Common courtesy ideas for working in a shared office building

Sharing office space with other companies is a great way to save money and have the benefits of building relationships with other businesses in the community. And with spaces like Business Central, you can enjoy the benefits of a professional office regardless of the size of your company.

But there is one thing that has to be present in shared office space, which is common courtesy. Here are a few ways to make your shared space run a little smoother. These few basic ideas will help utilize your office space to its full potential without alienating office mates.

Hallways and reception areas are great sound conductors. Loud phone calls or boisterous talking or laughing can impact other offices and you might not even realize it. It’s great that you stepped out into the hall to talk to your buddy from college. But the office next to you doesn’t want to hear about your plans for the weekend. In common areas, keep it down, please.

Having access to a kitchen is one of the major perks of shared office space. But remember, you’re not the only one that uses it. Don’t eat other people’s food and if you make a mess, clean it up. And please don’t be the guy that brings in leftovers from last night’s dinner that the whole office will smell for the remainder of the day when you heat it up. Leave the stinky leftovers at home for a late-night snack.

Networking with other people in your industry is a huge bonus of shared office space but just because you work in the same building, doesn’t mean you can bother them anytime you want. Everyone is at work to work, so don’t hang around other desks or common areas just to chat. Too much behavior like that and you likely won’t have a job much longer.

Renting office space is a great way to help your business grow in many different ways. And by adhering to a few basic guidelines, you can have a great working relationship with your office neighbors and be successful at the same time in your own business.