Coworking spaces are all about collaboration, networking, and productivity, but let’s be honest, not all desk neighbors make it easy to get work done. Coworking etiquette is essential to maintaining a productive and harmonious environment for everyone. So, let’s ask the tough question: Are you the annoying desk neighbor?

Here’s how to ensure you’re not the one everyone is side-eyeing..:

Noise Control: Keep It Professional 🤫

Noise is one of the biggest distractions in coworking spaces. While collaboration is encouraged, respecting other people’s focus is key .

🚫 What Not to Do:

• Taking loud calls at your desk (especially on speakerphone)
• Blasting music or videos without headphones
• Typing aggressively like you're hacking into a government database

✅ Better Alternative:

• Use headphones for all audio content 🎧
• Take calls in designated phone booths
• Keep conversations brief and move to a lounge area for longer chats

Respect Personal Space & Shared Resources

Just because the space is open doesn’t mean boundaries don’t exist .

🚫 What Not to Do:

• Spreading out across multiple desks like you own the place
• Borrowing chargers, pens, or notebooks without asking
• Hogging meeting rooms or the communal printer

✅ What to Do Instead:

• Stick to your designated space and keep it tidy
• Always ask permission before using someone else’s things
• Be mindful of booking shared amenities —if you’re not using the meeting room or focus booths, free it up!

Clean Up After Yourself

No one wants to sit at a desk covered in coffee rings and snack crumbs . A cluttered space can quickly turn into a workspace nightmare.

🚫 What Not to Do:

• Leaving dirty dishes in the sink, hoping they’ll magically disappear
• Eating smelly food at your desk (yes, that fish curry is delicious, but…)
• Walking away from a messy workspace without wiping it down

✅ What to Do Instead:

• Dispose of trash properly and wipe down surfaces
• Keep strong-smelling foods in the kitchen or break area
• Take your belongings home if you’re using a hot desk

Read the Social Cues: Friendly, Not Overbearing

Coworking spaces thrive on networking, but not everyone is here to chat 24/7 .

🚫 What Not to Do:

• Interrupting someone who’s clearly deep in work
• Over-sharing personal life details in a professional setting
• Dominating conversations in shared areas

✅ What to Do Instead:

• Read the room —if someone has headphones on, they probably don’t want to talk
• Keep small talk light and professional
• Attend community events if you want to network—don’t force conversations on busy people

Follow the House Rules & Be Considerate

Every coworking space has rules for a reason —they help keep the environment functional and respectful for everyone.

🚫 What Not to Do:

• Ignoring policies on noise levels, meeting room bookings, or guest visits
• Leaving your stuff overnight if you’re using a hot desk
• Using the coworking space like your personal office without acknowledging others

✅ What to Do Instead:

• Familiarize yourself with house rules and guidelines
• Respect the shared nature of the space—everyone deserves a great experience
• Offer courtesy and kindness to your fellow coworkers

Be a Good Desk Neighbor!

At the end of the day, coworking spaces work best when everyone is mindful and respectful . If you follow these etiquette tips, you’ll not only boost your own productivity but also contribute to a positive and professional coworking environment.

So, take a moment to reflect. Are you the annoying desk neighbor? If you recognize any of these bad habits, it might be time for a coworking space behavior upgrade! 😄