Coworking Space Philippines Archives - Page 2 of 5

A Beginner’s Guide to Working Remotely

What are some good tips for remote working?

Find A Perfect Location
Over-Communicate
Be Equipped with the Right Tools
Find A Routine That Works For You

Remote working has been more prevalent during the past few years, more so now, that the COVID-19 pandemic has made it a great option for employees to stay safe and secure. If you’re new to remote working, it can impose a few challenges. It is completely different from the way you work on your 9-5. But, don’t worry, we’ve got some of the best practices for you. We’ve curated a complete guide on how to work remotely for beginners! This will make your transition as seamless and comfortable as possible. You’re bound to nail the remote working life before you know it.

Find A Perfect Location

Now that you are not working in an office setting, you have all the freedom to choose where you’re going to work. Location matters more than you think. It is one of the essential keys to succeeding in working remotely. So, make sure to choose it wisely.

If you opt to work from home, there are some adjustments you need to make. It can be challenging to make yourself actively and productively work as there are so many distractions around and it is so easy to be comfortable. Make sure that you allocate a separate area for exclusively doing work. If you don’t have a separate room to use as an office, choose a corner or a space that is quiet, not distracting, and well-lit.

Or, it’s best to just choose a co-working space instead. By doing this, you are solidifying a place to be in “work mode” which can increase your productivity.

Over-Communicate

We all know that communication is essential in the professional environment. While in a typical office situation, your co-workers are just a tap away, on a remote work setup, you no longer have this luxury. Because of this, it is even more important to communicate to ensure that everyone is on the same page and there are no misunderstandings. If you have any questions, make sure to clarify and double-check, and never hesitate to ask for help when you need it.

Be Equipped with the Right Tools

As a remote worker, your job will depend on your tools, specifically, technology. Ensure that you are equipped with everything you need. Make sure you have all the platforms and software downloaded for your job. Apart from this, make sure you have a reliable device and Wi-Fi connection. Other great investments to have while working remotely are noise-canceling headphones, a place to co-work in, a mouse, or maybe even a second screen. Trust us, these will all be integral to productivity and proficiency.

Find A Routine That Works for You

One of the top things employees love about working remotely is flexibility. You are given more time and freedom. However, for people who are so used to a routine, it can be fairly challenging. But it’s all about maximizing and using the time wisely.

Key Takeaway

Remote working has definitely been beneficial for everyone, especially during these times. However, if you’re new to the setup, it can take some time to get used to. But it doesn’t have to be as challenging. This guide on how to work remotely for beginners has all the best practices you need to nail your remote working life. Looking for a place to remote work? Click here to see how Workplays can help you!

How to Stay Mentally Healthy at Work

How can you stay mentally healthy at work?

Don’t Skip on Lunch Breaks
Set Boundaries
Play Music
Socialize
Keep a Clean and Organized Workspace
Ask for Help When Needed

More working professionals are embracing “hustle culture” and becoming further immersed in their jobs over the years. True enough, in some instances having the drive to work your hardest, is a good thing. However, this has become the standard for many to gauge mental health, which shouldn’t be the case at all. Ignoring this can lead to burnout and even more serious mental health issues. Don’t wait until this happens before you take action. You should always know how to stay mentally healthy at work, more so during these times. The impacts of the pandemic can lead to even more stress and strain. Here are some seven simple strategies to keep yourself mentally healthy at work:

Don’t Skip Lunch on Breaks

With all the tasks you have to do within the day, it can be so easy to overlook your lunch break, especially if you are working from home. Lunch breaks are implemented for a reason and are far more important than you realize. It allows your mind to recharge, rest, and refocus. Lunch breaks or eating on your table doesn’t count. Make sure that you devote your lunch breaks to yourself and eating a proper meal.

Set Boundaries

Most make the mistake of not setting any boundaries between work and their personal life. But this is one of the biggest contributors to workplace burnout. Setting boundaries and practicing a good work-life balance is extremely important for your health and well-being.

Devote working hours exclusively for work. Clock in and clock out on time, and do not work afterward.

Play Music

If your job allows it, consider playing music that you enjoy while working. You will feel better, calmer, and it may relieve stress and pressure.

