The Unwritten Rules: 7 Etiquette Essentials for Coworking Spaces

By now, you probably understand the many benefits of coworking spaces. 

For small teams or businesses, they’re a place where you can collaborate together while tapping into a broader professional community. 

For solopreneurs and remote workers, they offer a change of scenery from your home office which can help you boost productivity and focus while building important connections.

But coworking spaces only work when people follow the unwritten rules—the etiquette of being in a shared workspace.

At The Post, we’re passionate about this topic because we’ve worked hard to create a renowned atmosphere as the premier coworking space in Tucson. And coworking etiquette is part of it. 

So, here are the unwritten rules of coworking spaces and why etiquette shouldn’t be an afterthought for professionals seeking to level up their work.  

Creating the Vibe: Why Etiquette Matters

Everything we do at The Post is rooted in our three pillars:

1. Experience: We fundamentally believe that your professional experience should be positive and uplifting and strive to make sure you love the place you work! 
2. Freedom: Our workspaces are designed so you have the freedom to get your best work done. This is through flexible work options, excellent technology, and a comfortable work atmosphere. 
3. Community: Professional community is important, connection is important. We strive to create opportunities for networking, learning, and collaboration for all members to benefit from. 

These pillars inform so many of our choices from design elements to the background playlist to selecting the right furnishings. 

But ultimately coworking is a community of people, and so we need everyone pulling together to make The Post a place people want to be.

And that’s where etiquette comes in. 

It’s not about do’s and don’ts (well, that’s part of it), but it’s about pulling together to make this space incredible. 

7 Coworking Etiquette Tips

Coworking etiquette is really just about looking out for each other so we all have a great work day. Here are seven house rules to follow to make that a reality: 

1. Care for Shared Amenities

Coworking spaces are, for the most part, shared workspaces. Whether it’s the hot desk coworking area, the kitchen, or the lounge—other people are using the space, too. Even printers, phone booths, and meeting rooms are shared by other people. 

Care for these spaces by: 

• Cleaning up after yourself: No dirty dishes or scraps of paper left out, please!
• Report any issues to staff: If something is broken or in need of repair, alert on-site staff so it can be resolved. 
• Be mindful of time: Stay aware of others who want to use the space and make room for them as well. 

2. Monitor Noise Levels

Most people work best when it’s quiet and calm, with minimal distractions. So, be aware of noise levels and take steps to proactively manage your noise:

• Use headphones: No one wants to hear other people’s music when they’re trying to focus, so use your headphones if you want to listen to something. 
• Don’t talk on the phone: If you need to take a call, use a dedicated phone call area, like a phone booth, or step out into a common area. 
• Socialize in shared spaces: If you want to chat, great! Just be mindful of where you’re having your conversation and keep it away from quiet workspaces. 

3. Use Meeting Rooms Appropriately

Bookable meeting rooms are ideal for hosting a team or client meeting. They’re quiet, comfortable spaces that offer privacy and security. They’re also equipped with A/V technology to host presentations. 

But, they’re meant for everyone in the coworking space to benefit from. Here’s some meeting room etiquette to follow: 

• Honor your booking: Meeting rooms need to be booked and the booking needs to be respected. So, don’t use it without making a reservation, and don’t go outside of the time frame you booked it for. 
• Book the right room: Don’t try to cram too many people into a space, especially if that means “borrowing” chairs or equipment from somewhere else. Instead, book the space you need—you can always chat with on-site staff if you need help organizing this! 
• Leave it tidy: Always remove personal items from the meeting room and give it a quick tidy before leaving. This allows the next group to get to work quickly instead of having to waste time cleaning up after you. 

4. Remember Virtual Meeting Etiquette

Virtual meetings and remote technology have opened up a world of possibilities for professionals. For many, it’s become a regular part of our work lives. Here’s some etiquette to keep in mind when taking virtual meetings in a coworking space: 

• Use mute: When you’re not speaking, use mute to ensure there isn’t background noise on your Zoom call. 
• Find a quiet space: Remove distractions by setting up your meeting in a quiet space. This will set you up for success and ensure you aren’t bothering others around you. 
• Dress appropriately: Even in remote settings, dressing the part is important. The hybrid work wardrobe may look a bit different now, but you still want to make the best impression. 

5. Practice Desk Space Decorum

Whether you’re in a shared work area or have your own dedicated desk or private office, it’s important to keep your workspace clean and tidy. It contributes to an overall comfortable and attractive environment for everyone, which helps professionals do their best work. 

Here are some ideas to try: 

• Keep your space to yourself: In a shared area, don’t spread out too much and encroach on other people’s space. If your work setup (i.e., laptop, monitor, riser) is too large, you may actually want to consider upgrading to a private workspace so you can leave your equipment set up. 
• Remove personal items: Again, in shared areas, make sure you’re cleaning up and removing personal items at the end of the day. This is for both the security of your items and to keep the space clutter-free. 
• Clean: We all want to work in a clean environment, so take a few moments to tidy and clean the area you’re working in.

6. Prioritize Networking and Social Interaction

One key reason professionals choose coworking spaces is for networking and social connections. It’s a major benefit of being in a shared workspace, but also has its own etiquette to follow: 

• Say hi: A quick hello goes a long way to build connections! Be friendly and open to others, but also respect boundaries. If someone’s busy at work with headphones in, give them some space. 
• Get involved: Be an active part of the community by attending community events or networking opportunities hosted at your coworking space. At The Post, we have monthly events for all members to get involved and meet other people. This is a way you can contribute to the positive atmosphere instead of just sitting on the sidelines. 

7. Be Culturally Sensitive

Coworking spaces attract diverse members from different cultures, backgrounds, industries, and experiences. It’s important to understand and respect these differences to create a harmonious environment. Remember these tips: 

• Invite conversation, avoid debate: The Post, for example, is a non-political space where people can get away from some of the chit-chat and noise of the media and get to work in a positive environment. So while we always want to embrace conversation and curiosity, this isn’t a space for intense debates and arguments. 
• Join in: If coworking members are hosting events or activities related to specific cultural practices—like celebrating a holiday or festival—join in! Learn from other members and expand your knowledge by getting involved. 

Coworking space membership supports greater productivity, increased motivation and creativity, and an amazing professional network. But to reap those benefits, everyone needs to work together to build a positive work environment. These seven coworking etiquette tips are how we do it! 

If you’re in search of a positive professional workspace that helps you unlock your full potential, you’ll find it at The Post. Book a tour of The Post today.