Are you struggling to stay focused and productive while working in a coworking space? With so many distractions and limited resources, it can be challenging to make the most out of your laptop.
But fear not, because we have some productivity hacks that will help you maximize your efficiency and achieve your goals.
The Rising Popularity Of Coworking Over The Years
Coworking has become an increasingly popular trend, and for good reason. It provides a collaborative environment that encourages growth and creativity. Plus, it’s great for networking opportunities and cost-effectiveness. Now that the pandemic is over, more people have become more at ease while working remotely, making coworking a great alternative.
For starters, ‘freedom’ is on the top list of why many want to keep working remotely as everything is now back to normal before the pandemic. However, freedom also brings distractions, making it hard to be productive.
But this same reason is why coworking spaces are the perfect solution. Working in a collaborative environment provides an abundance of resources and the opportunity to work with like-minded people. All you need is a laptop and you’re good to go.
But the thing is you also need to maximize your laptop’s capabilities to get the most out of it. This is where productivity hacks come into play. Read on to learn the best productivity tips for working in a coworking space with your laptop.
Organize Your Laptop
The first step towards being productive in a coworking space is organizing your laptop. A cluttered and disorganized digital workspace can be distracting and overwhelming, which is why organizing your laptop should be one of the first things you do.
How To Maximize Your Laptop For Productivity In Coworking Spaces
- Make sure your laptop is up to date: Updating your laptop will help it run more smoothly and efficiently. This ensures that your computer is able to handle any tasks or software programs you need to use while working. It also helps prevent any technical glitches that could slow you down.
Example Scenario:
You’re a software developer working on a complex project. Outdated software and hardware could lead to slow performance, causing delays and frustration. By regularly updating your laptop’s operating system and software, you ensure it can handle the demands of your coding tasks efficiently.
- Invest in comfortable headphones: Investing in noise-canceling headphones can help reduce distractions and allow you to focus on the task at hand. Additionally, they are great for blocking out background noise from your coworkers, allowing you to stay productive.
Example Scenario:
You’re a writer in a bustling coworking space with constant conversations and phone calls. Noise-canceling headphones become your best friends, allowing you to immerse yourself in your writing and meet your deadlines without distraction.
- Utilize cloud-based storage tools: Cloud-based storage tools are a great way to store all of your files in one place and access them from anywhere. These tools also make it easy to collaborate with coworkers and share documents quickly and efficiently.
Example Scenario:
You’re a project manager collaborating with a remote team on a marketing campaign. Using cloud-based tools like Google Drive or Dropbox, you can store project files, share them with team members, and have real-time access to updates, regardless of your coworking location.
- Set up an ergonomic workspace: Setting up an ergonomic workspace is essential for comfort and productivity. While it is true that in a coworking space, you don’t always have the luxury of setting up your own space.
However, it is possible to still find an ergonomic setup that works for you. Investing in a laptop stand, headphones, and an external mouse are just some you can invest in and can make all the difference.
Example Scenario:
You’re a data analyst working on a financial report for a client. While you can’t control the coworking space’s furniture, investing in a portable laptop stand and an external mouse helps you maintain a comfortable posture and avoid strain during long hours of data analysis.
- Use a dedicated browser that is meant ‘only’ for work: Dedicated browsers are a great way to avoid distractions. A dedicated browser will have all of your work-related tabs and websites in one easy-to-access place. This makes it easier to stay focused and on task without getting sidetracked by social media or other sites.
Example Scenario:
You’re a social media manager responsible for creating and scheduling posts. Using a dedicated browser for work-related tasks helps you stay focused. It keeps all your social media accounts and scheduling tools in one place, reducing the temptation to browse unrelated sites.
- Use good music: Good music can have a powerful effect on your productivity and focus. Listen to something that puts you in the right mood and helps you stay focused. The trick is to find something that won’t be too distracting or overwhelming.
Example Scenario:
You’re a content creator editing videos in a shared workspace. You find that instrumental music with a steady rhythm helps you maintain your editing flow and meet your video production deadlines.
- Invest in VPN: Investing in a VPN can help you access files, websites, and other resources securely. It also ensures that your data is safe and secure while working in public or shared spaces.
For the record, coworking spaces prioritize the safety of their members and visitors. But of course, you owe it to yourself and to your work to safeguard your privacy and data.
Example Scenario:
You’re a cybersecurity consultant conducting remote security assessments for clients. With a VPN, you can ensure your online activities are secure, especially when connecting to public Wi-Fi networks within coworking spaces. This safeguarding of sensitive data builds trust with your clients.
- Make it a habit to lock your laptop: Always remember to lock your laptop when you are not using it. This will help keep unwanted people from accessing or tampering with your device and its contents.
Example Scenario:
You’re an IT consultant working on-site at a coworking space. You step away from your desk for a coffee break, and your laptop is locked securely. This simple habit protects sensitive client data and maintains the professionalism of your workspace.
- Take regular breaks: Taking regular breaks during your workday is essential for productivity and focus. It allows you to step away from your laptop and recharge, which can help you stay focused when you return to your desk.
Example Scenario:
You’re a digital marketer working on multiple campaigns. You set a timer to remind you to take short breaks every hour. During these breaks, you stretch, grab a healthy snack, and recharge. This routine helps you stay productive and avoid burnout.
Additionally, the laptop can rest and avoid overheating, a common issue among many heavily-used laptops.
- Setting instructions, such as a timer to remind you when to take breaks, can help keep you on track and focused. This helps ensure that you are maximizing your laptop usage in the coworking space and not getting distracted by other things. Additionally, following instructions helps ensure that tasks don’t pile up due to procrastination or lack of focus.
Example Scenario:
You’re a project manager overseeing a team’s workflow. By setting clear instructions and using task management tools, you ensure that everyone is on the same page. This prevents tasks from piling up due to miscommunication and keeps the project on track.
This will also avoid your laptop’s memory maxing out and causing it to slow down.
Refining Your Tech Set-Up
The tips above are great ways to maximize your laptop usage in a coworking space. But it’s also important to remember that everyone has different needs and preferences when it comes to their tech setup.
Whether you’re a freelancer, an entrepreneur, or a digital nomad, refining your tech setup can help make sure you stay productive and efficient. Investing in the right tools and equipment can help you make the most out of your laptop in a coworking space.