{"id":969,"date":"2016-07-14T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2016-07-14T04:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/the-dos-and-donts-of-coworking-etiquette\/"},"modified":"2026-02-16T05:35:35","modified_gmt":"2026-02-16T10:35:35","slug":"the-dos-and-donts-of-coworking-etiquette","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.sage.com\/en-us\/blog\/the-dos-and-donts-of-coworking-etiquette\/","title":{"rendered":"The Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts of Coworking Etiquette"},"content":{"rendered":"
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\tGrowth & Customers<\/a>\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t
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\n\t\t\t\t\t\tThe Do\u2019s and Don\u2019ts of Coworking Etiquette\t\t\t\t\t<\/h1>\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t\t

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\n\t\t\t\n\t\t\t\t\"beth-fuller\"\t\t\t\tBeth Fuller<\/span>\n\t\t\t<\/a>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

By 2020, 40% of the workforce<\/a> will be freelancers, temps, independent contractors and solopreneurs. This changes the way we work calls for innovative office space solutions. After all, it can get lonely working at home, all alone every single day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you haven\u2019t heard of coworking, here\u2019s the scoop: Coworking is a shared office environment concept where people come together and get things done.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Like most things in life, there is a code of conduct you\u2019ll be expected to follow in these spaces. And there are some unwritten rules to keep in mind. If you\u2019re one of the early adopters, you may already have some of these do\u2019s and don\u2019ts under your belt. But if you\u2019re thinking of transitioning into a coworking space, don\u2019t jump in blindly. Here are three do\u2019s and three don\u2019ts to keep in mind as you share work space with others:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do be mindful of your surroundings.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Umm\u2026duh. Seems obvious, but seriously, don\u2019t be the person who yells into your phone, smacks gum nonstop or creates a huge ruckus every time you walk through the door. This is a SHARED space, so be respectful of the people around you. Your hosts will typically designate certain spaces for phone calls, so use them. Don\u2019t disturb the peace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be too dependent.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Coworking offers an awesome blend of independence and collaboration, but don\u2019t be tempted to go overboard in relying on others. For example, don\u2019t go asking around for the Wi-Fi password when it is clearly displayed around the space. Don\u2019t assume that the people around you prefer to collaborate as often as you do. And don\u2019t constantly ask others for office supplies. In short, be self-sufficient and don\u2019t be a mooch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do take advantage of events.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the great advantages of coworking is the fact that there are such a wide variety of professionals at your fingertips. Take advantage of this and LEARN from the people around you. Be interested and supportive of other\u2019s work. Most likely, your hosts will organize monthly events to bring everyone together outside of work hours. Attend and soak up new knowledge.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t mess with the kitchen.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

If you currently work in a coworking space, you know that the kitchen is sacred. Mess with that as a newbie and you\u2019ll find yourself on the bottom of the coworker hierarchy. Learn the rules of the shared spaces right away and clean up after yourself. Nobody has time to be cleaning up, coping with or smelling your mess.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Do be mindful of time restrictions.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Whereas your last boss may have been eager to have you stay past work hours, the same will not be true of your coworking hosts. The people that run these spaces aren\u2019t earning more money based on the time you spend working, so don\u2019t take advantage of their time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Don\u2019t be a hog.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

One of the perks of coworking is the ability to book a conference space if you need to hold in-person meetings. These rooms tend to be in high demand and are booked well in advance. Don\u2019t be the person who books a room \u201cjust in case\u201d something comes up. If you book the room, use it and get out before your time slot is up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Just like we had to learn to behave on the playground as kids, we have to learn how to behave in coworking spaces. Follow these unwritten (common sense) rules to get the most out of your coworking experience.<\/p>\n\n\n

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Browse more topics from this article<\/h3>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
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