Whether you work from home, in a bustling open office, or side by side with a partner, sharing a workspace comes with its own unique challenges. Noise, clutter, conflicting schedules, and different working styles can all get in the way of your focus and productivity. But with some thoughtful strategies, you can transform a shared space into a productive, even enjoyable, place to work.
Here’s how to navigate three common shared workspace scenarios.
1. Working from home with other people
When you live (and work) under the same roof as family, roommates, or a partner, the lines between professional and personal space can blur quickly.
Try these tips:
- Define your zones. Even if you don’t have a dedicated office, carve out a consistent workspace. A particular corner, desk, or even a portable cart that holds your work essentials can signal to others (and yourself) that you’re “at work.”
- Set expectations. Have clear conversations with the people you live with about your work hours and needs. Let them know when you’re on calls or doing focused work so they can avoid interruptions.
- Use signals. Simple cues like a closed door, headphones, or a “do not disturb” sign can help housemates know when you’re off-limits.
- Schedule shared needs. If you and your family or housemates need the same space at different times—say, for video calls—use a shared calendar or daily check-in to coordinate.
2. Navigating an open office environment
Open offices may foster collaboration, but they can also be noisy and distracting.
To thrive in an open workspace:
- Invest in headphones. Noise-canceling headphones can be a lifesaver for concentration. Even if you’re not listening to music, wearing them is a gentle visual cue that you’re focused.
- Create physical boundaries. Small items like desk organizers, plants, or a small screen can carve out your physical territory and reduce visual clutter.
- Create time and energy boundaries. When working in a shared space, particularly in an open office space, don’t be afraid to clearly communicate your needs to your co-workers. It’s ok to tell coworkers if you’re under a tight deadline or prefer to catch up later. A simple, “I’m on deadline right now, can we connect after 3?” works wonders. Remember the saying “you teach people how to treat you?” Be consistent when you ask for mental space – if you’re still interrupted, hold your ground and folks will learn to respect your boundaries.
- Use meeting rooms or quiet spaces. If your office has designated focus rooms or phone booths, take advantage of them when you need deep work time.
3. Sharing a workspace with a partner or spouse
Couples working from the same home—or even the same room—face a special set of challenges because of the effect it can have on your relationship. This has been a particular challenge for my husband and me. Our home office was really my office, where I manage my business and work online with many clients. My husband had an office at his workplace, but when the pandemic began, he needed to work from home for quite a while (as so many of us did.) I had to resign myself to sharing the space. It wasn’t easy! We had to adjust and be flexible (especially me – always a challenge!) Here’s what we discovered was helpful, and I’m hoping you’ll find some inspiration for your situation, too!
- Agreeing on ground rules. Decide together how you’ll handle phone calls, background noise, and shared resources like printers.
- Syncing your schedules. If possible, align times for quiet, focused work so you’re not distracting each other. Plan breaks together too—it can be a nice way to reconnect.
- Respecting different styles. One of you might be a neat freak while the other works in creative piles. Talk about what’s non-negotiable (like keeping a shared desk clear) and where you can give each other flexibility.
- Personalizing your spots. Even in a shared room, small touches—like your own lamp, chair cushion, or desk mat—can give you both a sense of ownership.
Sharing a workspace requires a mix of clear communication, empathy, and a few smart organizational tweaks. With a little planning, you can reduce friction and make your shared environment a productive and even enjoyable place to work – together!
