Shared Space Etiquette: The Hub at Work Better
Coworking spaces are unlike conventional office space (obviously). While many of the same rules apply, there are a few tips that once mastered will make you the optimal shared space neighbor. You will be more likable to your fellow coworkers, and who knows, that likability could even score you a business deal down the road.
None of this is rocket science: it’s just your friendly public service announcement.
- When taking phone calls that may be long, heated, controversial, sensitive in nature, or too personal, take it to the designated call area. At Work Better’s Hub, there are multiple phone booths just a few steps away from the common area. This can ensure your privacy so that your space neighbors don’t have to hear your company's life story.
- Don’t be messy. Keep the area around you clean. Basically… don’t wait til 5pm to throw out that apple core from 9am.
- Don’t heat up any nostril-offensive foods in the microwave. Since the kitchen area is connected to the coworking space, it would not be advised to microwave your fried fish leftovers from last night. This practice is not forbidden - just frowned upon. Oh and your shared space neighbors will frown at you too if you do something like that.
- Stay calm… We are leaders in our technology, so our internet will not go down on you 99.999% of the time. While our printer may have an “off day” once a year, we have a well-trained staff and tech team to handle any and all tech issues immediately so that you never miss a beat. However, in the rare event there is a problem, we will fix it fast. Just please - no yelling, and try to keep it cool.
- Be friendly. This doesn’t mean you have to talk to all your shared space neighbors. In fact, many of them have so much work to do they may not be able to have a chat. But just having an overall friendly demeanor or saying hello when grabbing coffee goes a long way. Plus, New Yorkers are way more friendly than we get credit for.
- Don’t look at coworking as networking. This is a space where you work together but alone. Amazing connections have been made between members organically, but you definitely cannot email blast everyone in the space or you will be “that guy/girl.”
- Basically, to sum it all up, just be the type of shared space neighbor that you would want to have. It’s like the golden rule of coworking.
The Hub at Work Better Park Ave location is a pretty amazing space. We have brilliant minds there and a great ambiance to work out of. Touring it is free. Plus you already have the “rules” now. What’s stopping you from checking it out? Contact us for a space tour.
Not ready to cowork or have a private office yet? Check out this article from our blog: What's the deal with a "Virtual Office?"
