People often wonder how to stay focused while coworking at Haven Collective. It’s rare for someone to ask so directly. But, we hear that question as you tour the spaces and ask other things. Often, it sounds more like:
Where can I take phone calls?
I meet with clients regularly; is that allowed?
Can I work from the space anytime, or only during office hours?
Staying focused while you work anywhere can be challenging. You could be in a cardboard box, alone, with headphones on. And still, find it hard to focus.
But, when you leave the house to get your best work done, what are coworking spaces doing to support your efforts? I’ll share what Haven Collective does in our spaces to help you stay focused. I’ll also give you some tips to help you stay focused anywhere you work. The right combination for you might take a little bit of trial and error, but there’s gold in here if you’re willing to try.
What is Coworking?
First, a bit of background on coworking. Our spaces are designed to help you do your best work.
Coworking is like your local gym. It’s a place full of people who want a traditional office. But, for some reason, they do not have access to one. For many people, they work remotely for companies that don’t have offices in their area. For others, they are freelancers, small business owners, or solo entrepreneurs. They either want flexibility, can’t afford a traditional office, or don’t want one. Lastly, some teams cowork with us. It’s more fun and cheaper to work from Haven than in a traditional office.
Space Design
Haven has an eclectic mix of coworkers. So, we’ve designed the space with different environments. We want to give everyone what they need to succeed.
Open Spaces
When you need some energy, try an open coworking area. It works like a coffee shop, but without the guilt of squatting at a table for hours sipping one cup of coffee. At Haven Collective, coffee, tea, sparkling water, and snacks are always included. Most coworking spaces provide members with beverages and food.
Quiet Zones
There will be times when you want a quiet space to do “heads-down” work. That’s where our Quiet Zones come into play. We have spaces where you can feel comfortable working without distractions. No phone calls, no Zoom meetings, no loud conversations allowed.
Phone Booths
So, where to take those pesky phone calls and the ZOOM meetings that can overwhelm a calendar in no time… Haven offers phone booths for these moments. They are pretty much exactly as you’d expect, actually. It’s a small room, equipped for you to step away for some privacy.
Rental Spaces
At Haven, you’ll find larger spaces to rent at discounted member rates. Use them to meet clients, brainstorm, or bring your remote team together. You can also use them for scheduled privacy. Conference rooms and day offices are available to meet various member needs. Each room comes equipped with the necessities for getting your best work done. You (members and nonmembers) can easily reserve the spaces through the Haven Collective app or online via our website.
Additional Support
Something that’s often not talked about regarding coworking is how your coworkers can help you focus. For instance, by sharing your need to get a task done with a member, they can help hold you accountable. Since your coworkers likely don’t work at your company, you can be more open with them. You won’t feel micromanaged or guilty about any struggles or needs. We’re all here to get our best work done, and we can be very supportive.
One of the fun things that we’ve implemented at Haven is our phone jail. It’s a small UV device that helps clean your phone. But, it’s often used to keep the phone out of reach to avoid distractions. With a basic timer, it is amazing how effective the phone jail is at helping people get down to business.
If a reason lies behind your focus issues, you may need help to work through it. Haven Collective’s team of coaches is a phone call away. They’re experts in many areas. They can often provide solutions, resources, or breakthroughs. These free one-on-one sessions set Haven apart from other coworking spaces.
Tips for Focusing at Work
I asked Google for tips that help you stay focused at work, and here is the list it provided. I know this is cheating a bit. But, the list is good. I would hate to stop you from finding the tip that would best solve your focus problem. So, enjoy this rundown of tips Google stole from around the internet:
Take Breaks
Communicate Boundaries
Wear Headphones
Prioritize Your Tasks
Choose The Right Space
Mindfulness Exercises
Practice Self-Care
Step Away From Distractions (this is in alignment with our Phone Jail)
Curate Your Workspace
Choose Your Coworking Space Carefully
Collaborate With Coworkers. (I’m not sure how this keeps you focused. But, they can help you stay accountable. So, perhaps that is the intent here.)
Digital Distractions (Back to that Phone Jail again…)
Create a Schedule
Adjust Your Schedule
Use a Do Not Disturb Signal. (Headphones or sitting in the quiet zone usually work at Haven. We’re pretty considerate of one another.)
Network Strategically
Reserve a Private Room (conference rooms and private office rentals abound)
Time Management Techniques
Create a To-Do List
Avoid Multitasking
Establish a Routine (Joining a coworking space is great for this!)
Plan Your Day
Schedule Breaks
Turn Off Notifications (A great idea for mental health in general.)
Thanks, Google!
Conclusion
Distractions are everywhere. But you can reduce them. Create a routine of working from a coworking place. It should have multiple areas to move about and do your best work. Coworking spaces have been designed with this in mind. They offer quiet areas, phone booths, lounges, and more to help you find the perfect fit. You’ll meet people who will help you stay accountable. And you’ll tap into amenities and support services that can help you power through any roadblock.
Trial Coworking Days
If you’re unsure about coworking or haven’t found the right fit, try Haven Collective. Your first day is always free, and we love getting to know you, your business, and how we can help you get your best work done. Schedule your trial day here with code TRYHAVEN. We look forward to coworking with you.