Communication is a challenge of any work environment. In a coworking space, it is even more troublesome to establish professional communication standards with all of the workers. Effective communication in a coworking space requires a great deal of understanding, consideration and flexibility. And since this is not a sport where everyone plays for the same team, differences are bound to become an issue sooner or later.

‘’When I decided that working from home is too lonely for me, I decided to try working in a coworking space. I didn’t like the traditional office work – freelancing is the best for me. However, it took me a while to establish my own standards for professional communication. A bit of advice: work to achieve this because when you do, coworking can give birth to many work opportunities you couldn’t get on your own.’’ – says Derek Smith, content writer for EssayWritingLand.

Working and Communication in a Coworking Space

Once you learn how to behave in a coworking space, you can benefit from your connections and enjoy your time there. Nowadays, coworking spaces are very popular, and there is no reason why you shouldn’t have a fun and creative relationship with other freelancers. After all, you’re  all in it for the same reasons and have plenty in common, including earning an income and building a successful freelancing career.

When you work from the comfort of your own home, you can sit in your PJs and do whatever you want. A coworking space is different, but it definitely comes with many benefits, too.

Here is how you can make sure that you are part of a harmonious coworking space:

 

• Practice Common Courtesy

 

Even though it’ll be much different than a traditional office space, coworking spaces will still have some rules in place. Make sure to follow them to avoid misunderstandings and problems with others who work there. If you want them to be understanding of your working timeline, you should have common courtesy and do the same.

 

• Respect Other People’s Space

Everything is shared in a coworking space, but this does not make everything yours.

If you found a decent coworking space, you probably have several options for work. Whether it is a coffee table or an office desk, or even a shared desk where you can put all your stuff, it is essential to respect other people’s space. Don’t just toss your things around – keep them near and don’t let your mess annoy or prevent others from working. The task isn’t to take up as much physical space as possible; it is to take only as much as you need and expect others to do the same.

 

• Be Quiet

If people raise their heads and “shush” you often, you are definitely not communicating in the right way. People come to these spaces to work and therefore expect the coworking space to be distraction-free.

This means no yelling across the room, talking loudly with your new freelance friends or talking on the phone in a shared space. Be considerate. Others may be working on important projects and would appreciate if you don’t disturb them with your phone conversations, music or loud ringtones.

 

• Don’t Eat Other People’s Food

If you forgot to grab something to eat or take your lunch to the ‘workplace’ today, this doesn’t give you any right to help yourself to other people’s food. People bring food to a coworking space, but in most cases, they bring this food only for themselves.

Unless it’s stated otherwise in the coworking space’s rules, don’t take other people’s food even if they’ve left it in a common space. If your coworking space encourages this type of sharing, make sure to bring food for others, too!

 

• Don’t Push Your Services Onto Other Freelancers

One of the many benefits of coworking spaces is the opportunities for work and building new networks. The shared space will allow you to meet many freelancers, which should open new business opportunities and projects for you in no time.

However, if you have a product or service you want to share with others, don’t push it. You don’t want to become the ‘hard sell guy’ and annoy others in a coworking space.

 

• Make Small Gestures

In addition to networking, coworking spaces also offer an opportunity to share expenses, which makes it essential for you to maintain a good relationship with others. You can share expenses for internet, meeting rooms, equipment and printing facilities, as well as other resources.

But, to be respected by your peers in the coworking space, you shouldn’t make calculations out of everything. Small gestures won’t cost you a thing, but they can make all the difference between a non-cooperative and a friendly coworking space.

Share your resources and tools with others, bring some cookies to work, fill the paper in the printer when it is empty, etc. These gestures are a great way to help build a harmonious workspace.

 

• Wait to Approach

You might need some information or assistance from another member in the workspace, but this does not give you the right to disturb him/her. Check if the person who you want to approach has a sign that reads, “Do not disturb” or “Open for business.” This will tell you whether or not they are concentrated on a task or seem nervous about a deadline.

If the person looks busy, wait until they finish before you approach them. Sometimes the worst thing you can do to a focused worker is to disturb them in the middle of their work.

When you do find the time to approach them and ask for help, make sure to offer your help, too. In a coworking space, asking for help will only work if you are also willing to help others.

 

• Learn to Compromise

Freelancers know this better than anyone else – you need to compromise to survive in the business. You are your own boss and with it, you have the job to find a solution for the problems that will inevitably occur along the way.

In a coworking space, make compromises as you do with your clients online or on the phone. You are part of a community, and more often than not, you need to learn to find a solution to stay there.

Even if you manage to find the best coworking space for your business, you need to adjust to this kind of work if you want to avoid problems. In these spaces, people work independently and don’t report to one person. Therefore, it is essential to have some understanding of others’ needs and goals.