Coworking spaces are a great fit for professionals. To begin with, they’re cost-effective; you don’t have to bear the expenses of infrastructure, maintenance, or utilities (like electricity and internet) typically associated with a permanent office. Second, you get to work alongside people from different industries, which can lead to fresh ideas, new clients, and even potential collaborations.
While the environment brims with energy, it can also be full of distractions.
If you’ve ever worked in or are currently working in a shared office space, you’ve probably dealt with constant interruptions. This can include the sound of chairs scraping across the floor, printers malfunctioning, people chatting, or someone walking by every few minutes for a quick break. All of which can hamper your focus and ultimately affect your productivity.
But the good news is that you can stay focused and organised with a few tweaks in the way you work. Here are a few ways to set up an efficient shared office routine to be productive.
1. Set Consistent Arrival and Departure Times
First and foremost, set a specific time by which you should arrive at the office. For example, aim to get there by 10 AM so you can finish by 6 or 7 PM. To make this more manageable, choose a coworking space that’s easily accessible via public transport or located near a tube station.
This choice can also help you save time, as long commutes often lead to wasted hours. In fact, as per a recent survey, nearly 34 percent of people lose four to eight hours each week just from traveling.
2. Establish Goals Using the Eisenhower Matrix
Another effective shared office routine tip is to set clear goals for the day. If you struggle with prioritising tasks, use the Eisenhower Matrix. To put this method into practice, start by listing everything you need to do.
Then, organise these tasks based on their urgency and importance, giving priority to those with closer deadlines. This system helps you stay on track, work more efficiently, and meet your daily goals faster.
3. Set Up Dedicated Work Zones
One of the perks of working out of a coworking space is the freedom to move around, which you can use to your benefit. But how? For one, you can set up different spots for different kinds of work. For instance, you can reserve phone booths for calls, private offices for brainstorming sessions, and huddle rooms for focused work. When you work this way, your brain starts linking each space with a specific task, which helps you settle in faster and stay focused.
4. Make Time to Connect with Your Colleagues
Another important aspect to include in your shared office routine is taking time to socialise with your coworkers. A coworking space brings together individuals from different industries and backgrounds under one roof.
Make an effort to meet up with colleagues now and then to build relationships. These connections can be invaluable when you’re stuck on a complicated project or need a fresh perspective. By collaborating with peers, you can save time, boost productivity, and expand your network.
5. Take Regular Breaks for Better Focus
Don’t overburden yourself with work; take breaks now and then. One approach you could try is the Pomodoro Technique, which recommends a 5-minute break after every 25 minutes of work to avoid burnout. During this break, you can take a walk or visit the breakout areas in the coworking space to socialise with others.
6. Keep Your Workspace Neat
A messy desk can make you feel distracted. Keep your space clean and tidy to create a calm place to work. You can also add a few personal touches, like a plant, a photo, or something that makes you smile. A clean and cheerful space can boost your mood and help you feel more in control.
7. Make the Most of Available Amenities
Many coworking spaces, like Garden Office Bermondsey, offer services that regular offices might not, like IT support, printing and scanning facilities, or administrative help. These amenities allow you to stay focused on your work while someone else takes care of the details, so you don’t have to worry about the small things.
To End
Adding these tips to your shared office routine can help you work more efficiently and stay productive throughout the day. A well-structured schedule boosts output and supports a healthy work-life balance. And since everyone works differently, choosing a space that lets you try different styles is always a smart move.
At Garden Office Bermondsey, we’re dedicated to providing a productive and welcoming space for all our members. Just 15 minutes by tube from key areas like Westminster, The City, and Waterloo, our flexible offices are perfect for teams of all sizes, freelancers, and entrepreneurs.
But that’s not it. Our workspaces come fully equipped with everything you need, from fast internet and video conferencing tools to ergonomic furniture and on-site support, so you can focus on what matters most.
Book a tour of our offices today.