An Unspoken Way to Break the Ice & Maximize Coworking Spaces
Do you find it difficult to be engaged at work? Do you ever struggle to speak clearly, stumbling over your words and ideas in the process? Are you only hesitant to speak up?
You’re not the only one!
Socializing at work is challenging, especially if you are an introverted, shy, or are a private person in general. While that may make it difficult for some to start a conversation, those in the opposite end of the spectrum, being more outgoing or that push limits and share excessively, can also face challenges in shared work spaces. Understanding the etiquette behind shared spaces only adds to these common challenges. Find information that’s useful in all of these situations. This blog post teaches a few ways to improve social interactions in coworking office spaces in Las Vegas, or anywhere.
Keeping the office feeling fresh, even when you’re cooped up all day long, is important for mental health and keeping employees happy. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to look out for your team while maintaining your sanity! We’ve compiled some of the best options here:
Here are the 7 Ways to Interact Socially in a Co-working Space
- Having a Give-First Attitude – The workplace should be a place where everyone is giving to each other, without expecting anything in return. As the saying goes, “Treat others how you want to be treated.” This means simply going out of your way to share food with a co-worker or lending someone a pen, sharing new ideas.
- Hold Regular Group Events – Without having group events, people may feel isolated and not connected to the rest of the work team. Group events like potlucks or happy hours are an easy way to break free from individual duties and focus on building connections with other individuals in your work environment.
- Regular Stand-Up Meetings – If a team has regular stand-up meetings, it’s likely that people will be getting to know each other in smaller groups. These meetings can be a great opportunity for discussing team projects and problem-solving with others.
- Listen to Others Carefully – As a person in a shared office space in Las Vegas, you may get burned out over time and stop taking care of yourself. However, it’s important to listen to what people are saying, regardless if they are your boss or not. If you’re having trouble with another coworker, respectfully explain the issue and offer a solution.
- Speak Up If You Need Help – If you need help from someone else that works in the office and haven’t been able to get their attention, speak up! Don’t be afraid to ask someone else for assistance if they have time. This can easily be done simply by saying something like, “I need help with [insert task here].”
- Share What Motivates You – Another way to humanize your workspace is to let others know what motivates your work. Not everyone has the same goals, so it’s important, to be honest, and let people know what you’re working towards. This will allow coworkers to relate and understand better.
- Remember Names – An easy way to cement a name in another person’s mind is by using their first name regularly. For example, call them by their first name if you are discussing a project that is related to theirs or stands at their desk when they need attention. When people are working together, it’s easy to overlook the importance of fostering human relationships.
Why is Social Interaction Important in Co-Working Workplaces?
Social interaction is important in any workplace, but it can be even more important in a shared workspace. For instance, a new study found that one of the lowest forms of happiness is co-working in isolation. While it might seem like an expensive option, we’re always happy to help anyone set up their own space without isolating you from coworking teams!
In general, maintaining strong social relationships with your coworkers, even if they’re outside of your company, can help you feel more positive about your job and your workplace can become the best co-working space. If you’re looking to make an impact at work with a healthy attitude, you will be happy working throughout.
Watch For Social Queues
Before approaching a coworker in a shared space it is of the utmost importance that you watch for common social queues to determine if the timing is right. This includes identifying whether it’s a good time to break in or not. The last thing you want to do is interrupt a phone call or distract someone in a solid line of thought. However, in this day and age of earbuds and doomscrolls people may look busy when in fact they are not. A simple hand gesture like a phone call or wave can catch someone’s attention. The reciprocal single finger meaning “just one moment” or wave away meaning “I’m busy” should be taken to mean that they’ll come find you when they have a moment. It’s not pestering to check back after an hour or so, to make sure you’re not forgotten about, if it’s urgent. Keep in mind that many people have deadlines and while you can’t physically see them, bosses that loom.
Conclusion
Shared coworking space etiquette and common office etiquette share many commonalities. Being courteous, but open to conversations can make your experience positive, and enhance your productivity. Handwritten notes and a smiling face always go a long way.