Socialize

Feeling isolated at home? Or maybe you’ve been too busy keeping up with your tasks in the office. If so, try socializing more with your colleagues during breaks. Interacting with others will boost your mood and feelings of well-being. Sharing a good laugh or a great conversation could go a long way for your mood.

Keep a Clean and Organized Workspace

Disorganization and clutter have negative effects on the brain. Plus, no one wants to work in an unhygienic and messy workplace. Make sure to throw away your trash immediately and don’t let clutter accumulate on your desk. A clean and organized workspace will improve focus and boost working memory

As for Help When Needed

Handling tasks independently is the key to achieving your work goals. However, if there’s too much on your plate, and you struggle to understand a certain task, asking for help is never a bad thing. Ask for help when it is needed and don’t let stress pile up.

Key Takeaway

Knowing how to stay mentally healthy at work will definitely keep you happier and healthier. Never make the mistake of overlooking your mental well-being in the midst of working hard to achieve your work goals. Looking for a healthy environment to start working in? Click here to read more about Workplays!

Office Meal Ideas to Increase Your Immunity

What are some of the office meal ideas that can increase your immunity?

Avocado Toast
Lemon Chicken
Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry
Yogurt Oatmeal

Let’s admit it. Sticking to an office meal plan is tricky under normal conditions. With the quarantine regulations forcing companies to adopt remote work, this becomes even more challenging.

You might have experienced being on a conference call and sprinting to the kitchen just to eat something to fill your empty stomach. Or maybe you munch on unhealthy chips all day while working. These scenarios prove that maintaining a healthy diet is easier said than done when you’re working from home.

However, this is not the time to overlook proper nutrient intake. Now more than ever is when you’ll need to boost your immune system. With that, we’ve rounded up some office meal ideas to increase your immunity!

Avocado Toast

Before you start your day, it will take more than a cup of coffee to ensure that your body receives the nutrients it needs. Just as the saying goes, “Breakfast is the most important meal of the day”.

Try making an easy to make Avocado Toast. Avocados are not only flavorful but they contain vitamins A, C, and E which have immune-boosting properties as well. Consuming this breakfast meal will help your body fight off bacterial attacks.

Ingredients

1 avocado, peeled and seeded
½ teaspoon lemon juice
Pinch of salt and pepper
⅛ teaspoon pepper
½ teaspoon olive oil
2 slices of bread of choice

Instructions

In a bowl, put in the avocado, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Mash with the back of a fork.
Toast the slices of bread until crispy.
Spread the mashed mixture on each slice.
Drizzle with olive oil. You can sprinkle over your desired toppings as well.

Lemon Chicken

For lunchtime, it would be best to eat a heavier meal that’s rich in protein. Eating Lemon Chicken will not only be filling, but it will energize you for the rest of the office hours as well!

Chickens are high in vitamin B-6 which plays a vital role in forming healthy red blood cells. On the other hand, lemon is an excellent source of vitamin C. The potent antioxidant helps your body ward off infections and diseases.

Ingredients

3 chicken breast fillets
Salt and pepper to taste
⅓ cup flour
1 tablespoon oil
4 tablespoons butter
1 ½ teaspoon garlic, minced
½ cup chicken broth
3 tablespoons lemon juice

Instructions

Season the chicken with salt and pepper.
In a shallow dish, sprinkle both sides of the chicken with flour.
Over medium-high heat, add oil and butter.
Sear both sides of the chicken until golden brown.
In a separate pan, sauté the garlic.
Pour in the chicken broth and lemon juice.
Let the mixture simmer and reduce the heat.
Add the butter.
Add in the cooked chicken to the skillet.
Serve warm.

Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry

Garlic contains a key compound called allicin. Allicin boosts the disease-fighting response of the body’s white cells. According to a study, garlic can even contribute to the prevention of major illnesses such as gastric ulcers and heart problems.

On the other hand, broccoli is a good source of vitamins and contains powerful phytochemicals that neutralize free radicals.

Consuming a Garlic Broccoli Stir Fry meal is sure to boost your immune system. So get cooking and whip up this hearty meal with only eight ingredients!

