How to Be Productive in Co-Working Spaces

The first time I stepped into a co-working space, I was fresh out of university. I was dressed in what I thought was the perfect business casual outfit for my first-ever grown-up job, feeling nervous about what the day would bring. But as I walked in, I was struck by the sensory action all around me—a mix of keyboards clattering, the comforting smell of coffee brewing, and collaborations taking place at communal tables.

I felt a wave of relief. Despite the professional undertones, it was familiar, like stepping back into my college dorm lounge or a poetry workshop where creativity thrived in shared spaces. It instantly put me at ease. That’s when I realized co-working spaces were different; poised to change the way we think about office environments. And I was right.

Today, co-working spaces are hubs for collaboration, innovation, and creativity, but they also come with their unique challenges. How do you stay productive in an environment so full of energy and potential distractions? That’s exactly what we’re going to explore today. 

I’m going to show you how to have a focused and productive day in shared spaces with modular solutions like our Inbox Booths. So let’s dive in. 

The Benefits (and Challenges) of Co-Working Spaces

The best part about co-working spaces is that they offer a vibrant atmosphere where professionals from diverse fields work side by side. The open layout encourages idea-sharing and collaboration, but it can also lead to noise and interruptions that hinder concentration.

Common pain points include:

• Lack of private areas for calls or focused work
• Noise levels that disrupt deep work sessions
• Difficulty managing time in a dynamic environment

Addressing these challenges is important to making the most of what co-working spaces have to offer.

Designing Spaces for Productivity

The layout and functionality of a co-working space can significantly impact productivity. This is why, incorporating quiet zones or dedicated focus areas is so important to maintain that balance of productivity and collaboration. 

This is where Inbox Booths come into play. Our soundproof pods provide:

• Privacy for calls and meetings. This is ideal for client discussions or team brainstorming sessions.
• Quiet spaces for deep work. You can get away from the outside noise without leaving the office.
• Customizable designs. Our booths are completely customizable and can be designed to match your office layout – whether that be changes in size and composition, or colour and other aesthetics. 

Looking for more insights on designing productive spaces? Check out our latest blog on Optimizing Small Spaces.

Time Management Tips for Co-Working Professionals

Productivity doesn’t just depend on the environment, it also depends on how you manage your time. 

Here are some tips on how you can improve your productivity in a co-working space:

#1 Set Boundaries 

In co-working spaces, it’s easy for the lines between collaboration and focused work to blur. That’s where modular solutions like our Inbox Booths can make a difference. The soundproof booths create a clear physical boundary, signalling to others that you’re in the zone and prefer not to be disturbed. Whether you’re jumping on an important client call or tackling deep work, having a dedicated space can help you stay on track.

We have a number of different booth options to match your needs:

• Inbox One+: Ideal for individual work or private calls. Its compact design fits well into any corner of a co-working space.
• Inbox Two+: Perfect for small team huddles or brainstorming sessions. The soundproofing ensures conversations stay confidential between two members.
• Inbox QUAD or TEAM: These booths seat up to 4 and 6 people respectively. They’re a great place to hold team meetings or have a strategy session together without any outside office noise or distractions. 

#2 Time Blocking 

Time blocking is your secret weapon for productivity. Break your day into dedicated chunks—deep work, collaboration, and even breaks. For example, schedule mornings for focused work in an office booth and reserve afternoons for networking or team discussions in communal areas. Pair this with our insights on Holding Yourself Accountable to Your New Year’s Resolutions to develop habits that stick.

#3 Leverage Community

The beauty of co-working spaces is the built-in community. Take advantage of networking opportunities, but don’t let them steer you away from your workflow. Use tools like shared calendars or booking systems to manage your time effectively. And when you need a break from the buzz, hop into one of our booths and use that time to recharge before diving back in.

Sustainability in Co-Working Spaces

Modern co-working spaces are increasingly focusing on sustainability. That’s just another thing to love about them! 

That’s why, we feel that our Inbox Booths align perfectly with co-working spaces for our shared beliefs and ethos. 

Did you know that all our booths are energy-efficient? They have motion-sensored lighting and ventilation to preserve energy when the booths aren’t in use. In fact, each booth is made of recyclable materials to ensure that no part ever reaches a landfill. 

You can learn more about our eco-friendly practices in our blog on Sustainability Practices at Inbox Booths.

Stepping into that first co-working space as a nervous newbie fresh out of university feels like a lifetime ago, but it taught me something that still holds true today—how much the environment can shape the way we work. That mix of clattering keyboards, impromptu brainstorms, and the comforting noise of a shared space showed me that work doesn’t have to fit into a stiff, buttoned-up mould.

Now, whether you’re managing a new co-working space or looking for ways to improve the experience for your members, the principles stay the same: create dedicated areas for deep focus, embrace opportunities for spontaneous collaboration, and design spaces that reflect the dynamic, ever-evolving nature of co-working. With the right tools, like Inbox Booths to provide a quiet, distraction-free environment when needed, co-working spaces can become a great space for creativity, productivity, and innovation.

You can learn more about our booths here or even come visit one of our showrooms and test them out in person. Chat soon!