As more people turn to freelance work for the flexibility it offers, co-working spaces have become more popular. They have fast internet, spacious meeting rooms, and other young professionals to network with. However, if you’re using a shared working space, you should be mindful of the proper etiquette.

Do:

Keep the space neat.

While a messy desk might be fine at home, sprawling out in a co-working space could make the experience unpleasant for others. Keep your area clean and discard your trash immediately. When you’re done working for the day, make sure you’ve cleaned up your workspace. Finally, deal with dishes right away instead of letting them soak in the shared sink where you might forget them.

Stay open to opportunities.

One of the benefits of a co-working space is you can meet other professionals in a wide range of fields. Over time, you may encounter new opportunities and ideas through exposure to other entrepreneurs and freelancers. Whether it’s the chance to work on a new project or to start a collective, being open to the opportunities that come your way will help you get the most out of your co-working space.

Don’t:

Be too loud.

Many people prefer to work in quiet surroundings, so try to keep conversations with other workers low. If you’re listening to music, use headphones set to a moderate volume, so the noise doesn’t bleed and bother your deskmates. Phone calls should also be made from hallways or designated phone booths. If you enjoy chatting, recognize that not everyone does, and avoid small talk with people who want to focus on their work.

Isolate yourself.

If you spend all day working in solitude and eating your lunch alone, you could be missing out on networking. Not only will meeting other people make you feel more comfortable in the co-working space, but you may also get your next big lead through the connections you make. If you’re new to the space, start getting to know others by attending happy hours or asking around for tips on lunch spots.

If you’re looking for a co-working space with ample room, free parking, and well-equipped meeting rooms, visit Evolve Workplace in West St. Paul, MN. With an open kitchen, 24/7 access, and private meeting rooms and conference spaces that can hold up to 300 people, they can help you take your career to the next level. To learn more, visit them online or call (651) 888-9112 to set up a tour.