Social Graces – Co-working Space Etiquette

Image: http://www.businessnewsdaily.com/images/i/000/012/069/original/remote-worker.jpg?1470227375

The co-working space is has redefined what it means to share space in a professional setting. For Thai professionals, it presents them with the chance to get all of the advantages of sharing space with other professionals without the drama of paying for premium office space. The work-space is like no other in making work feel like home.

During peak times, the typical coworking space is abuzz with activity. If not engaging in work-space conversation, professionals can be seen working at the workstations silently or in collaboration in different parts of the space. At any point in the work-space, professionals are reaching across each other, interrupting conversations, talking too loud, and a million other peccadillos that make work distracting. However, as an individual member of the community, you can contribute to a co-working space that maximizes productivity and simply through following basic etiquette rules.

Let’s take a closer look at a few key considerations to keep in mind when working in the co-working environment.

Dress Appropriately

Thai culture, more specifically business culture, is very conservative. Professional dress usually is a nice pair of dress pants, skirt (knee length), or a dress paired with a blouse for women and business suit for men. Because the atmosphere is so relaxed, it is tempting to dress as though you were heading to the beach. However, while there might be variations on Thai business dress code, it always mandates that professionals, both men and women, dress modestly in the work-space.

Avoid Smelly, Greasy Food

Another major transgression within the co-working space involves eating at workstations. While eating at your desk at home is not a major problem, in the shared work-space, it can be very problematic. Meals tend to be greasy and leave remnants of oil on surfaces. Someone coming into the space after you might not want grease residue ruining important documents. Furthermore, the odors that whole meals emit in the space, while deliciously pleasant to you, might be off-putting to others.

Respect Boundaries

One of the major ways to contribute to a better work-space is to respect boundaries among your workmates. This means avoiding spreading personal materials all over the desks, or worse yet, screen spying. At workstations where everyone works closely, it is very easy to look at someone’s screen out of curiosity. Some, however, might see your curiosity as an intrusion and find you to be inconsiderate. Not that it is the end of the world if you happen to glance at your neighbor’s screen, but being mindful can prevent issues that arise from not respecting other people’s boundaries.

Observe The Work-space Rules

Every co-working space has rules that define the space. While we all are special and unique in our way, the rules are created for a reason, and one of them is so that professionals can work harmoniously in the space. By respecting rules that set the groundwork for the space, you can guarantee your experience working in the space will be positive.

Be Flexible To Change

The co-working space is a dynamic space, and every day, you can find yourself faced with the opportunity to meet new and engaging people. With this in mind, do not be afraid to sit in other places in the co-working space for a change of scenery or to broach conversations with the people around you. You might find that you are surrounded by some interestingly smart people who can actually form a cache of supportive business associates.

Etiquette Basics

The basics of co-working in a way that does not interfere with the work peace of others is simple. Moreover, because each space is unique, the rules might differ based on the needs of the community. Either way, by keeping others in mind while at work, you are on your way to becoming a valued member of the co-working community.