How to Do Your Best Work in a Shared Tech Office

By Tian DuBelko

In the tech sector, where working from home is prevalent and reasonably-priced office space is not, working from shared offices has become a suitable and desired alternative. Coworking spaces will be here for the foreseeable future, and it’s not hard to see why.

There are many benefits to coworking, and the typical shared office is a large, open space that allows its members to work in a collaborative environment that is a happy balance between working from a corporate office and out of your garage.

A shared office can be more affordable and flexible than renting your own office, but coworking spaces are typically open-plan spaces with many distractions. When you’re working in the same space with dozens of different companies, things are bound to get hectic as times, so it’s important that you choose the right space for your business.

Knowing what to expect will certainly help you ease your transition to the coworking setting, and in this article, we’ve got some tips and tricks that will show you how you can do your best work and be productive in a shared office, even if you’re surrounded by noises and distractions. Join us below for some important tips on how to thrive in this environment.

1. Always Bring Headphones

While the open office space allows you to constantly collaborate with your team, it also opens you up to the distractions in the office. It can be difficult to concentrate on one task when there are noises coming from every direction. That’s why a pair of headphones can be a godsend in helping you stay productive and be more focused.

Either regular earbuds or more expensive, noise-canceling headphones will work in blocking out the background noise in a shared office. We recommend that you keep a set of headphones in your backpack or laptop bag, so you’ll never be caught at work without them. Whether you’re listening to music or the radio, do try to be considerate of your neighbors and keep the volume fairly low.

2. Don’t Hesitate to Ask For Help

A big benefit of being in a shared office space is that you get to be a part of a like-minded, helpful community of innovators and entrepreneurs. They’re working their butt off to grow their business, just like you. So if you do forget something important, like a set of headphones, phone charger, or HDMI cable, ask somebody who works alongside you at the coworking space if you can borrow from them. Most likely, they’ll be more than happy to help you out.

Another resource for help is the coworking space itself. Some coworking spaces, such as those offered by ExtraSlice, gives its members access to training and industry services that can save you hours of research and headache. And, depending on your space, you might even have access to unexpected, quality-of-life amenities, such as mouthwash, disposable toothbrushes, and even sewing kits.

3. Find Out When Meeting Rooms Are Least Busy

If you’re sharing a workspace with dozens of companies, chances are the meeting rooms will be booked out during high-traffic times. That’s why you should consider reserving meeting rooms when they are the least busy. This will usually be at the very beginning and end of the day when fewer people need them.

Even if you don’t need to hold conferences, the meeting rooms can still be of use to you. For example, for projects that require intense concentration, you can book the meeting rooms for some quiet time early and late in the day. This will allow you to get some peace and quiet away from the open office.

4. Figure Out Your Working Style

Are you someone who prefers working with background noise? Or someone who needs absolute silence? Do you work better in a conference room or surrounded by your colleagues? Knowing your ideal work environment is key to optimizing your productivity. You can make the most of your time by following an efficient daily routine as well.

Finding your perfect work environment will also allow you to quickly develop daily habits that can help you get into a better working flow. This task association will not only help you be more focused but also help eliminate some of the distractions and conversations that you’ll come across in a shared office on a daily basis.

Ready to Jump Right In?

Choosing the right shared tech workspace can jumpstart your tech business and accelerate your growth. In the right ecosystem, you’ll have an easier time hiring top talent, expanding your network, and even securing the next round of funding.

Think your Seattle tech company might be a good fit for ExtraSlice’s community of trendsetters and innovators? Visit our website to learn more about The Place for Tech or schedule a tour of our tech campus.