Work East: Productivity Hacks for Co-Working Environments

Co-working environments are built with productivity at their core. For solo entrepreneurs, remote workers, or growing teams, shared workspaces offer heaps of opportunities to boost output and connect with like-minded professionals. It’s an absolute game-changer for motivation and growth when you know how to make the most of it. But let’s be honest, with all the buzz and energy around you, staying focused can sometimes feel like a challenge.

However, with a few smart strategies, you can make sure you make the most of your co-working experience. Here are our top hacks to help you thrive in a shared workspace.

6 hacks to be more productive in a shared workspace

1. Establish a solid routine

Your morning routine sets the tone for the entire day, so starting off on the right foot can make all the difference. Do you need a coffee before you can think straight? Does a morning workout beforehand help you focus better in meetings? What about meal prep for the week? Figure out what works for you and stick to making it happen every day. When you’ve got a solid routine in place that can fuel you and set you up for success, you’ll walk to your co-working desk ready to hit the ground running instead of wasting precious time still waking up and figuring out what to do first.

2. Set daily tasks and monthly goals

Start each day with intention. Take five minutes to write out a clear plan of what you need to accomplish, both the big projects and the smaller tasks that need ticking off. Time blocking is your friend here. Set aside specific chunks of time for focused work on your major tasks, and slot in those quick micro-tasks around them. This approach keeps you from feeling overwhelmed and ensures you’re making progress on what actually matters.

It’s easy to sometimes lose track of the bigger picture when you’re buried in day-to-day work. That’s why setting clear monthly or quarterly goals is crucial. Tools like Google Calendar, Notion or Asana, can help you to map out your priorities and deadlines in a visual format which is quite helpful. When you can see what you’re working towards, it’s much easier to stay motivated and on track.

3. Network with community members

One of the biggest perks of a coworking space is the community. It’s not designed like a cafe, where you just show up, put your headphones in, and get your work done alone. Instead, it’s designed to bring innovators together to not only connect and share knowledge but also to work alongside one another across industries. When you join a coworking space, you’ll never be alone; there are always going to be other people hustling on projects, in team meetings, or using the shared amenities. You’ll gain extra value out of it if you attend community events, workshops, or have casual chats during your breaks in communal areas. These connections can lead to collaborations, new opportunities, and friendships that make coming to work genuinely enjoyable. You never know who will be your next business partner or mentor.

4. Take full advantage of the amenities

Co-working spaces about flexibility and convenience. By setting up ergonomic furniture and extra amenities for your needs, they’re designed to make your life as easy as possible. Just pop in and make the most of what’s on offer:

• High-speed wifi: No more buffering during important video calls
• Meeting rooms: Book spaces of all sizes for team meetings and client calls
• Quiet zones: When you need to lock in and focus, head to the designated quiet areas
• End-of-trip facilities: If you ride your bike or squeeze in a workout before or after work, take advantage of showers and lockers
• Kitchen space: Store your meal-prepped items in the fridge and use the kitchen to make yourself a proper coffee or lunch

These amenities will make life easier and simpler so you have more time to focus on what really needs to be done.

5. Manage distractions to stay focused

Let’s face it, co-working spaces can be buzzing with activity, music, and chatter, which is great for energy but not always great for concentration. And the whole point of joining a co-working community is to grow your business. So while you may love to have a chat here or there, it’s important to have methods in place to keep you focused. There’s got to be a line where you put your head down and get your work done. Here’s how to manage it:

1. Set social boundaries: While networking events and casual chats are important, know when to relocate to a quieter area so you can actually get your work done. It’s all about balance.

2. Step away when you need to: Feeling distracted and reaching for your phone to doom scroll on Instagram or TikTok? That’s your cue to take a proper break. Go for a walk around the block, get some sunshine, or grab a water from the kitchen. If you need a stricter schedule, try the Pomodoro Method. This is where you work for 25 minutes in deep focus and then reward yourself with a 5-minute break. It’s an effective way to stay productive without burning out.

3. Maintain a healthy diet: When you’re stuck on a project or hard task, it’s tempting to reach for junk food or down your fifth coffee. But too much caffeine and sugar will send you crashing. Instead, opt for healthy snacks like nuts or protein bars to keep your energy steady throughout your tasks. On your brain breaks, take a walk to the closest supermarket to grab some fresh fruit, or pop into a local café for a tea or matcha to mix things up. Keeping your body healthy helps keep your mind sharp, not just for the day, but for the long term.

4. Practice mindfulness: Deep breathing or short meditation sessions can work wonders for reducing stress and improving focus. Even just a few minutes can help you reset and tackle your next task with a clear head. So, the next time you feel stress creeping up, take a moment to pause, breathe, and then reframe your thoughts.

6. Aligns your work with your needs

Co-working communities are popping up everywhere these days, but they aren’t all the same. Are you a solo entrepreneur who just needs a flex desk and reliable wifi? Or do you have a team that requires a private office with room to grow? Does the location matter to you? Think about what you actually need from your workspace and consider factors like location, amenities, community vibe, and price, and choose accordingly. The right fit makes all the difference for your needs and overall success.

Improve your productivity with the right space

If you’re looking for a co-working space in Melbourne’s east that ticks all these boxes, Work East in Box Hill has you covered. With flexible desk options, private offices, high-speed wifi, meeting rooms, quiet zones, and a thriving community of professionals, it’s designed to help you do your best work. Come check us out and see how the right workspace can improve your productivity.

Your most focused, connected, and productive self is waiting at Work East. Learn more here.