Let’s be honest: coworking spaces can offer a mix of experiences. One moment, you’re making great progress on your tasks, and the next, you’re sidetracked by the noise of a Zoom meeting, a malfunctioning printer, or a colleague who seems to take frequent coffee breaks. In a shared workspace, maintaining productivity can sometimes present a challenge.
However, there’s no need to worry—we’ve compiled a selection of unusual yet highly effective strategies to help you optimise your time in a coworking space. Whether you’re managing distractions, looking to expand your professional network, or simply striving to regain focus amidst a busy environment, these tips will help you regain control and perhaps even enjoy the process.
Let’s explore how you can transform your coworking experience from chaotic to productive.
1. Bring Small Personalisation Items to Increase Familiarity
Personalising your workspace is one of the most effective ways to enhance your productivity in a coworking space. With new individuals coming and going and the constant activity within the space, coworking environments can often feel different each time you enter, which may occasionally lead to a sense of overwhelm.
Incorporating small, portable items such as a mini plant, a family photo, or even a favourite notebook can make a shared workspace feel more personal. These objects foster a subtle sense of familiarity and comfort, grounding you in the environment and helping you feel more “at home.”
This added familiarity can reduce feelings of being in a transient space, improving focus and productivity. Simple as it sounds, a small, personalised corner in a coworking space can make each day productive and enjoyable.
2. Gamify Your Work
Drawing inspiration from game mechanics can turn routine tasks into more engaging activities. For example, you could implement a point system, awarding points for task completion, with additional bonuses for tackling more challenging tasks.
For instance, if you’re working on coding, you could reward yourself with bonus points for completing an entire code block without pausing to debug. Alternatively, you might introduce a challenge where you earn additional points for finishing a module within a specified time frame.
By transforming work into a game, you introduce an element of enjoyment and enhance motivation to approach tasks with greater enthusiasm. At the end of the week, you can reward yourself based on your total score—whether with a small outing, a favourite treat, or perhaps that new gadget you’ve been considering.
Gamifying your work not only helps the day pass more quickly but also ensures you stay focused on both your productivity and personal goals.
3. Create Your Own Productivity Zones
One of the key advantages of coworking spaces is the flexibility to move around, so make the most of this opportunity. To enhance productivity, establish designated zones within the space for specific tasks. For instance, reserve the lounge area for brainstorming sessions, quiet zones for focused work, and phone booths for taking calls.
By utilising different areas of the space to designate specific types of work, you condition your mind to enter distinct “work modes” based on your location, thereby facilitating greater concentration. This approach is particularly practical for individuals who struggle to stay focused or avoid distractions.
4. Strategic Work Blocks with “Pomodoro 2.0”
Pomodoro 2.0 is an adapted version of the traditional technique that incorporates brief, unconventional “active breaks.” For instance, after 25 minutes of focused work, take a 5-minute break to engage in a physically unusual activity. This could include walking backwards down a hallway, standing on one leg, or performing ten jumping jacks.
These unexpected physical activities provide a quick reset for both your body and mind, helping to maintain alertness for the next work session. The outcome? Improved focus, a sense of refreshment, and a boost in productivity that sustains you throughout the day.
5. Closing Day Routine
Just as a morning routine sets the tone for the day, an end-of-day routine can help you conclude it on a productive note. Establishing a consistent ritual—such as organising your workspace, listening to a preferred song, or drafting a brief to-do list for the following day—helps to clear both your mental and physical space.
These small actions signal to your mind that the workday has ended, helping to reduce any residual stress or mental clutter. This routine also sets the stage for a fresh start the following morning, allowing you to approach the next day’s tasks with renewed focus and energy.
By formally “closing” the workday, you promote a balanced work-life mindset, particularly in a shared workspace where the boundaries between work and leisure can easily become blurred.
Versatile Coworking Spaces for Rent in Mumbai
Productivity in coworking spaces is not solely dependent on remaining at your desk with minimal interruption. By implementing a few straightforward strategies, you can maximise the potential of a flexible work environment and tailor it to suit your needs. Adopting these unusual hacks enables you to stay focused, motivated, and well-equipped to navigate the dynamic nature of coworking spaces.
With well-designed zones for focused work, collaborative areas, and quiet spaces, Dextrus coworking spaces provide an environment that promotes productivity without compromising comfort. Experience a coworking space that supports both your goals and well-being, helping you work smarter every day. To book your workspace today, call Dextrus at +91 9619 00 4660 or email info@dextrus.in.
