Coworking spaces can be the key to maintaining a work-life balance. Whether you own your own business, have employees that require space to work, or work for an employee that uses a coworking space for their staff, navigating the ins and outs of a coworking community can be tricky. Here are some ways for getting the most out of your coworking space.
Attend Events
Mixers, guest speakers, workshops, holiday parties, and other forms of networking events can be held in a coworking space. These gatherings can not only help you get to know your coworkers better, but they can also help you extend and grow your personal horizons. You may not have many opportunities to attend film/video workshops as a CPA, but you might could at a coworking space — and you never know what you might learn.
Connect With Others
Socializing at work has been demonstrated to offer a variety of benefits, and socializing in a coworking space may have even more. When you socialize in a traditional office setting, you’re usually among people who have access to the same information you do about the same type of business. In a coworking space, though, you may find yourself conversing with people who work in completely other fields, which can bring inspiration or a fresh perspective on your own field.
Get to Know the Management
Most coworking spaces have a community manager who keeps an eye on what’s going on in the space. Remember that the coworking community does not just include those who are now residing there; it also includes those who have passed by. Not only can the community manager assist you in making the most of everything the space has to offer, but they can also direct you to outside resources.
Maintain Your Productivity
Connecting with people and attending events are great ways to connect, but everything has its time and place. Maintaining a routine will assist you in remaining productive. Determine the most convenient time of day for you. Go ahead and do it if it’s early in the morning, late in the afternoon, or after the kids have gotten on the bus! Every office job does not require you to work from 9 to 5, and coworking spaces allow you to do so.
When establishing your schedule, aim to begin each day at the same time and take adequate breaks as needed. Making a list of tasks to complete and prioritizing them might also help you be more productive.
Personalize Your Space
Being at ease in your own environment is an important part of being productive. Small additions, such as a picture or a nick-nack, can make a big impact on your permanent workstation. This is fantastic if you have a permanent desk or workplace since you can decorate it with whatever makes you feel comfortable and productive. Be prepared for productivity and keep it fresh even if you don’t have a fixed area and can choose where you want to work. An image in a notebook or a binder that your children can decorate with stickers can add a personal touch to your area.
Be prepared by keeping all of your goods in a portable, organized container. Having all of the tools you need within reach, whether in a briefcase or a backpack, will make a difference in your productivity. Decorate your backpack, laptop case, binders, or notebooks to make these products uniquely yours. Don’t be afraid to have some professional hilarity. Did you know that post-its are available in a rainbow of colors? Add your own distinct flavor to whatever location you enter.
Become Part of the Community
Another significant benefit of coworking spaces is the sense of community they promote, which can contribute to a positive business culture. While you shouldn’t try to pitch your product or service to your coworkers all of the time, that doesn’t mean you can’t provide and request expert advice. Look for opportunities to connect as well as opportunities to sell.
A coworking space, unlike a traditional workplace, provides significantly more flexibility. You don’t have to check in with anyone if you opt to work from home one day. Furthermore, coworking spaces are frequently available 24 hours a day, seven days a week, allowing you to work on your own schedule at whatever time is most convenient for you. There are numerous benefits to working in a coworking environment, but only if you approach it correctly.