Maximizing Productivity in a Coworking Environment

Workplaces have evolved through the years—from cubicles to collaborative, open-floor plans. Coworking spaces and shared offices have become the norm for many professionals, offering flexibility, networking opportunities, and a dynamic work environment. While these spaces offer tremendous benefits, they can also present unique productivity challenges.

Below are tips for maximizing productivity in a coworking environment, whether you're managing projects, brainstorming ideas, or simply trying to cross off items from your to-do list.

Customize Your Schedule

One of the most enticing benefits of working in a coworking space is the flexibility it offers. In fact, coworking and “flex space” are terms that are used interchangeably. Whether you're an early bird or a night owl, having the freedom to work when you’re most productive can help you stay on top of projects and deadlines. Shared spaces enable you to schedule your work hours to suit your personal peak productivity times, maximizing your efficiency.

Build Relationships While Setting Boundaries

One of the most underrated advantages of working in a shared office is the opportunity to network. Shared space provides the opportunity to develop supportive, inspirational connections. It’s essential, however, to balance collaborative time with focus time by setting boundaries. Whether it’s wearing headphones during buckle-down time, or scheduling specific times for meetings, ensuring you have uninterrupted time to focus on strategic tasks or client work is critical for meeting deadlines without sacrificing quality.

Use Time Blocking for Maximum Focus

One of the best productivity strategies is time blocking, setting aside specific blocks of time for specific tasks. In a coworking space, it’s all too easy to get pulled in multiple directions, especially when you’re surrounded by colleagues and other professionals. Time blocking helps you dedicate time for collaboration as well as individual tasks. You can schedule a morning block for phone calls and responding to e-mail, an early afternoon block to conduct meetings or collaborate with other coworkers, and a late afternoon block for next day planning, etc. By intentionally structuring your day, you can avoid getting distracted.

Combat the Noise Challenge

Noise can be one of the most significant challenges of a shared workspace, and background conversations, ringing phones, and other ambient noise can be incredibly distracting. Noise-canceling headphones are great to have on-hand to prevent distracting neighbors and surrounding sounds. Many coworking spaces offer private phone rooms or quiet areas where you can retreat to delve into complex tasks in quiet.

Take Breaks and Move Around

Taking regular breaks is essential for maintaining focus and avoiding burnout. Sometimes the best ideas come when you step away for a few minutes. Getting up and taking a short walk every hour, using a sit/stand desk or just getting up and stretching helps maintain blood flow and alertness throughout the day.

Be Respectful of Shared Resources

In a coworking environment, printers, meeting rooms, kitchens and lounge areas are shared with others. Be mindful of shared spaces and equipment, leaving the shared spaces the same way you found them. This will yield a more pleasant work environment for everyone.

Maximizing productivity in a shared office environment requires a balance of focus, communication, and organization. By creating an environment that works for you, respecting shared spaces, and using the right tools to stay on track, you can make the most of the dynamic, productive environment coworking spaces offer.

Red Oak Coworking Office Suites at 409 Elm Street in Manchester NH are luxury lifestyle office suites, many with floor to ceiling or oversized windows, where you can be successful and productive.  Located in the heart of New Hampshire’s largest city, this location offers office suites, Team Suites, conference rooms and dedicated desks. Amenities here include a state-of-the-art fitness center, yoga studio, business center, quiet room, off-street parking with available EV charging stations, and a reception area with greeter.

Also available is our 66 Hanover Street location downtown, which offers a variety of workspaces ranging from private or shared offices to open space coworking desks with parking nearby.  Both locations have kitchen space, free coffee, tea and filtered water, free utilities and WiFi, and janitorial services.  Lounge areas, a private phone room, and conference rooms are also available.  Contact Red Oak Coworking