Shared office spaces are flexible alternatives to traditional office setups, catering to modern professionals seeking collaborative work environments. These spaces also enhance communication and offer networking opportunities for all types of individuals.
And understanding and adhering to proper workplace etiquette helps maintain a more professional and enjoyable experience in these shared workplaces. Read on for the best practices for office decorum when coworking in the Philippines.
The Importance of Maintaining a Professional Environment
Maintaining a professional work environment is like creating a conducive coworking community in shared workplaces. It allows individuals from different backgrounds and industries to work in a harmonious and productive environment without the fear of judgment, distraction, and disturbances.
This type of work environment also sets the tone for productivity, efficiency, and positive well-being of the people in it. It becomes an effective space for collaboration and innovation, especially for freelancers and startups.
It also fosters good communication between peers and minimizes the risk of miscommunications and conflicts. Everyone is respectful and mindful of their actions and other people’s needs. And to maintain this work environment, it is important to understand how to conduct ourselves properly when in shared workspaces.
Basic Office Etiquette Tips
Whether you’re working in a private office or shared office space, you need to be mindful of how you present yourself and work with others. And to maintain a harmonious and productive atmosphere when coworking in the Philippines, consider these shared workspace etiquette tips.
Respecting personal space and boundaries
Whether there is some physical separation or none in a shared workspace, it is essential to know how to respect one another’s personal spaces. This is the first shared office etiquette to remember. And this means being mindful of other people’s boundaries by:
- Refraining from glancing at other people’s screens or documents.
- Asking before approaching someone’s desk or space.
- Asking before borrowing or touching other people’s belongings.
- Avoiding prolonged interruptions or talking when someone’s working.
It is also worth noting that strong scents from foods and perfumes can be distracting in a shared workspace. So, it also pays to be mindful of personal habits when coworking.
Being mindful of noise levels and disruptions
Another workplace etiquette to take note of is being mindful of noise levels. It is easy to forget about this, especially when we’re in the middle of a meeting or collaborating with others in these spaces. However, knowing how to control our volumes is necessary to avoid disruptions and be respectful in shared workspaces. Here are some ways to achieve this:
- Using headphones.
- Speaking at low volume.
- Utilizing meeting rooms if needing to take longer calls for privacy and less disruption.
- Avoiding loud conversations, even in communal areas.
Finally, if someone is persistently being loud or noisy, communicate your concerns with respect. It may be possible they’re not aware that they’re being disruptive.
Sharing resources and communal spaces
Some coworking spaces have a shared pantry or equipment. When using these spaces, you also need to note coworking space etiquette. Do this by:
- Avoid monopolizing equipment.
- Clean up after every use.
- Refill supplies if you notice them running low.
- Respect other people’s belongings.
- Be courteous when communicating.
These spaces aim to make the workday more comfortable and efficient. So, it is also important to be mindful of our actions to make these communal places more pleasant for everybody.
Creating a positive and inclusive atmosphere
Shared office spaces cater to different types of people. So, another workplace etiquette to remember is being respectful of everybody. Avoid discriminatory comments and negative talk. It is easier to enjoy work if there is a positive and inclusive atmosphere in the shared office space. Here are more strategies to try:
- Be friendly.
- Engage in occasional casual and small talk.
- Offer assistance if needed.
- Be mindful of words and actions.
- Be open to feedback and constructive criticism.
- Respect personal spaces and boundaries.
It is also worth noting that shared spaces are meant to be a collaborative environment for everybody. It is easier to network and forge connections if we’re respectful to other people too.
For more tips on how to work harmoniously in a shared office space, read How to Socialize in Coworking Spaces.
Benefits Of Practicing Good Coworking Etiquette
Generally, it is easier to get through a workday if we’re working in a positive and professional environment. That is why knowing and practicing the workplace etiquette tips above is important. And besides the ease of working, here are the other benefits of being a professional worker in shared workspaces.
- Minimizes workspace conflicts.
- Improves productivity and focus.
- Increases networking and collaborative opportunities.
- Forges a sense of community.
- Creates a conducive space for personal growth and learning.
Learning how to be polite in a shared workspace also boosts personal reputation. It makes it more likely for others to refer you or your business to others.
M Spaces: A Professional Space for Coworking in the Philippines
Finding a professional coworking space makes it easier to work efficiently and diligently. And M Spaces offers just the right shared workspace for your needs.
M Spaces has short-term leasing arrangements for three different private office space sizes:
- Micro (4-5 seats)
- Medium (6–7 seats)
- Mega (8–12 seats)
We also offer meeting room rentals, complete with the necessary audiovisual equipment. These are also perfect when you need a quiet and professional environment to meet your clients. You may check these spaces on Facebook and Instagram.
You may also check out our rates and services or contact us or email info@mspacesph.com.
