Boosting Productivity with Co-Working Amenities

Working alone can lead to distractions with nobody there to hold you accountable, but commuting to an office five times a week can be time-consuming and frustrating with all the driving time. What if there were a place where you could have the flexibility between those things, and streamline your productivity?

That’s where co-working spaces come in – the perfect solution that gives you all the amenities you need, plus a community that keeps you motivated and focused.

What is a co-working community?

A co-working space is more than just a communal office; it’s an evolving community of professionals, entrepreneurs, freelancers, and remote workers who choose to work alongside each other to boost collaboration, productivity, and diversity. Think of it as having work colleagues without actually all working for the same company.

These communities naturally form when people with different skills, backgrounds, and projects come together in one space. You might find yourself chatting with a graphic designer over coffee, getting advice from a marketing consultant, or collaborating with a developer on a side project. The beauty is that everyone understands the challenges of working independently, so there’s this built-in support system where people celebrate wins together and offer help when someone’s stuck.

What’s great about co-working communities is that they can bring together small businesses in private offices, but can also offer individual dedicated desks for those on their own. So whether you come with a team or by yourself, there are options for all situations. Co-working communities are known to have a wide range of amenities all included in one monthly price, keeping costs low and flexibility easy.

What office amenities improve productivity in a co-working space?

Co-working spaces are packed with a wide range of amenities that make your life easier and more productive than working in a traditional or home office.

Top technology and privacy

Co-working spaces are known to have high-speed internet, AV systems, and presentation rooms that make online meetings with new clients or recurring coworkers quicker and easier. Rather than being in a loud coffee house or getting distracted with your kids at home, co-working spaces have private meeting rooms and bookable phone rooms to have conversations privately. They often have dedicated quiet zones where you can plug in and focus on deep work, giving you the space you need away from any distractions or noise.

Printing and mailing

No more frantically searching for a print shop when you have a last-minute client presentation, or waiting until you get home to scan that important contract. To get documents out quickly, there are scanning and printing facilities available on each floor, so you can get it done right then and there. Need a product delivered for a presentation? Co-working spaces have mail rooms where you can have items shipped directly to the office. There’s often a receptionist who can receive and hold your mail for you. These amenities improve productivity by making your work more convenient because everything’s right there when you need it.

Well-rounded community space

The good thing about co-working spaces is that they’re not just rows of desks. Instead, they have fully stocked kitchens, coffee bars, lounge areas, and even fitness facilities or outdoor spaces. Say you have an hour for lunch – within that time, you can connect with others in the lounge space, use the kitchen to make and eat your meal, and even participate in a wellness program before heading back to your desk. When you get time to clear your mind, you can return to work feeling refreshed and refocused.

Growth opportunities

To make it a well-rounded experience, co-working spaces often have industry events, workshops, and networking opportunities, so it’s easy to keep upgrading your skills and meeting new people. You might join a lunch-and-learn session about the latest design trends or participate in a pitch night where entrepreneurs share their ideas. Some spaces host expert speakers or even casual coffee chats that turn into business collaborations.

With every new piece of knowledge you gain, the more you’ll know how to improve your abilities. Learn a new software shortcut in a morning workshop? You’ll save time on every project for months. Pick up a marketing tip during lunch? Suddenly, your client pitches are more effective. Rather than spending hours looking up solutions, you can simply walk over and have a chat with someone who may know the answer around you, making your life much easier. You’ll also experience reduced decision fatigue from figuring out how to fit everything in, because everything is all in one place, improving your productivity immensely.

Built for comfort

Co-working spaces are designed to make work comfortable. They have ergonomic furniture like adjustable standing desks and supportive chairs, as well as monitors to reduce physical and mental strain during long working hours, which help to keep members pain-free and focused on their tasks.

Natural lighting streaming through big windows can help reduce anxiety and create a more calming feeling in the communal workspace too, which in turn can improve productivity and motivation. Many co-working spaces also offer green spaces, balconies, or rooftops to give people fresh air and a place to reset throughout the day as well.

As you can see, there are a variety of reasons why co-working amenities can make your work life better, but let’s dive into how to strategically use them to your advantage so you can reach your most productive level.

Steps to boost productivity with co-working amenities

The key is knowing how to use these office amenities strategically throughout your day. Instead of just sitting at your desk for eight straight hours, take advantage of the variety of spaces available to match your energy and task needs.

Step 1: Match your environment to your work

Use quiet zones for deep focus work like writing or coding, then move to collaborative areas when you need to brainstorm or have team meetings. When you’re feeling sluggish, grab a coffee and work from a lounge area with natural light to re-energise.

Step 2: Build productive breaks into your routine

Use the fitness facilities or outdoor spaces for quick 15-minute breaks to clear your head. A short walk or stretch session can help you return to work more focused than scrolling through your phone. The kitchen areas are perfect for stepping away from your screen while still being productive. For example, use lunch prep time to let your brain process problems in the background rather than having TikTok playing in your headphones.

Step 3: Leverage learning opportunities

Attend workshops and networking events that directly relate to your current projects. If you’re working on a marketing campaign, join that design workshop. If you’re launching a business, participate in the pitch night to get feedback. The more you can soak up learning, the better off you will be.

Step 4: Use the community as a resource

When you’re stuck on something, take a walk around the space and casually mention your challenge to others who may be able to help. You’d be surprised how often someone has the exact solution you need, saving you hours of research. Just make sure to do it at the right time, not when they’re in the middle of focusing.

The goal is to create a rhythm where you’re not just working harder, but working smarter by using the right space and resources at the right time. From there, it’s only likely that your productivity will skyrocket.

Make productivity your #1

Don’t let another day slip by feeling unproductive and distracted. It’s time to take control of your work environment so you can get more done and experience further growth for yourself and your business. Feel the difference at Work East, an innovative co-working space based in Box Hill, just a stone’s throw from Melbourne’s CBD. See how the right staff amenities and open office spaces can transform your workday.

Get in touch to learn more about our co-working opportunities.