Whether you’re a freelancer, small business owner, or corporate professional, chances are you’ve considered coworking at some point. And why not?

The benefits of coworking are well-documented—it can help you save money, meet new people, and boost your productivity. But as with anything, there are some ground rules you should follow to make sure everyone has a positive experience. Keep reading for our top tips on coworking space etiquette!

1. Make sure your devices are on silent mode.

This one should be a no-brainer, but it’s worth repeating: make sure your phone is on silent mode and put away any other electronics that could potentially make noise (this includes things like printers and scanners). No one wants to hear your phone buzzing every five minutes or your printer loudly churning out page after page. Not only is it disruptive, it’s also just plain rude.

2. Keep the volume down.

Even if your phone is in silent mode, that doesn’t mean you can have loud conversations on it or blast music through your headphones. Be mindful of the volume of your voice and make sure you’re not being disruptive to those around you. If you need to take or make a phone call, step out into the hall or lobby so you don’t disturb others.

3. Don’t hog resources.

Coworking spaces typically have limited resources like printers, scanners, and copying machines. If you need to use one of these devices, take turns and be respectful of those who are waiting their turn. The same goes for shared food and drink—if you want to keep the mini-fridge stocked with your favorite snacks or drinks, be prepared to replenish it when others have taken some too. It’s only fair!

4. Clean up after yourself.

Just like at home or in an office, clean up any messes you make while coworking. This includes things like washing coffee mugs or dishes in the sink and wiping down surfaces after using them. No one wants to use a dirty coffee mug or sit at a sticky table, so do your part to keep the space clean for everyone’s enjoyment.

5. Be considerate of others’ time and space.

This one might seem obvious, but it bears repeating: respect other people’s time and space while coworking. This means things like not interrupting others while they’re working and not sitting too close to someone else’s desk (unless they invite you to). In general, just use common courtesy and be respectful of those around you—you would want them to do the same for you!

Benefits of coworking can be a great way to boost your productivity, meet new people, and save money—but only if everyone abides by some basic etiquette rules. Make sure your devices are on silent mode so you don’t disrupt others with unnecessary noise; keep the volume down when speaking on the phone or listening to music; don’t hog resources like printers and scanners; clean up after yourself; and be considerate of others’ time and space . Following these simple guidelines will help ensure that everyone has a positive coworking experience!

Colab Space, together we are stronger!