Co-working spaces are vibrant, flexible, and collaborative by design. But with great freedom comes great responsibility. Since you’re sharing your workspace with professionals from different industries and backgrounds, co-working etiquette plays a vital role in maintaining a productive and respectful environment.
Whether you’re a first-timer or a long-time member, here’s your essential guide to the do’s and don’ts of co-working spaces.
✅ Do’s: Best Practices in Shared Workspaces
1. Respect Noise Levels
Use headphones for calls, music, or video content. If you’re hosting a meeting or having a long conversation, move to a designated meeting room or breakout area.
🎧 Keep the vibe professional and distraction-free for everyone.
2. Clean Up After Yourself
Whether it’s your desk, the pantry, or a meeting room—leave it cleaner than you found it. A tidy space helps everyone stay focused and feel good.
🧽 Think: shared space, shared responsibility.
3. Be Mindful of Personal Space
Avoid peeking at someone’s screen, borrowing items without asking, or intruding into conversations. A little spatial awareness goes a long way.
🧍♂️🧍♀️ Respect boundaries, even in open layouts.
4. Network with Intention
Co-working spaces are great for networking, but always approach with courtesy. Not everyone is in “chat mode.” Look for cues and engage respectfully.
💬 “Hey, is this a good time to chat?” works better than sudden pitches.
5. Follow Booking Etiquette
Meeting rooms, call booths, or any shared facilities should be booked in advance and vacated on time. Don’t overstay or assume it’s okay to use without checking.
📅 Plan ahead, be prompt, and give others their turn.
❌ Don’ts: Habits to Avoid in Co-Working Spaces
1. Don’t Treat It Like Your Living Room
This isn’t home—don’t take off your shoes, sleep on the sofa, or take long personal calls on speaker. Keep the vibe professional and respectful.
2. Don’t Hog Shared Resources
Be fair with Wi-Fi bandwidth, coffee machines, printers, and meeting rooms. If you’re dominating a shared area, it might be time to switch or take a break.
3. Don’t Bring Strong Smells
Avoid foods with strong odors and overpowering perfumes. Scents can linger and affect the comfort of others in a confined space.
4. Don’t Overshare Personal Info
While it’s great to connect, oversharing personal stories or venting to strangers in a professional space can feel off-putting.
🙅 Professional doesn’t mean robotic—but keep it balanced.
5. Don’t Ignore Community Rules
Each co-working space has its own policies. From dress codes to guest access, make sure you’re aware of the house rules and follow them diligently.
🌟 Bonus: How to Be a Co-Working Star
Offer help when you can. A simple tip or introduction can make someone’s day.
Be inclusive. If you’re in a group, welcome new members into conversations.
Show appreciation to the staff who keep the space running smoothly.
👏 Kindness and professionalism always stand out.
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