Expert Advice: Enhancing Your Coworking Experience - Top Tips for Beginners | Coworking 101

So you’re embracing hybrid working. You’re enjoying the flexibility of working between the home and the office. But you want to try something new - a more inspiring space than the four walls of home, a means to mix things up mid-week and boost your productivity, or a place to meet and work around a diverse mix of people in a beautiful location. In short: you want to try coworking!

But how does it all work? How do you find a space, what do you look for, and how does it work practically when you’re there? Don’t worry as the experts are here to help. With a combined 20+ years of coworking experience under our belts, and over 150 spaces visited between us, we’re here to share the top tips for finding your flow and feeling comfortable, productive and excited to spend some of your work days coworking.

Step 1: *Finding your ideal coworking space in a great location*

We have written a guide “Key considerations for choosing the right coworking space“ that goes into much more detail, but here are some of the basics.

The easiest starting point is the starting point of all things: Google. You’ll instantly see how many spaces are close-by, and whether you’ve got a range to choose from or just one or two. When deciding on which space could be good for you, consider: what the space looks like from their photos; whether their website mentions anything about day-passes or drop-in hot desking; and if you think the vibe you get from their social media will fit what you’re after. Urban coworking spaces often reflect the city's ambiance and culture, providing a unique and inspiring environment.

If you want a more streamlined, hassle-free search option instead, where the quality filtering work is already done for you, you can use a platform like One Coworking, either by app or online. We’ve already found the best spaces with great work environments, and you can even refine your search within the app by the amenities offered in a space and the general vibe. For instance, coworking spaces in Frankfurt are often highlighted for their great location, ideal for creativity and networking.

Once you’ve found your space, it’s good to get in touch in advance to let them know you would like to visit. You can do this by emailing them, or directly via the One Coworking app using the desk reservation feature. This gives you comfort knowing that they will be expecting your arrival, and gives the space the chance to send any info you might need about your visit. Evaluating the location of each coworking space is crucial, as it can significantly impact your overall experience.

betahaus | Kreuzberg - Berlin, Germany

One Coworking offers a variety of coworking spaces across different locations, allowing you to choose from vibrant and strategically chosen areas in various cities. This flexibility ensures you can find a workspace that meets your needs, no matter where you are.

Step 2: What to expect on arrival

Step one might still be finding the space - some are very clear buildings or shopfronts, but sometimes coworking spaces do a good job of being tucked away. Look out for any specific instructions from the space either in their booking email, on their website or on the listing in One Coworking. If all else fails, do some Google detective work based on photos of the space. Or just give them a call if you’re a bit lost!

When you arrive there will likely be a host on the front desk to let you in, register you and welcome you to the office space. It’s their job to make you feel comfortable and well-provided for whilst there, so don’t be afraid to let them know it’s your first time - both at their space and coworking generally! They will get you checked-in, give you a tour, let you know how you can you use the space and which areas or zones are best for which specific type of work. Plus they’ll give the all-important wifi details and how to get coffee.

Don’t be afraid to ask the host any questions throughout the day, no matter how small or silly they seem. They are there to help and they will want to ensure you’re getting the most out of their space. From where the toilets are, to how to get the coffee machine working, to local lunch spot recommendations - ask away!

So you’ve found the perfect space and you’re about to make your first visit. To help you prepare for this exciting day, you might want to check out our blog post titled 10 items to bring to a coworking space.

Step 3: *Dos and don'ts in the community space*

Now that you’re settled into the space, you might need some basic dos and don’ts from working in a shared workspace:

Dos:

• Do schedule appointments or consultations with flexibility in mind. Many coworking spaces allow you to arrange meetings even on short notice, making it easier to manage your time effectively.
• Do respect the shared environment by keeping noise levels down and cleaning up after yourself.
• Do network with other members to build professional relationships and collaborate on projects.

