How to Stay Focused When Working at a Coworking Space

Coworking spaces offer a wide range of benefits for its members. Networking within the facility opens new doors, collaborating with other people changes perspectives, and helping other workers becomes a part of our daily lives.

There is no competition anymore: we don’t want to get promoted, or climb the success ladder by stepping on our colleagues’ toes. No company policy decides whether we are allowed to take action in a specific area, and nobody can interdict us to follow our hearts, or take risks. Coworking spaces grow leaders who have initiative, and are not afraid to stand out.

However, there are some disadvantages to operating in a coworking unit. Some people might get too loud, while others might want to chat endlessly. Coworking units are amazing for networking or getting the help you need, yet some people find it hard to stay focused on their assignments. Here’re some tips on how to do it.

1. Research Before Picking a Place

Some places might help you thrive in all aspects, while others might not be fit for you. Before choosing a place, research the market, and see what are the advantages/disadvantages of one place or another. Compare those two, and make the right decision based on your research. Here are some factors you’ll want to consider before choosing your coworking space:

Its location – make sure your membership is worth it, and pick a place that’s close to your favorite coffee shops or parks. You’ll want to be in the center of the city you are working in. That way, you’ll be able to take a break and walk around anytime you feel like it.

The social aspect – look for places that offer you not only a wide variety of people to network with, but a wide diversification of determined persons. Working along purposeful individuals will give you an incentive to be effective and productive in your work.

The amenities – find a place that fits your needs. For example, a fast internet connection and free tea would make some fall in love. Find a place that suits your personal needs! In the end, you are paying for it, aren’t you?

2. Be an Early Bird

Arrive sooner than later to get the best spots available! Sometimes, coworking units can get really crowded around 10 or 11 AM. Arrive as soon as it opens, and get things done until people start showing up. Be productive in your tasks and effective in your thinking. Choose to take a nap or relax during the afternoon hours if the place gets too crowded. If there are too many people in one facility, focusing on tasks can be really challenging. Choose the right hours!

Kathryn Sparling, a freelance writer at Careers Booster, shares her opinion. “I love coworking! It makes me happy, and open, and productive, and talkative! Yet there are times when I simply cannot concentrate on my tasks, and that’s because of how packed it gets right before and after lunch hours. When that happens, I leave the facility and come back at a later time, when people start leaving. Focusing in those circumstances is so much easier!”

3. Bring Your Headphones

Don’t forget your headphones at home! As I’ve mentioned before, the place can get really crowded at times, and the noise might distract you. Plug in your headphones, play some classical music, and start working on your assignments!
P.S. – buying soundproof headphones always helps!

4. Designate Your Own Breaks

Don’t wait for other people to show up at your desk, interrupt you, and drag you away from your work. Designating your own breaks will keep you organized and highly effective. Make sure you take regular breaks: fifty minutes of hard work, followed by ten minutes of recreation. Here are some ideas to consider:

Plan your breaks in advance

Take breaks even when you are totally fine with not taking a break – your brain needs that!

Get rid of any work-related discussions or phone calls during breaks. Avoid social media. Read something, meditate, lay down, but don’t use that free time foolishly

Stretch, and relax your back – sitting down for so many hours is tiring for your body

Socialize with other people, and open up to your colleagues

5. Map Out a Plan for the Day

Planning a daily schedule is always a good strategy. It will keep you on top of your tasks. Tracking your progress will be easier too. Here are some tips on how to do it:

Think about your goals, and why you want to achieve them

Write down the main daily objective that will help you reach your final goal

Ask yourself “Why am I doing this?”; if you find no answer, don’t include that task into your schedule

Prioritize your tasks – which one is the most important of all and why?

Designate breaks in advance

Reward yourself if you’ve accomplished everything you’ve planned by the end of the day

6. Track Your Progress

Last but not least, track your progress. You need to quantify your work in order to see where you stand. Keep a journal or a log book, and write down your progress daily. Analyze your daily remarks at least once per week. If you are not satisfied with your advancement, change something – take another approach, or try another tactic.

Conclusion

Stay focus at your coworking space by researching well before picking your favorite place, choosing your working hours properly, designating breaks, sticking to your plan, and tracking your weekly progress.