The changing Australian economy is opening up new tools and techniques for flexible and freelance workers across the country. With more of the GDP of the country based in this type of work than ever before, entrepreneurs and startups are increasingly shifting their focus from traditional office structures to alternative working environments. However, as interest in these options increases, workers need to know how to conduct themselves appropriately.
If you are considering Melbourne coworking, taking the time to learn some basic coworking etiquette will allow you to befriend your colleagues and make the most of your time in the space. While many of the basic rules of comportment are the same as in a traditional office environment, the nature of shared working space has some idiosyncrasies you need to keep in mind.
To this end, let’s look at some of the specific dos and don’ts of coworking spaces.
Leave No Trace
One of the most important things to be mindful of when working in a shared office environment is always to clean up after yourself. This is especially true when using a form of coworking known as hot desking where desks are frequently shifted around between people each day on a first-come, first-served basis.
However, this also applies to areas that office workers are more familiar with. In the lounge and kitchen areas, make sure not to leave messes or dirty dishes for others to have to clean. In printing and copying areas, make sure to take your garbage and recycle unneeded papers.
Leaving no trace can also be thought to include the avoidance of any strong scents in a coworking space. Make sure to practice good personal hygiene in order to avoid unpleasant odours, but also remember that excessive perfume or cologne can be equally disagreeable.
Keeping your colleagues in mind and not alienating them by making messes everywhere you go can make their and your lives easier.
Be A Conscientious Worker
While coworking is a great opportunity for networking and socialising with interesting people, resist the temptation to interrupt people from their busy workday. Save your extended questions and comments for coffee breaks and lunch hours where people will be more receptive to discussion.
When you must talk, keep your volume level to a minimum. Remember that people are in a coworking space to maximise their productivity. Do not be distracting and try to avoid making too much noise unless the culture of your coworking space is uniquely lively.
Remember to bring what you need in order to complete your tasks each day. Being that person who is always asking to borrow things can quickly earn you a negative reputation in your coworking space.
Finally, do your best to respect the boundaries of others in your coworking space. As a member of a premium coworking space, you will be allotted a desk and the option to use the lounge and communal areas at your discretion. Avoid moving into others’ space without their permission and limit the amount of time that you spend using shared resources. Using the printing machine for half of a day while your colleagues are forming a line behind you is a terrible way to make a good first impression.
Show Respect And Use Common Sense
Essentially, there is no real secret to being a polite and considerate member of a coworking space. All it takes is a little common sense and a reminder to treat your colleagues with respect. Keeping the points raised above in mind before sitting down for your first time in a shared office space will allow you to make the transition into your new environment much smoother.