Ingredients

1 tablespoon oil
4 large garlic cloves, minced
1 ½ cup broccoli
¼ cup chicken broth
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons water

Instructions

Boil the broccoli.
Drain the water.
In a pan, sauté the garlic until golden brown.
Add in the broccoli.
Add in the chicken broth.
Season with salt and pepper.
Once the broccoli is cooked, add in the cornstarch and water to thicken the sauce.
Serve with rice and enjoy!

Yogurt Oatmeal

Even if you had a good breakfast or lunch you would feel quite hungry after a few hours. This just shows that your body is burning the fuel while you’re working. Instead of grabbing unhealthy sugary foods or salty potato chips, munch on a healthy snack like Yogurt Oatmeal.

Yogurt is a good source of probiotics that can stimulate the immune system and reduce the likeliness of catching diseases. It is also rich in vitamin A, Zinc, and Vitamin D.

Before you recreate this meal, remember to look for yogurts that have live and active cultures. Avoid getting the ones that are loaded with sugar as well. Plain yogurt can be sweetened with healthy fruits instead.

Ingredients

½ cup oats
Pinch of salt
1 ¼ cup milk
¼ cup yogurt
Fruit toppings (optional)

Instructions

In a pot, add oats and salt.
Combine the milk and stir.
Cook over medium-high heat.
Remove it from the heat.
Stir in the yogurt.
Transfer the oatmeal to a bowl and top with your choice of fruit toppings.
Serve!

Key Takeaway

Stick to a healthy office meal plan. While it may be tempting to neglect nutritious food options and just grab anything you can see in the kitchen, this won’t do any good for your overall health. Give your body a fighting chance to combat viruses today!

How to Manage Your Time When Working During the Pandemic

What are some time management techniques for working during the pandemic?

Adjust your expectations
Plan a schedule
Have a designated working space
Avoid social media distractions
Set boundaries
Communicate with your boss

Under the best circumstances, practicing the best time management techniques is already hard enough. Now that we are living in unprecedented times, working from home automatically becomes even more challenging.

As events related to the COVID-19 pandemic continue to unfold, it can become tougher to work without the setting you are accustomed to when in the office. Nonetheless, managing your time effectively should stay on top of the priority list.

Here are five tips for time management that can help you be more effective.

Adjust Your Expectations

Everyone is still fairly new when it comes to adjusting to the “new normal”. Families are trying to keep up with remote job tasks and online learning sessions.

The full workforce operations have shifted at home. Without the capability to have person-to-person conversations that offices allow, virtual meetings, whether scheduled or not, are what keeps companies functioning.

Adjust your expectations and instill in your mind that even if you are home, you can’t just slack around. You have to work just as hard as when you were in the office.

Plan A Schedule

Instead of leaving your calendar as a blank slate for organizations to fill out, plan out your schedule to support your job.

Remember that the biggest difference between working in the office and working from home is that you get to be in charge of how you manage your time and environment. This means you are accountable as well.

Before every weekend, dedicate time for jotting down reminders for the incoming week. By doing so, you will be able to know your responsibilities in advance. Trust us, you’ll meet the demands of projects even more.

Have A Designated Working Space

You may not realize it but the way your working space is set up can do wonders in effectively managing your time. It can impact your productivity levels as well.

For example, have a dedicated area around your house for work purposes. Don’t just sit in the kitchen table where the meals are laying around. In the same way, do not work in the living room where everyone can just come in, watch a movie, and distract you.

While it’s true that you don’t need to recreate a full-scale office, you must have a place where you can have complete focus. Moreover, clean your working space. No one wants to work in a cluttered desk as it hampers productivity. Doing all these can help you in achieve time management better by focusing mentally.

Avoid Social Media Distractions

Social media is a highly entertaining and informative platform. But, let’s admit it. It can be constantly distracting as well.

It’s so easy to pick up your phone and scroll through Instagram and Facebook every few minutes. Sure, it might not seem like it’s eating a huge chunk of your time. However, remote workers may find that social media is consuming their time unintentionally.

With this being said, it will be best to log out of social media accounts during working hours. If you find this hard, you can always try muting your notifications.

Set Boundaries

Now that the daily commute to and from the office is not needed, you might find it difficult to end your day properly. At home, you can easily access work applications and emails. To maintain a healthy work-life balance, remember to close all the work tabs at the end of working hours.

