Coworking spaces are becoming highly popular nowadays. It is evident from a Statista survey which shows that coworking spaces are set to double in 2026 compared to 2019. Most people assume that it is only freelancers or remote workers that prefer to join a coworking space.
However, it is not the case. Shared office space is equally beneficial for startups and well-established businesses. Nevertheless, there are still those who campaign against coworking spaces. They claim that it destroys the organizational culture and even associates it with lower productivity.
Indeed, there are no studies to back these claims. But if you are put off by the claim that coworking spaces reduce productivity, don’t worry. Not only is it untrue but we will list different ways you can maximize your productivity in a coworking space in Islamabad or anywhere else for that matter.
Before we move on, let’s discuss something equally important.
Selecting the Right Shared Office Space in Islamabad
Coworking spaces provide a flexible alternative to hiring traditional office spaces or even working from home. Keep in mind that the only way to realize the numerous benefits associated with a coworking space is if you select the right one. If you go for the cheapest or nearest option, you might work from home or stick to traditional office spaces.
The location or the cost shouldn’t be the only factors you must consider. There are tons of other things to focus on as well. It will help you improve your productivity and achieve long-term success. Here’s how you can select the right shared office space in Islamabad or elsewhere for yourself and your team if you have one.
- Location
The first point to consider is the location. Find a coworking space that is not only convenient for you but for your team as well. Secondly, the space must be near public transportation and amenities such as cafes. It will help you avoid considerable hassles later. Don’t base your decision on the location alone.
- Facilities
The second area to focus on is the facilities. Ensure that the space offers reliable internet, printing/scanning facilities, meeting rooms, private rooms, and a dedicated kitchen.
- Deciding Your Work Area
The next thing to do is decide your work area. If you are an individual, you need to decide if you are comfortable working anywhere in the coworking space or require a dedicated desk. In some cases, even an individual might prefer a private office space. If you have a team, we recommend a private space. It can help with team building. Once you finalize your choice, check if the coworking space can meet your requirements.
- Community
Check out the existing community. Are they the right fit for your business or professional growth? Indeed, the right coworking space neighbors can help you land more gigs and grow your business. You must ensure that the overall atmosphere aligns with your work preferences.
- Membership Fee
Next, compare the membership fee with other coworking spaces in your area and assess which one is offering more value for money.
- Flexibility
Can the coworking change adapt to your changing needs? For instance, if you need a dedicated desk or additional desks for your team members, can the space provide it?
- Reviews & Trial Period
Check out the reviews or get recommendations from existing members. It will help you identify potential issues and finalize your decision. Lastly, avail the trial period if there is any.
Maximizing Your Productivity in a Co-working Space
Now that you have finalized your space, let’s focus on maximizing your productivity.
- Planning Your Day
Don’t underestimate the power of a meticulously created plan. Plan your day to the very last minute. Do the same if you have a team. It is quite easy to lose track of time and objectives. Therefore, create a list of objectives you or your team need to achieve on a given day. The objectives can be even weekly.
To make the process interactive and livelier, you can use Post-it notes. It can brighten up your office space. At the end of the day, reflect on the objectives and assess if you missed any objectives. If yes, self-reflect on the reasons and try to ensure that it does not happen again. It will give you the motivation to ensure that you always complete your objectives.
- Set a Schedule
A coworking space provides numerous opportunities for interaction. It is quite easy to get lost in these opportunities. The best way to get around is by identifying the quiet hours. After joining a coworking space, you may notice that certain hours are usually less busy. There will be fewer people in the space, meaning fewer distractions.
If possible, try to set the most important tasks around this time. It will provide you with the perfect opportunity to complete your work on time and error-free. It will take some time for you to identify the less busy hours but when you do, it will be the greatest thing ever. So, be patient.
- Minimize the Distractions
It is quite easy to blame team members or other community members for the distractions. What people don’t realize is that these are not the only distractions. Your mobile phone and unnecessary tabs in the browser are more of a distraction than the individuals you are trying to blame.
If you want to maximize your productivity, put your mobile phone in focus mode. It will prevent unnecessary notifications. Thus, you won’t have to keep looking at the mobile phone repeatedly. Secondly, close all the unnecessary tabs on your browser. Listen to work music to motivate you.
- Premium Headphones
People make noise no matter how much they try to control it. The noise of typing, speaking, or even sitting on a chair can be distracting for anyone. If you wish to avoid all of this, then buy premium headphones. It can help you cancel out the surrounding noise and minimize distractions.
- Don’t Forget to Take a Break
If you are working in an office, you are allowed to have a lunch break. When you are working from home, you don’t forget to have a meal or a snack. Don’t treat a coworking space any differently. Ensure that you take your rest breaks and revitalize your energy. When you overwork yourself, you are purposely lowering your productivity.
So, avoid all costs. The best coworking spaces in Islamabad have dedicated gaming rooms or restrooms. Use them to rest and refocus. If you are not too eager about gaming or resting, use the time to interact with others. It can open up new opportunities for you and your business.
- Make a Report
Before calling it a day, make a report of what you have done throughout the day and what is your plan for tomorrow. This report acts as a motivation to get things done. Consider the report as something that you have to send to your supervisor. Would you be comfortable sending the report or are you worried that you didn’t put in the required effort? The answer to this question will help answer whether you were productive or just wasting your time.
- Don’t Compromise Cleanliness
You wouldn’t want to ruin your home office or even your office desk. In an office, you can expect a warning from HR if your workplace is a mess. Treat your coworking desk as your home or office desk. Ensure that it is clean at all times. Several studies find that a clean workplace can greatly enhance an individual’s productivity.
Final Thoughts
There are numerous other ways through which you can maximize your productivity in a coworking space. The ones we listed are the easiest to follow and don’t cost anything. So, don’t worry about joining a coworking space. Instead of reducing your productivity, coworking spaces have the opposite effect.
Author Bio
Humza has spent the past seven years building a successful career in the coworking industry. With a deep understanding of the needs of modern entrepreneurs, startups, and small businesses, Humza has helped established productive and inspiring workspaces. Humza’s most recent project in this field is CocoSpace, a coworking space in Islamabad.