Guest blog by Ellie Coverdale. Ellie is a marketing and recruitment writer at Paper Fellows and Pay for an essay writing service. She is involved in technology developments with remote and digital work, and enjoys helping businesses modernize their approaches. She also teaches writing for the service State of Writing.
Coworking spaces have clear benefits for organizations and individual members, but there are also certain downsides, like possible distractions and lack of privacy. With that in mind, there are certain steps you can take to optimize your coworking space to make it work for you.
Objectives of a Coworking Space
The main goals of a coworking space are to increase productivity and creativity. You want to be able to work in an environment that brings out the best in you. The interaction with other members is also a benefit if done right, because you can have stimulating interactions with the community. It’s also important to have flexibility and feel comfortable in the space. So how can you optimize your coworking space? Read on for some suggestions on how to improve your space to meet these objectives.
Optimizing Your Personal Coworking Space
1. Layout Your Space
Depending how much space your have for yourself or your small business, you should try to lay it out in a way where you have separate areas for privacy and quiet to hold important conversations and phone calls. You should also have a good space to meet with your colleagues or other coworking members. Finally, make sure your space is laid out in a way that allows you to be as productive and creative as possible.
2. Invest in CRM software
You want to take as much of your administrative work off your plate as possible so you can focus on growing your business. As per Tania Seale, a project manager at Essay Roo and UK Writings, “by getting a CRM software, you can automate basic tasks like billing, booking rooms, and contract work. You can also keep track and analyze key information like revenue and sales so you can improve your decision making about your business and keep costs low.”
3. Choose a Good Desk and Chair
Depending on the coworking space you’re in, you may not be able to choose the chair and desk, but some places have that flexibility. Make sure the height of the desk is good and the chair should be adjustable and ergonomic. Look into the possibility of getting a standing desk, which will help you stay mobile throughout your day.
4. Avoid Distractions
Coworking spaces can have a lot of distractions and noise because there’s constantly people coming and going and working in open spaces. There are a lot of advantages to coworking spaces and open offices, but they come with downsides. Make sure you have a good system in place to avoid distractions and reduce noise, whether by investing in some noise blocking headphones, putting a sign up by your desk that you’re not to be disturbed, or a similar alternative.
5. Decorate Your Space
You also want to add some nice touches to your space to make it feel like yours. The best way to do this without also cluttering your desk is by having a couple of flowers and plants. Frank Hightower, a business strategist at Boomessays and Academized, shares: “Studies have shown that when we have greenery and things growing around us, we become happier. If you’re distracted and forgetful, get a lower-maintenance plant so you don’t have to worry about watering it often”.
6. Optimize Light
People that work in coworking spaces can often choose between different spaces based on their lighting conditions. So, you have to make sure to provide the right kind of light for your coworkers. Being in direct sunlight isn’t always perfect but being in a bright room is. Good light helps workers be more productive. If your space doesn’t have a lot of natural light, install large backlit images, small spot lamps or special lamps which improve the mood.
7. Have a Whiteboard
If you’re in the same coworking space for a while, ask the manager for a whiteboard or smartboard. This will help you with brainstorming and creativity, so it makes sense for the manager to invest in it. It might help you to put down your thoughts or even keep track of your daily to-do list.
By following these suggestions, it becomes easy to optimize your space and maximize your productivity in a coworking environment, despite all the distractions around you.
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