Remote working during the summer months has become a common option in many companies and for many self-employed professionals. It allows you to avoid commuting to the office during the hottest weeks of the year while also taking advantage of the general slowdown in activity that typically comes with the holiday period.

However, not everyone is able to create an ideal work environment in their own home—especially those who live with others or have children. And some people simply prefer to work somewhere that isn’t their living space because they can concentrate better.

One of the advantages of multifamily buildings is that many now include coworking spaces for residents. This is one of the fastest expanding amenities, driven by the rise of remote work and the growing number of independent professionals who work from various locations.

So, if you’re planning to work remotely this summer, here’s a short guide to help you make the most of these shared spaces.

How to stay productive in your building’s coworking space

If you’ve never worked in a coworking space before and this summer will be your first time using the one in your building, here are a few tips to help you stay just as productive as you would be in the office:

• Make the space your own. At first, you might not feel completely comfortable, as the setting will be unfamiliar. So make the space feel more like yours by sitting in the same spot each day and bringing your own coffee mug, notebooks, planner, laptop and other work devices. Try to recreate your usual desk setup as much as possible.
• Establish a routine. To stay focused, set a daily routine by putting your tasks in order of priority and, if you like, assigning time blocks for each one. This will help you structure your day and know exactly how you’re going to fill each hour.
• Use headphones to block out noise. If other people in the coworking space are making noise or having conversations, use noise-cancelling headphones or listen to relaxing music that helps you focus on your tasks.
• Take short breaks. Depending on how many hours you need to work, schedule a couple of breaks into your day, so you have a chance to stretch your legs and back and clear your mind.
• Socialise and network with your neighbours. Working in your building’s coworking space gives you the opportunity to meet more of your neighbours—and who knows, you might even expand your professional network. See what happens if you chat with them and find out what they do—you may find connections that are relevant to your own line of work.

Having a space like this in your building is a major advantage these days, when traditional workplaces have become more fluid and internet connectivity means we can work from anywhere. Having an “office” without leaving home is definitely something worth considering—and it could make a real difference to your career.