Turn off your laptop and store it properly in a place where you won’t get tempted to check every notification. If possible, set your status as “away” to avoid colleagues from reaching out to you outside working hours.

Communicate with Your Boss

When it comes to going fully remote, it is inevitable to experience bumps during the adjustment period. After all, everyone is truly becoming overwhelmed with the effects of the pandemic.

You have to juggle the work responsibilities along with the worries of rising new cases and keeping your loved ones safe from the threat of infection. The key to steering through their time management problems is communicating with your boss.

Letting them know what’s happening can help in managing expectations and coming up with a plan that’s best for you. Talk to team leaders you work with throughout the day as well. These are unprecedented times and flexible work arrangements can be done.

Key Takeaway

When it comes to time management techniques during the pandemic, follow the six tips we’ve stated above. These are unprecedented times and these efforts may just help in managing your time effectively at home.

Applications to Use for Virtual Meetings

What are the virtual meeting applications you can use?

Zoom
Google Meet
Slack
GoToMeeting
FaceTime

With the pandemic situation putting a limit on face-to-face contact, we rely on video calls to keep in touch with family, friends, and coworkers. Not surprisingly, there has been a huge demand surge for virtual meeting applications.

No matter what city around the world, citizens are living under some kind of quarantine mandate. This means organizations have to adjust their operations plans to embrace the work-from-home culture. It’s business as usual. All companies will need to find a way to communicate with their employees effectively.

Numerous virtual meeting applications are available on the market today. Aside from being able to host meetings, users can enjoy numerous perks offered as well. But as remote work is the new standard for companies, only the best communication tools should be used.

As this can be a challenge, we’ve rounded up the best applications to use for virtual meetings. Any of these five choices will definitely instill productivity in your team. Read on!

Zoom

With the rising popularity of the Zoom app, it may come as a surprise that it has been founded since 2011. Once this application started gaining traction, users immediately appreciated the flawless HD video quality.

Zoom is a reliable cloud-based video conferencing service. Whether it’s audio-only calls or video calls – you can conduct live chats at any given moment. The best perks of it? It has a screen sharing feature that’s easy to use, scheduling display, and call recording.

The application’s “Zoom Rooms” is a major advantage for companies as well. This allows participants to use their laptops, tablets, phones, and more when attending meetings.

To set up a virtual meeting, all you have to do is sign in, create a new call, and then invite others by sending a link. It doesn’t matter if participants have a Zoom account or not. All they have to do is download the app.

Zoom allows users to have a virtual meeting with up to 100 participants. However, the free meeting option has a time limit of 40 minutes. If you want to upgrade your plan, you can do so for a reasonable price.

Google Meet

In an effort to upgrade their current video communication service, Google has introduced Google Meet. It is a popular tool that can hold voice and video conferences as well. However, the Google Meet difference offers more advantages for users of Google Suite. This means participants can join virtual meetings directly from Gmail. They claim to be the best application that is built on robust security systems. Google states that they secure all your information through encrypted video meetings.

Slack

Before anything else, Slack is a platform that offers well-organized chat rooms first. Instead of a single email inbox filled with jumbled content, Slack offers users dedicated channels that divide conversations depending on the topic chosen. You can send direct messages as well.

Aside from streamlining work, social media platforms and file-sharing programs are integrated too. Known as one of the best software for companies, Slack stepped up their game by adding video conferencing for desktop devices.

Say goodbye to complicated login procedures. With one click in the conversations, you can host a virtual meeting. Go ahead and send fun GIFs and emoticons to your team. Slack’s only downside is that it does not allow screen sharing.

GoToMeeting

Contending all the applications stated is GoToMeeting. One of its key benefits includes being browser-based. Users do not need to install any software to set up a virtual meeting. A code sent will do the trick.

Users can integrate 3rd party tools such as Google Calendar and Chrome plugins. Moreover, GoToMeeting functions in compliance with HIPAA security which is perfect for companies who want to protect all their sensitive information. Here, everyone’s privacy is protected with strong passwords and end-to-end encryption.

The whiteboard feature allows other participants to highlight the presenter’s screen while the virtual meeting is ongoing. You can also send out a saved recording for absent team members.

