As a startup or freelancer in Singapore, you might find yourself working in a coworking space. These shared working spaces are becoming more popular for their flexibility, networking opportunities, and sense of community. However, with so many people sharing the same environment, it’s essential to understand and practice good coworking etiquette. If you’re new to shared working spaces or have been using them for a while, this guide will walk you through some simple, yet effective etiquette tips that will help you fit right in.
1. Be Aware of Noise Levels
Noise is one of the most noticeable factors in a shared working environment. Some areas in a shared-working space are meant for quiet, focused work, while others are designed for collaboration and discussions. It’s important to recognize which space you’re in and adjust accordingly. If you’re working in a quiet zone, keep conversations to a minimum and use headphones if you’re listening to music or watching videos.
When it comes to calls, try to step into a private area or use a phone booth if your space has one. If you’re having a group discussion in a collaborative zone, that’s fine, but be mindful of your voice volume. We all appreciate a peaceful workspace, so being considerate of noise is a key part of coworking etiquette.
2. Keep Your Workspace Tidy
Nothing says “respect” like a clean and organized workspace. Since shared-working spaces are shared, it’s important to take care of your area so that it doesn’t spill over into others’ space. Clutter can distract people and create an uncomfortable environment. Keep your desk neat, and make sure to tidy up after yourself. If you’re using the kitchen, meeting rooms, or lounges, don’t forget to clean up and leave the space ready for the next person.
It’s also a good idea to keep your personal items within your workspace and avoid taking up too much room in shared areas. A little tidiness goes a long way in maintaining a comfortable and efficient environment for everyone.
From printers to meeting rooms to kitchen facilities, shared-working spaces offer many shared amenities. But with great resources comes great responsibility. Be mindful of how you use these amenities. For example, after printing, clear your print jobs promptly to avoid blocking the printer for others. If you use the kitchen, clean up after yourself and replace any supplies that are running low. Also, if you’ve booked a meeting room, be sure to stick to your time slot and vacate the room on time so others can use it.
Taking small steps to respect shared resources will help keep the space running smoothly and make it easier for everyone to access the things they need.
4. Respect Personal Space
Even though shared-working spaces foster a sense of community, personal space is still important. Avoid getting too close to someone else’s desk unless you have their permission. If you need to speak with someone, ask if they’re available and approach them politely. Just as you wouldn’t want to be interrupted in the middle of your work, others appreciate the same courtesy.
And, while it’s tempting to spread out when you’re working, be mindful not to occupy more space than necessary—especially in shared areas like lounges, kitchens, or common workspaces.
5. Use Headphones for Calls and Music
We all love a good playlist or podcast, but in a shared working space, it’s important to use headphones when listening to music or watching videos. No one wants to be disrupted by loud music or a conversation they aren’t part of. Similarly, if you need to make a call, step into a phone booth, meeting room, or a quieter area to keep your voice from carrying too far. Not only does this create a more comfortable environment for others, but it also shows respect for your coworkers’ need to concentrate.
6. Be On Time for Meetings and Room Reservations
Timeliness is one of the easiest ways to show respect in a shared-working space. If you’ve booked a meeting room, be punctual, and try to stick to the time you reserved. If you’re late, it might affect others who are waiting to use the space. If your meeting runs longer than expected, kindly check if the next person is okay with a delay.
Being mindful of meeting times and space reservations helps keep the flow of the day organized and ensures everyone has access to the resources they need.
7. Limit Personal Calls and Socializing
It’s natural to want to catch up with friends or family while working in a shared-working space, but be mindful of the environment around you. Keep personal calls brief, and take them in private areas if possible. Long conversations or loud socializing can distract others who are trying to focus.
When it comes to socializing with coworkers or fellow entrepreneurs, it’s great to connect, but try to do so in designated areas like lounges or break rooms. If you’re having a more informal chat, consider whether the area you’re in is appropriate—especially if it’s a quiet zone or an area meant for work.
8. Avoid Overcrowding Common Areas
Common areas like the kitchen, lounges, and meeting rooms are meant for everyone, so be mindful of how much space you’re using. If the kitchen is busy, avoid lingering unnecessarily. Don’t leave your personal items unattended in shared areas, and be considerate of others who may need the space.
In meeting rooms or lounges, be mindful of how much time you spend there, especially if other people are waiting to use the same resources. Simple considerations like these help make sure no one feels excluded or left out.
9. Respect Different Work Styles
In a shared-working space, you’ll likely meet people who work in different ways. Some prefer a calm, quiet environment, while others thrive in social, collaborative settings. Respect these different working styles by choosing your work area accordingly. If you need a quiet place to focus, use a designated quiet zone. If you prefer to collaborate, move to the areas designed for group work.
Being mindful of where you work and how it impacts others can help everyone in the space work more effectively, no matter their style.
10. Maintain Professionalism
While shared-working space have a relaxed, casual atmosphere, maintaining professionalism is still important. Whether you’re interacting with clients, colleagues, or fellow coworking members, always approach them with respect and courtesy. Keep your workspace neat, avoid disruptive behavior, and stay focused on your work.
A professional attitude helps build a positive reputation and contributes to a collaborative, productive environment in the shared-working space.
Conclusion
Shared-working spaces in Singapore offer an amazing opportunity to work in a flexible, community-driven environment, but with that comes the responsibility to be respectful of others. By following these simple etiquette guidelines—such as respecting noise levels, keeping your workspace tidy, and using shared amenities thoughtfully—you contribute to a positive and productive environment for everyone.
