Coworking spaces are desirable for many reasons; they function like a collaborative hive, buzzing with energy, creativity, and opportunities for networking. However, the vibrant atmosphere and collaborative nature can also lead to distractions.
When faced with interruptions, it can be challenging to manage your workload effectively, often resulting in an overwhelming to-do list by day’s end. So, making the most of your time requires strategic productivity hacks. In this blog, we will provide valuable tips to help you stay focused while working in a shared office space.
Top Productivity Hacks to Help You Stay Focused
“Concentrate all your thoughts upon the work in hand. The Sun’s rays do not burn until brought to a focus” ― Alexander Graham Bell.
Choose the Right Spot
Choosing the right spot is essential in a coworking space. The layout can vary greatly, from quiet areas to common social areas. Before settling in, assess the environment. For tasks requiring deep concentration, seek out designated quiet areas with minimal distractions. Conversely, if you’re brainstorming or collaborating with others, opt for open areas that encourage interaction.
Limit Distractions
Let’s face it: many distractions today are caused by mobiles and social media websites. Use website blockers during work hours to minimise social media temptations. Keep your phone on silent mode and block the notifications for those hours.
If you catch yourself losing focus, try taking a brief walk or doing a few deep-breathing exercises to reset your concentration. Additionally, consider using noise-cancelling headphones to help minimise background noise.
Set Boundaries
Setting boundaries is key to maintaining focus in a coworking environment. Let your coworkers know your focus hours so they can avoid interrupting you during that time. Moreover, think of your time in a shared office environment as a regular office. Set clear hours for when you’ll be working. This helps you keep a good work-life balance, which is important for avoiding burnout.
Organise Your Workspace
A clutter-free desk helps clear your mind and allows you to concentrate better. So tidying up your desk before you start working is a good idea. Keep only the essentials within reach, such as your laptop, a notepad, and a few personal items you need.
Consider including a water bottle to stay hydrated if you have a fixed desk; a small plant for a touch of greenery can be a great addition.
Leverage Flexibility
Coworking spaces offer flexibility that can work to your advantage. If you find you’re most productive at certain times of the day, adjust your schedule to work during those hours.
As we mentioned before, having a routine is a good practice. But sometimes, you may fall victim to routine fatigue. In such cases, check whether your shared office has multiple branches, and consider working from different locations to change your scenery and keep things fresh.
Create a Consistent Routine
Building a routine is a productivity hack that develops you to run on autopilot. This way, you can complete tasks without thinking too much about each step. You can divide your day into deep work sessions followed by short breaks. Focus strategies like the Pomodoro Technique, where you work for 25 minutes and then take a 5-minute break, can help avoid distractions.
Look for Comfort
An uncomfortable seating arrangement and poor posture can be more than just distractions; they can significantly impact your long-term health. It can lead to chronic pain, fatigue, and decreased focus. Choose a comfortable chair that supports good posture; many coworking offices offer ergonomic seating options. Ensure your workspace has adequate lighting. If the overhead lights are too harsh, consider moving to soft-light areas.
Prioritise Tasks
There are days when you know you have multiple important tasks but don’t know where to start. To avoid such situations, start each day by prioritising your tasks. Create a to-do list that outlines your most important objectives and tackle them in order of priority.
When your mind is fresh, handling the hardest tasks is often best. This structured approach keeps you focused and gives you a sense of accomplishment as you complete each task. A tick on each task will set a positive tone for the rest of your day.
Use Time Management Techniques
Being mindful of managing your time can help balance work and social interaction. Allocate specific blocks of time for different tasks throughout your day. By assigning dedicated periods for work and meetings, you can create a structured schedule that helps minimise distractions.
Make sure you schedule specific periods for breaks or conversations with others. This way, you stay productive while still enjoying the community atmosphere. Remember, a little social time can boost your mood and creativity.
Utilise Amenities
Many coworking offices often have various amenities that you can use to boost your productivity. Ensure you’re connected to high-speed Wi-Fi to avoid lag during important tasks. Take advantage of conference rooms for meetings or video calls to maintain professionalism and minimise distractions.
Additionally, access to IT support will help you quickly resolve technical issues and stay focused on your work without interruptions. Using these coworking amenities will help you stay on track and complete your tasks for the day.
Distraction-free Working Spaces for Rent in Mumbai
If you’re seeking distraction-free working spaces for rent in Mumbai, you can find them at Dextrus, which operates out of prime locations like Lower Parel BKC. Each space is designed with productivity and comfort in mind. Equipped with quiet zones and meeting rooms, these spaces will help you stay focused and maintain a productive work environment. To make your booking today, call Dextrus at +91 9619 00 4660 or email info@dextrus.in.