Dos

1. DO say hi or introduce yourself to the people working around you 👋
2. DO make use of different areas in the space throughout the day 🏃‍♀️
3. DO check with the host where you can make phone calls 📞
4. DO have a look around at all the space on offer, find your most comfortable spot, take photos for your Instagram (make sure you tag the space!) and enjoy being in a beautiful inspiring space for the day. 🤳
5. DO consider visiting coworking spaces in vibrant cities like San Diego to experience a unique atmosphere.

Don’ts

When it comes to coworking spaces, there are several things to avoid in order to make the most of your experience. Here are some common mistakes to watch out for:

• Don’t be a distraction: Be mindful of your noise level and avoid disrupting others who are trying to work. Remember, everyone is there to be productive, so keep conversations and phone calls at a reasonable volume.
• Don’t be a space hog: Be considerate of shared spaces and avoid taking up too much room or leaving your belongings scattered around. A tidy workspace is a happy workspace, and it ensures everyone has enough room to work comfortably.
• Don’t neglect to communicate: Make an effort to get to know your fellow coworkers and communicate with them about any issues or concerns you may have. Open communication fosters a positive atmosphere and helps build a supportive community.
• Don’t disregard the rules: Familiarize yourself with the coworking space’s rules and regulations and respect them. These guidelines are in place to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience for everyone.
• Don’t miss out on opportunities: Take advantage of networking events, workshops, and other opportunities to connect with others and grow your business. Coworking spaces often host events that can be incredibly beneficial for your professional development and personal growth.

Step 4: Maximizing Productivity in a Coworking Space

To get the most out of your coworking experience, it’s essential to maximize your productivity. Here are some tips to help you do so:

• Create a schedule: Plan out your day and set specific goals for what you want to accomplish. Having a clear plan can help you stay focused and make the most of your time in the coworking space.
• Minimize distractions: Find a quiet spot or use noise-cancelling headphones to help you focus. Many coworking spaces offer designated quiet areas, so take advantage of these if you need to concentrate.
• Take breaks: Take short breaks throughout the day to recharge and avoid burnout. A quick walk or a coffee break can do wonders for your productivity and mental health.
• Stay organized: Keep your workspace tidy and organized to help you stay focused. A clutter-free desk can lead to a clutter-free mind, making it easier to concentrate on your tasks.
• Utilize resources: Take advantage of the coworking space’s resources, such as meeting rooms, printers, and high-speed internet. These amenities are there to support your work, so make sure you use them to their full potential.

Step 5: Building a Community in a Coworking Space

One of the biggest benefits of coworking is the opportunity to connect with others and build a community. Here are some ways to do so:

• Attend events: Participate in networking events, workshops, and other activities hosted by the coworking space. These events are great opportunities to meet new people and expand your professional network.
• Join groups: Look for groups or clubs within the coworking space that align with your interests. Whether it’s a book club, a coding group, or a fitness class, joining these groups can help you connect with like-minded individuals.
• Volunteer: Offer to help with events or projects within the coworking space to get to know others. Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and build strong relationships.
• Be approachable: Make an effort to introduce yourself to others and be open to starting conversations. A friendly smile and a simple “hello” can go a long way in building connections.
• Collaborate: Look for opportunities to collaborate with others on projects or share knowledge and expertise. Collaboration can lead to new ideas, partnerships, and even friendships.

By following these steps, you can make the most of your coworking experience and achieve your goals in a productive and supportive environment.

Dont's

1. DON'T talk loudly or for hours on the phone in the open space - even if it's allowed, you still need to keep it to a conversational level 📢
2. DON'T leave your dirty dishes at your desk or on the sink 🍴
3. DON'T spread yourself out across two or three desks 🎒

Whilst you might not find your perfect coworking space first go, these tips should hopefully help you feel more comfortable breaking the ice when visiting a new space for the first time. There are lots of different work spaces with different features, design, feel, people and vibe, so you might need to try out a few spots before finding what fits you best.

Ultimately a coworking space should help you find some focus and productivity; improve your mental health and wellbeing; give you the chance to meet some new people and connect with a community; and get you out of the house into a workspace which excites and resonates with you. To understand more about how coworking can benefit you and your employer, read of our article on this topic here.