More attractive features include 24/7 tech support and unlimited meeting sessions.

FaceTime

You know too well that urgent meetings can arise. If your team has Apple products, FaceTime is the perfect application for this. Have a quick one-on-one call with a team member.

You can never go wrong with this one because it’s free and pretty straightforward. Simply call the person’s number and communicate from anywhere you may be.

Key Takeaway

During these times, remote teams cannot function without the help of virtual meeting applications. It’s time to use the right one for yours.

Do you have a work-from-home team and need a way to communicate with ease? Try out Zoom, Google Meet, Slack, GoToMeeting, and FaceTime. Foster productivity, improve collaboration, and help your company better with these five applications today.

Work Bag Essentials You Need Right Now

What are the work bag essentials that you need right now?

Hygiene Items
First Aid Kit
Extra Face Masks
Your Own Utensils
Water Jug

Times have changed and so have our work bag essentials. Months ago, our everyday work bags would mostly consist of electronics, wallets, and personal toiletries. But today, with the uncertainty of COVID-19 still looming over the country, there are some specific items that you should be carrying along with you at all times.

We have a handy checklist ready for you! With these must-haves equipped in your office bag, you are ensured extra health, protection, and preparedness. Make your work life a breeze even during these times. Never leave home without these 5 necessities:

Hygiene Items

It is of utmost importance to have hygiene items in your bag. If possible, bring along your own personal hand soap to avoid sharing soap in public bathrooms.

Make sure that you always have a hand sanitizer, alcohol, or wet wipes to use when there is no access to soap and water around. You can even use these to clean the surfaces near you. Keep travel-sized versions of these in a toiletry pouch to fit in your bag.

First Aid Kit

Your work bag should always have items to treat minor injuries. These will avoid trips to the clinic and the pharmacy when you’re out. Great and practical first aid essentials to have in your bag are Band-Aids in a variety of different sides, ointments, over-the-counter medicines, and sterile gloves. If you have an underlying health concern, you should also make sure that you are equipped with your own appropriate medicine just in case.

Extra Face Masks

Whether it be a washable face mask or a disposable one, always wear a face mask to protect yourself and those around you. Wearing one in public is a must these days. You should always have extras of it in your bag at all times. Some are even opting for face shields lately. You can look into it if you want protection from fogging, dust, and splashes.

Your Own Utensils

One of the fastest ways germs can spread from person-to-person is by mouth. This is why during these times, it’s best to bring your own personal utensils. Using these while eating out for lunch breaks or for eating at the office will be safer and more hygienic. It would also be a good idea to invest in your own reusable straw for your safety and ease of use.

Water Jug

Avoid drinking from other cups and bring your own water jug to work. This is will not only be hygienic and safe, but it will also do wonders for your health. Having a water jug at your desk will be a visual reminder for you to stay hydrated. Being well-hydrated at work will additionally improve productivity, reduce morning fatigue, and can boost your metabolism.

Key Takeaway

The pandemic has unquestionably changed our day-to-day, even our work bag essentials. There are certain items that you should never leave home without. Make sure you equip your everyday work bag with these items to ensure a fuss and worry-free workday.

How to Improve Your Well-Being at Work

How can you improve your well-being at work?

Take Breaks
Stay Hydrated
Proper Nutrition

Pushing yourself to achieve your goals at work can definitely lead to incredibly rewarding results. But in the midst of all the hustle, it is so easy to overlook something extremely important: your well-being. And you know for a fact that this shouldn’t be the case. It’s imperative that your well-being is at the top of your priorities, most especially during these unprecedented circumstances. You will find yourself happier, healthier, and more productive if you do! Think you don’t have the time? There are a few simple ways to successfully improve your well-being at work. Today, we’ll share with you some of our favorite ways. Read on for more!

Take Breaks

It may sound practical to finish your tasks all in one sitting but gluing yourself to your desk the whole day will do you more harm than good. Doing this results in poor posture, more stress, and even less productivity. Make sure to take advantage of your lunch breaks. Eating at your desk while working doesn’t count. Make sure to step away from your workspace, and leverage your time for eating a proper meal. You will also feel more invigorated and refueled to take on afternoon challenges afterward.

