo, says, “We strive to create a working environment that works for everyone. We have some rules in place to maintain professionalism, and we do everything we can to maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming environment – but it’s still up to our members to make this environment live up to its full potential.”

Adhering to better etiquette in a coworking space is valuable to you and the people around you. With better etiquette, you'll command more respect, forge better connections, make better first impressions, and help to create a workspace that legitimately encourages everyone to reach peak productivity.

Coworking Space Etiquette Tips

So what are the most important pieces of etiquette to follow when working in a coworking space?

1. Understand the rules and expectations for this space. First, make sure you understand the rules and expectations for this particular coworking space. Different coworking spaces may have different rules or guidelines in place, with some spaces being stricter and some spaces more relaxed. If you have any questions about the rules, ask your contact at the coworking space. Otherwise, make sure you follow these rules to the letter.
2. Dress appropriately. Some coworking spaces have a specific dress code, while others don’t. Even if your coworking space doesn't have a dress code, it's a good idea to dress appropriately for a professional environment. That means business casual as a minimum – and potentially even more formal attire, especially if you want to make a great first impression with potential partners and clients. If you're in doubt about dress code expectations, ask your contact, or spend some time observing others and mirror what you see.
3. Minimize noise. People expect some background noise in a coworking space, but they also expect noise controls that allow them to continue focusing on their most important work. In work areas, keep the noise to a minimum; use headphones instead of your speakers, avoid excessively talking to yourself or humming, and keep your meetings limited to meeting areas. In general, the less noise you make, the better.
4. Respect physical boundaries. Coworking spaces are usually set up with physical boundaries. There may be certain meeting rooms that must be reserved to be used, and you may have access to a desk of your own. Always respect these physical boundaries; don't allow your personal items to spill out onto someone else's space, and don't misuse any spaces for purposes that aren't appropriate for them.
5. Respect personal boundaries. Similarly, it's important to respect personal boundaries. Most people who voluntarily work at a coworking space not only expect, but actively desire conversations with other people. But this isn't the case for everyone – and even the most social people need isolated time to focus occasionally. If you see someone with headphones and intently looking down at a laptop, don't interrupt them to make small talk. Head to a shared space, like a kitchen or a break room, if you want to converse with others.
6. Don’t overuse shared resources. Coworking spaces typically have shared resources and shared spaces that everyone can use equally. If you make use of these shared resources, do so conservatively and responsibly. As a simple example, if there's a fresh pot of coffee that's been brewed, don't hoard all the coffee for yourself. If a shared meeting room is constantly open, don't commandeer it as your own personal workspace.
7. Address conflicts professionally. Conflicts will naturally arise in any shared workspace – and that’s okay. What's important is that you make an effort to address these conflicts as professionally as possible. Obviously, your biggest goal should be avoiding conflict with proactive expectation management and politeness. But if a conflict becomes inevitable, you should work together to find a mutually agreeable solution.
8. Clean up. Finally, make sure you clean up after yourself. There's nothing wrong with enjoying a snack or beverage at your workspace, but it's poor form to leave crumbs, stains, or trash behind. Even if this coworking space has a cleaning service, you should still clean up after yourself.

As long as you remain polite, respectful, and professional in all your interactions, you shouldn't have to worry about any etiquette violations. Coworking spaces aren't much different than traditional workspaces, so if you already have experience maintaining good etiquette in a conventional office, you'll fit right in.

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