Coworking spaces have become a go-to choice for freelancers seeking structure, community, and professionalism. But while shared workspaces offer many benefits, they also come with their own set of time management challenges—think spontaneous conversations, ambient noise, or even the temptation to over-socialize.
If you're a freelancer working from a coworking space and looking to improve your productivity, here are five practical time management tips to help you make the most of your day.
1. Start Your Day with a Plan
One of the best ways to manage your time is to walk into the space knowing exactly what you need to accomplish. Spend 5 to 10 minutes each morning outlining your tasks and setting realistic goals for the day.
Use a tool like Google Tasks, Notion, or even a simple notebook. Breaking larger tasks into smaller, actionable steps helps maintain momentum and avoid feeling overwhelmed.
2. Set Time Blocks and Stick to Them
Time blocking is especially useful in a dynamic coworking environment. Allocate specific hours for focused work, meetings, emails, and even breaks. For example, dedicate 10:00 AM to 12:00 PM as deep work time—no emails, no calls, just the task at hand.
You’ll be less likely to lose track of time and more in control of your day.
3. Choose Your Spot Strategically
Where you sit in a coworking space can influence how productive you are. If your work requires intense focus, choose a quieter area away from common zones like the pantry or meeting rooms.
Noise-cancelling headphones can also be a valuable investment if you're easily distracted by background conversations.
4. Limit “Just One Minute” Conversations
One of the advantages of a coworking space is the opportunity to connect with others. But quick chats can easily eat into hours of productive time if you’re not careful.
It's important to build relationships—but it’s equally important to set boundaries. Be polite but firm when you're in the middle of work, and try to schedule catch-ups or coffee breaks after you’ve completed your key tasks for the day.
5. Use Breaks to Recharge, Not Scroll
Working non-stop isn't sustainable. Schedule short, intentional breaks every 60–90 minutes. Step outside, stretch, or grab a coffee—anything that helps you reset.
Avoid falling into the trap of social media scrolling, which can blur the line between a 5-minute break and a 30-minute distraction.
Conclusion
Shared workspaces are designed to foster creativity, collaboration, and productivity. With a few intentional habits, freelancers can take full advantage of what coworking offers—without losing track of their time.
Time management doesn’t mean working more—it means working better. And when done right, it allows you to achieve more while still enjoying the flexibility that freelancing promises.