Coworking spaces work because of unwritten rules. Break them and you become the person everyone avoids. Here are the 12 rules that keep shared spaces functional.
1. Headphones On = Do Not Disturb
If someone has headphones on, do not tap them on the shoulder. Send a message instead.
2. Take Calls Outside or in a Pod
Your voice carries. Book a meeting pod or step into the hallway.
3. Clean Up After Yourself
Kitchen, desk, meeting room — leave it better than you found it.
4. Do Not Eat Pungent Food at Your Desk
Use the kitchen. No one wants to smell your fish curry at 1pm.
5. Keep Your Desk Tidy
Hot deskers: clear your desk when you leave. Dedicated deskers: keep it reasonable.
6. Ask Before Taking the Last of Anything
Milk, coffee, sugar — report it empty, do not just leave it.
7. Respect Quiet Zones
If the space has designated quiet areas, enforce them by example.
8. Do Not Monopolise Meeting Rooms
Book for the time you need. Leave on time.
9. Introduce Yourself to New Members
A quick hello makes the space friendlier for everyone.
10. Do Not Play Music Without Headphones
Ever.
11. Report Problems
Broken printer, no hot water, WiFi down — tell reception, do not just complain.
12. Be Present
Coworking is a community. Nod, smile, say good morning. It costs nothing.
For more on making coworking work for you, see how to be productive in a coworking space.