The Etiquette of a Shared Office Space: A Londoner’s Guide

Shared offices are the lifeblood of London’s startup and freelance scenes. They’re vibrant, collaborative, and fantastically flexible. But let’s be honest, putting dozens of different companies and personalities under one roof can be a recipe for… interesting situations. After years of working in and observing these brilliant spaces, I’ve come to realise there’s a secret code of conduct, an unwritten manual for peaceful coexistence. This is your guide to the **etiquette of a shared office space**. Think of it as the professional Londoner’s handbook to not becoming ‘that person’ in the office. Following these simple, unspoken rules will not only make your work life more pleasant but will also help you build a brilliant reputation in your new work community.

Mastering the etiquette of a shared office space is about more than just being polite; it’s about respect for the shared environment and the diverse group of professionals within it. It’s about understanding that your actions, however small, contribute to the overall productivity and atmosphere of the space. Let’s dive into the key areas where a little consideration goes a very long way.

The Sacred Ground: The Communal Kitchen

The kitchen is the heart of any shared office, but it can quickly become its biggest battleground. This is where friendships are forged over coffee and where passive-aggressive notes about unwashed mugs are born. Don’t be the reason for the notes.

The Golden Rules of the Kitchen:

• Wash Your Wares (Properly): This is the cardinal rule. If you use a mug, a plate, or cutlery, wash it, dry it, and put it away immediately. A quick rinse doesn’t count. Nobody wants to encounter the ghost of your lunchtime soup.
• The Fridge Is Not a Science Lab: Label your food. If it’s not labelled, it’s fair game (in some ruthless offices!). More importantly, don’t leave food to become a fuzzy, green science experiment. If it’s past its prime, bin it.
• Microwave Etiquette: Please, for the love of all that is good, avoid microwaving pungent foods. That leftover fish pie or potent curry might be delicious, but it will haunt the entire floor for hours. And always, always wipe up any splatters.

The Sound of Silence (and Not-So-Silence)

Balancing collaboration with concentration is the central challenge of any shared workspace. Your noise level has a direct impact on the productivity of everyone around you. Mastering the **etiquette of a shared office space** when it comes to sound is a superpower.

The Noise Level Code:

• Know Your Zones: Most offices have different zones. The open-plan desk areas are for quiet, focused work. Breakout areas and lounges are for casual chats and collaborative work. Kitchens are for socialising. Respect these invisible boundaries.
• Embrace the Phone Booth: Phone booths are your best friend. Use them for any call that will last more than a minute. This includes personal chats, client calls, and video conferences. Nobody needs to hear one side of your lengthy sales negotiation.
• Headphones Are a Universal Signal: If someone is wearing headphones, it’s the universal sign for “I’m in the zone, please don’t disturb me unless the building is on fire.” Respect it. And if you’re listening to music, make sure it’s not audible to your neighbours.

The Meeting Room Minefield

Meeting rooms are a precious, finite resource. How you treat them says a lot about your professionalism. A casual approach here can quickly earn you a bad reputation.

Booking and Using Rooms Like a Pro:

• Book What You Need: Don’t book a 10-person boardroom for a two-person chat. Be considerate and choose a room that fits your meeting size.
• End on Time (or Early): Your meeting ending is someone else’s meeting beginning. Running over is a major breach of etiquette. If you finish early, cancel the rest of your booking so someone else can use the space.
• Leave It Better Than You Found It: This is simple. Wipe down the whiteboard, push in the chairs, and take your empty coffee cups with you. Leave the room pristine and ready for the next user.

Networking, Not Pestering

One of the best parts of a shared office is the community. But there’s a fine line between friendly networking and being an unwelcome distraction. The key is to read the room.

How to Connect, Not Annoy:

• The Kitchen Is Your Friend: The kitchen and breakout areas are the natural places for striking up conversations. It’s informal and doesn’t interrupt anyone’s workflow.
• Look for Openings: If someone has their headphones off and is taking a screen break, that’s a good time for a quick “hello.” If they’re typing furiously, it’s not.
• Be a Giver, Not Just a Taker: Don’t make your first interaction a sales pitch. Offer help, share an interesting article, or simply introduce yourself. Build a relationship first.

Featured Spaces Where Great Etiquette Thrives

A well-designed space can often encourage better behaviour. Here are a few London offices with excellent layouts that promote a harmonious working environment.

60 Margaret Street, Fitzrovia

A variety of zones, from quiet libraries to buzzing lounges, allows everyone to find their perfect work setting.

80 Strand, Covent Garden

Large, well-equipped kitchens and breakout areas naturally encourage positive social interaction.

Mark Lane, Fenchurch Street

An abundance of high-tech phone booths and private rooms makes respecting noise levels effortless.

Ultimately, the **etiquette of a shared office space** boils down to one simple thing: being a considerate human being. It’s about being aware that you’re part of a professional ecosystem. By following these simple guidelines, you’ll not only avoid being the office villain but also actively contribute to creating a productive, positive, and collaborative environment for everyone.