15 May The Unwritten Rules of a Coworking Environment
Growing up, we were all programmed to follow the stereotypical “rule book” that we learned somewhere between playing with other kids on the playground through our more formative years later on in school where we learned not to interrupt others, hold the doors open when other people are passing through, and be conscientious of others’ time. At times, even as adults, we’re still forced to be aware of the learning curve of what belongs in that general rule book. Of course, it’s not the same for all environments, and some rules that corporate America swears wouldn’t last long at a co-working space such as Launch Fishers.
Which brings me to the point of this post: the unwritten rules of the Launch Fishers coworking environment. No day is the same. Sometimes it’s so busy that the hustle and bustle makes it hard to hear the conversation happening next to you, and other days, you might as well see tumbleweeds blowing through the Barnes & Thornburg Conference Room. No matter what kind of day it is though, that “rule book” is applicable.
I found myself in quite an intriguing conversation with Brad Seaman, Chris Gray and John Blythe, who are all Launch Fishers members. It didn’t take long to broach the subject about the successes and woes of co-working etiquette and environment in general; it quickly turned into a light-hearted ‘Are you a mass violator?’ conversation full of jokes and laughter, with an unassuming serious side.
There was sincerity in what these particular members were saying, so I thought it would be best to list their comments that they believe should be added to the co-working etiquette “rule book.” As Brad Seaman would say, this is the “tough stuff.”
“Earphone”/Headphone Time – It’s happened to you, right? You’re in a meeting on G Chat or writing code, and even though you’re not directly talking, you still need to really focus. The person sitting next to you just has one “really quick question” and there you have it: all productivity is lost. If someone has their headphones in, then just don’t talk to them!
Ring Tones/Volume – You know that person that has their ringtone turned up on the highest possible volume setting; it’s so loud you can’t think, say, or do anything else until it stops. Oh, and you can’t help but sing along to whatever groovy song they have, and then you can’t get it out of your head.
Bathroom Conversations – Hmm. I think this one remains subjective.
Meeting Rooms – This is a no brainer, but people still abuse it. If you schedule a meeting and don’t show up, then cancel it so others can use said room.
Launch Possessions Are Not Yours – Some people really thrive in familiarity; they pick their spots and NEVER leave, which is all fine and dandy until someone who isn’t privy to “their” spot or “their” whiteboard comes in and “messes” everything up. Learn to go with the flow, Launch Fishers is for everyone!
So, there you have it. The five etiquette rules that dominated my conversation with them. If you do keep these in mind and practice them, thank you, on behalf of everyone who spends time in a co-working space. If you don’t, then read below: 😉
At the end of the conversation, Brad posed the question: “Can you get voted off of the island?”
There was a resounding “Yes.”