And in cases where things get too overwhelming and stressful at work, ensure that you give yourself time to refresh. Something as simple as a 10-minute stretch or a quick step outside can make a world of a difference.

Stay Hydrated

When you’re in a cooped up in a comfortable, well-conditioned office, focusing on different tasks, water will often get put on the back burner. Make sure that you stay hydrated! Proper hydration will not only contribute to better health, but it also helps in reducing daytime fatigue. Whereas dehydration can bring on headaches, lack of focus, and can even reduce your productivity. To help you stay hydrated within a busy workday, keep a personal jug at your desk as a visual reminder.

Proper Nutrition

While snacking on fast food and sugary snacks may be an easy and accessible option when you’re at work, it can take a huge toll on your health and well-being, especially if done often. The best way to go about this is by packing your own food. With this, you get to personalize what you eat and what goes into your body. Additionally, it will help you save a substantial amount of money long-term.

Key Takeaway

While there is no problem in devoting yourself to your work, you should also be equally invested in your well-being. Compromising this can cause negative physical and mental health issues down the line. Make sure that you are taking steps to improve your well-being at work to stay in the best shape. Your body will be thanking you for it in the long run!

Roles of a Co-Working Space Community Manager

What does a co-working space community manager do?

A conduit to all things new
A familiar, friendly face
A mediator and a matchmaker

An active sense of community is the heart and soul of a co-working space. Members and guests of the community themselves may not be aware of it, but it’s that very spirit that makes a co-working space more than just a workplace. At the center of it all, at the heart of it, stands the co-working space community manager, breathing life and character into the otherwise mundane collection of desks and chairs. So what exactly is the role of a community manager? How does an excellent community manager contribute to unlocking the potential of a great co-working space? Read on!

A Conduit to All Things New

A community manager brings people together by discovering what the guests and members need and feel, then whipping up something new and exciting that can connect and intersect them. This creates a living, breathing community more than anything else.

Creating events tailor-made for different reasons is a primary job for a CM. It can be to ease stress as a collective like happy hour, gripe-releasing sessions, board game hosting, or morning yoga. It can also be to pool thinking minds together like lunch-and-learns or idea sharing activities. This also encourages new prospective members to seamlessly join the community via a public event. A community manager is not a pencil pusher, but a “people connector”, and the best way to do that is by bringing something new to the table for everyone to share.

A Familiar, Friendly Face

You know that friendly barkeep in those popular adventure stories, who seems to lead you to all the right people and tip you on where to go next? That’s pretty much what a community manager is. His or her demeanor also sets the tone for what kind of a group and what vibe the place has. That can be the deciding factor whether a guest wants to sign up to be there regularly or find his or her place in the community.

If any member or guest needs help with whatever trouble they’re having, they know exactly who to turn and run to; someone who’s guaranteed to solve their smallest problem. That’s your community manager. He or she is ready to assist and to extend a helping hand even before the need arises — always with a warm, welcoming smile. If there are also those who need to find a particular person with a certain skill set or service, they can turn to the “friendly barkeep” to connect them to someone in that field. Problem solved!

Eventually, they will feel a sense of belonging in a safe space where they can be as natural and as candid as they are. This also means that they’ll keep coming back.

A Mediator and Matchmaker

A co-working space has a very strong emphasis on its prefix ‘co’, which means that it’s a shared communal space. As you can tell, any group of people stuck together in one place for a duration of time, especially for extended periods, can lead to some friction and misunderstanding. Even more so when everyone is stressing out about deadlines, deliverables and client demands. And that’s where a community manager steps in and alleviates the tension, ready to find reasonable compromises and ways to settle disputes without disrupting the flow of work.

On the flip side, a co-working community manager knows (or is always eager to get to know) all the people going in and out of the facility, whether they are first-timers or long-time regulars. Adding that extra touch and effort goes a long way into creating new relationships within the member circles that may form into greater ventures, to larger teams and dreams. For the co-working space, a CM retains those connections (and ideally, friendships), checking up on where they are in life or what they need, and exploring new opportunities to help. In turn, a CM will be able to market and expand the customer base with a never-ending network of people who share the same interests and goals.

