How to Make the Most of Virtual Coworking in 2023

Here is a practical introduction to virtual coworking, and how to make the most of it. This blog will go through:

• What virtual coworking is 
• The benefits of virtual coworking 
• Tips for tackling virtual coworking: How to make the most of your online community!

What is Virtual Coworking?

Virtual coworking means working alongside others online, often on separate tasks. Depending on the session, you might agree on check-ins or conversation around quiet work.

Benefits of Virtual Coworking

There are a number of potential benefits when it comes to virtual coworking. For example increased flexibility and convenience, opportunities to focus, networking opportunities, and possible cost savings! With virtual coworking, workers can engage and collaborate with others without having to relocate to a physical location.

Use agreed check-ins to track progress, then assess whether they help you stay on task. Compare subscription, equipment and participation-time costs, and consider a suitable existing approved tool before spending.

How to Make the Most of Virtual Coworking

Now that you have an idea of what virtual coworking is all about, or if you’re simply trying to maximize your virtual coworking space, here’s how.

Explore Different Virtual Co-Working Platforms 

There are a number of software, tools, and platforms available online for virtual coworkers. A virtual coworking space is built to connect you with other people who are trying to focus on their own tasks. 

The best part about virtual coworking is that you are in control of how and where you work, so use that to your advantage and join different online communities! Some virtual coworking spaces are free and available for anyone to use, while others might require a membership sign-up. Check current access, membership and trial terms before joining. 

Sure, you can stick with one and schedule the same session every week, but you have the opportunity to go out there (on the Internet) and explore different virtual coworking spaces! Make the most of virtual coworking by playing around with the unique features and tools that each platform has to offer, and find one that works for you. 

Choose quiet focus or conversation and collaboration based on your task and interruption preferences. Check employer permissions and confidentiality before joining or showing work. Check camera rules and whether needed captions or text participation are available; Focusmate, for example, requires cameras on and limits conversation to the start and end.

For an illustrative session, work on a project outline with “draft three bullet points” as your endpoint. Work quietly during the session, with an agreed end check-in if the rules allow. Afterwards, compare what you intended with what you did and decide whether to use that arrangement again.

Build a Network

One of the many benefits that come with virtual coworking is the chance to meet other like-minded people, creative individuals in similar and contrasting careers, and industry professionals! You may connect with people from all across the globe.

Keep conversation and contact exchange welcome and within platform rules. Some focus communities prohibit outside-contact requests: Focusmate’s rules are one example.

Make the most of your networking opportunities by getting to know your coworking mate! Introduce yourself, share ideas, and exchange contacts. If they are open to it, ask about their career journey and experiences. Not only is this a fantastic way to foster a connection, but hearing other people’s stories is a big part of how we learn! Who knows, it might just be what you need to jumpstart that creative idea in your head and inspire your next project. 

Stay Organized 

Just as one would organize your physical work desk at the office by buying containers of various sizes to fit your oddly sized drawers, a mug to hold all the pencils that you don’t use, and a plastic folder to keep random paperwork, your virtual coworking space needs organization too.

The flexibility of virtual coworking might result in you not sticking to a consistent schedule or work plan. However, staying organized can help you make the most of your virtual coworking space. Schedule manageable sessions around one task and an endpoint, such as sorting five files into their folders. For example:

• Save your documents in categorized folders
• Separate your work tabs from personal tabs
• Have a “work-only” calendar where you schedule all your coworking sessions and online meetings

Personalize Your Virtual Workspace‍

• Gather is a great simulation tool to transform your physical office online‍
• LifeAt lets you create your own immersive virtual experience and manage productivity

Enhance Your Workspace

Aim for a comfortable, workable workspace. Life tip: your physical health matters even when you are working virtually! There are many ways to improve your work environment by creating a home office.

Make the most of virtual coworking by choosing a comfortable setup. Use suitable equipment you already have before considering ergonomic furniture such as an adjustable office chair or a standing desk, house plants to incorporate greenery, and lighting to suit your preferences. Adjust noise and other distractions too. 

Leverage Technology and Collaboration Tools

A key benefit of virtual coworking is that it allows you to discover technology that works best for you. Choose tools for the task, not technology for its own sake; quiet individual focus may not need collaboration tools. Experiment with virtual whiteboards for brainstorming sessions, video conferencing for face-to-face interactions, and cloud-based document sharing for real-time collaboration.

Prioritize Work-Life Balance

While virtual coworking offers flexibility and autonomy, it's essential to maintain a healthy work-life balance and prioritize well-being. Set boundaries between work and personal life, establish designated workspaces, and schedule regular breaks to recharge. Encourage self-care practices such as mindfulness, exercise, and adequate sleep. Share availability or break preferences, and discuss workload or support needs with your manager. Working conditions matter too, as WHO’s guidance emphasizes.

Reflect and seek feedback

Virtual coworking can get a little lonely, and employees may feel they lack the training and development opportunities that one might get at a physical office. This study highlights the importance of seeking feedback and how it is a resource for achieving creative outcomes (better performance!) 

The cited study concerns workplace creative performance, not virtual coworking or guaranteed general improvement, as its abstract shows. After a session, ask a willing reviewer with relevant experience to look at a specific work sample. This is a great time for you to share your progress and ask for feedback. 

Not sure how? Here are some questions to get you started (always ask if they are open to speak about it first!):

• I am actually struggling with ABC… Do you mind sharing what you would do to overcome it?
• I have been working on this project for a while, can you tell me your honest opinion about it?
• I am looking to gain more outside perspective on XYZ, what do you think about this?

Key highlights

So, why not make the most of virtual coworking? 

• Virtual coworking is the idea of working alongside people in an online environment such as a virtual coworking space, often on separate tasks.
• The potential benefits of virtual coworking include flexibility and convenience, opportunities to focus, possible cost savings, and networking opportunities; assess costs and usefulness for yourself.

Make the most of virtual coworking by:

• Exploring various virtual coworking software and tools
• Building a network
• Staying organized
• Personalizing your virtual workspace
• Enhancing your workspace
• Choosing collaboration tools for your task
• Setting work-life boundaries
• Reflecting and seeking feedback