Key Takeaway

A community manager is a person of the people. An outgoing extrovert with a pulse for what’s new, everyone’s trusted friend and ally; the glue that holds and balances the new community. Seems like a lot to ask of someone, but with the right kind of person, you can build and connect a network of people that are willing to create and develop together in a new-found home – and to that point, it’s a very rewarding experience and an amazing, worthwhile accomplishment for anyone.

Physical Qualities of a Workplace That Improve Employee Performance

What are the physical qualities of a workplace that improve employee performance?

Lighting
Size of room
Furnishing
Ventilation
Recreational spaces

If you don’t already know, there are actually several external factors that could affect the level of performance an employee exhibits at a workplace. While considering the internal factors, such as skills and emotional intelligence, for example, the employee’s environment can also largely affect the quality of the output they consistently provide.

It won’t be farfetched to imagine that companies have been, time and again, experimenting and constantly investing in practices on how to improve employee performance. They might be investing in training seminars to enrich the employees’ knowledge and skills, or they might even be offering them with free amenities at their disposal.

These practices may or may not achieve the desired outcome, but if you want to know more about how the physical qualities of a workplace affect employee performance, then continue reading.

Lighting

Everyone possesses some level of understanding that working in poorly-lit environments can present some challenges. If you’re an artist and you’re painting something on a canvas, for example, it’s difficult to see the sketch and the other elements of your work without a good source of light.

In much the same way, an office workspace that does not have the appropriate lighting can prove to be a non-conducive working environment. Employees won’t be able to clearly identify what they’re reading if they’re assessing some kind of documentation. A dark room may also even cause some employees to feel drowsy after a prolonged time period.

Some of the practices you can adopt is keeping windows unblocked in order to help natural lighting to seep through. You should also choose appropriate office lighting, such as warm colors so that the eyesight of your employees won’t get strained. Not only will the practice improve their alertness, but it will also promote a higher level of work engagement among them.

Size of Room

Another physical factor that affects employee performance is the size of the room. As with any type of endeavor, working in tight spaces is uncomfortable. You won’t be able to have too much room for you to freely move and go about your work. Small rooms can also serve as a distraction to you. Instead of you focusing on the task at hand, you can get preoccupied about being confined to a very little space.

This is why another quality that distinguishes a good workplace from the rest, is how much it is able to appropriately maximize its space. Employees should be able to move about without feeling any physical constraints that might prevent them from properly engaging in their tasks.

Larger spaces with have been decluttered properly can help employees divert their attention towards more essential matters, hence, improving productivity.

Furnishing

The type of workplace furniture can also contribute greatly to the level of employee performance. For example, if the seats are uncomfortable, they won’t be able to devote long hours of their time to their task. Instead, they will be fixated on trying to find a good seating position.

The best type of chairs for a workplace would be those which provide comfort, and flexibility for the employees to be able to stretch their limbs. Aside from this, companies should also make it a habit to constantly monitor their furniture upkeep. Chairs may be prone to breakage because of the wear and tear, so companies should make it a point to replace the chairs as needed.

Ventilation

Employees might find extreme temperatures to be uncomfortable. For example, if an office has poor ventilation, its inhabitants might feel like they have to exert more effort in just trying to keep themselves cool. As with many of the factors presented above, they will become more fixated on addressing their physical discomfort instead of the deliverable which they need to accomplish. Extremely cold temperatures also achieve the same undesirable outcome.

Just some good ventilation practices which companies can adopt, include installing just the right number of air-conditioning units, as well as, adding several windows in the event of an electrical blackout. They should also ensure to maintain the temperature of the air-conditioning units at a level comfortable to the employees.

Recreational Spaces

Everyone is familiar with the old adage of “work hard, play hard”. One could think that this saying could largely be applied to the workplace. Employees are simply human and because of this fact, they are not bereft of desires and the pleasures in life.

The presence of recreational spaces in workplaces offers employees an avenue where they can relieve their stress. These spaces don’t have to be too large. Just some amenities which employees can make use of are leisurely reading materials or even some board games, to name a few.

After employees are able to take advantage of these recreational activities during their free time, they will feel more re-energized the moment they go back to their work.

Key Takeaway

If you own a company and are unsure of the practices on how to improve employee performance, then it would be in your best interest to consider the environmental factors. Variable internal factors are something that cannot be controlled, but you can still largely control the way by which the physical surroundings of your workplace can affect your employees.

The guide above has hopefully offered you with useful information and other practices you can adopt in your own company.

Co-Working for Introverts and Extroverts

What are the benefits of co-working spaces for introverts and extroverts?

No pressure to socialize
Flexible
Chance to discover new clients
Friendly community managers

The modern era has led to many types of technological advancements. Not only that, but it has also made changes in the way people socialize with one another. Different modes of interactions were brought about in many aspects of society, particularly in the workplace. Non-traditional modes of employment, or working together, have been born, making people ponder about the benefits of co-working spaces.

Through co-working spaces, people from many walks of life and interests have been able to interact with one another, sharing their ideas and opinions. Deviating away from the typical office hierarchy has allowed different kinds of people, like introverts and extroverts to interact in a much more relaxed setting, without the added pressure to socialize.

Though at first there seems to be a dichotomy between the two, introverts and extroverts can actually simultaneously thrive in co-working spaces. Continue reading to find out more about how co-working spaces benefit both introverts and extroverts.

No pressure to socialize

One of the most common misconceptions people have about introverts is that they’re shy, soft-spoken, and have difficulty open up. While some introverts may display such behavior, these adjectives are actually not characteristic of them. The very thing which separates introverts from extroverts is the way they both expend their social energy.

In simple terms, introverts have something called a ‘social battery’ which typically drains over time, the longer they spend socializing or talking to other people. When this battery drains, they need to spend a few moments in isolation to recharge once more. Extroverts’ social batteries, on the other hand, never seem to run out.

When these two types of people converge in co-working spaces, no such rift will be formed. The very fact that the environment is still a working environment, gives extroverts the idea that people around them have to work on their own tasks, in their own time. Everyone is busily accomplishing a deliverable. On the other hand, co-working spaces allow introverts to work at their own pace, without the need to talk to everyone all the time.

Flexibility

Though a co-working space is still a community, it offers several avenues that make it flexible for both introverts and extroverts.

As mentioned before, introverts aren’t necessarily people who shy away from the interaction. It’s only that their social battery needs to be filled up again before they can begin mingling. These types of people can enjoy working in a quiet, isolated area in a co-working space where they can be totally engrossed in their task.

Meanwhile, since extroverts are natural social butterflies, they can head to the open areas in a particular co-working space where they can have discussions with like-minded individuals. Once introverts feel like they’re ready to socialize, they can move away from their corners and join the rest of the group.

Chance to discover new clients

One of the best things about co-working spaces is its ability to bring people of different backgrounds, and cultures, together. As such, both introverts and extroverts can view co-working spaces as opportunities for them to build connections with individuals who can provide advantages in their professional careers.

Every individual, without any consideration about their personality types, has valuable skills and knowledge they can potentially offer other people. For example, an introverted content writer who has plans of building their own SEO company may be able to find an extroverted web designer capable of building their webpage.

In much the same way, an outgoing accounts manager needs the exemplary writing skills of an introvert who can be seen silently and dutifully working in their own space.

Friendly community managers

Co-working spaces, in order to function in the most organized way possible, need the leadership of a community manager. The job of the community manager is not only to make sure that every amenity in the space is in working order but also to facilitate different connection-building activities for the people utilizing the space.

Community managers are aware of the diverse pool of people in the co-working space, and as such, they recognize that each have their own strengths and weaknesses.

Introverts who feel socially-drained, but need to build connections through networking, may ask the help of the space’s community manager to introduce them to other people. On the other hand, extroverts who may feel hesitant about approaching an introvert may be able to ask the help of the community manager to facilitate their interaction.

All this is made possible because of the friendliness displayed by the community manager in a stress-free environment.

Key Takeaway

Co-working spaces may at first prove to be non-beneficial for both introverts and extroverts because of the starkly different personality types they exhibit. However, as they eventually ease into that type of environment, you will discover that not only can they thrive, but they can also productively coexist with one another.

If you own a co-working space, the guide above has hopefully given you an overview of just some of the benefits it can provide for both introverts and extroverts.