Selecting the Right Spot Inside a Coworking Space

Coworking has become more than a simple alternative to the traditional office. It is now a global movement embraced by professionals across cities—from developers in São Paulo to creative leads in Stockholm. As this community grows, people are realizing that success in such a setup doesn’t only depend on the design of the building but also on where you sit every day. Your seat can either support your focus—or sabotage it.

Why the Seat You Choose Matters

Walk into a coworking hub in Berlin or a loft-style space in Austin, and you’ll notice how each section has a distinct personality. Focus areas offer calm, while collaboration zones are often buzzing. Sitting in the wrong spot can bring challenges:

Losing Focus – Seats near coffee machines or water coolers attract noise and distractions.

Hearing Fatigue – Constant background chatter or video calls can drain mental energy.

Body Stress – Not all tables and chairs support good posture, leading to discomfort.

Professionals today also consider proximity to power outlets, airflow, and even natural views. According to the International WELL Building Institute, exposure to daylight improves mood. Many modern spaces are now designed with these benefits in mind.

Know Yourself: Purpose and Work Style

Before picking a desk, ask: What do I need to achieve today? A graphic designer in Paris rushing to meet a deadline will need a different environment than a sales rep in Toronto making back-to-back calls.

Focused Tasks – If deep concentration is needed, find a quiet corner away from shared areas.

Video Calls – Pick a desk with a solid wall background to avoid distractions behind you.

Team Collaboration – Choose a spot with tools like whiteboards or large screens.

Self-awareness makes this easier. Once you understand your tasks, you can match them with the right setting.

Key Factors to Consider

1. Natural Light and View

Choose areas with sunlight. Studies from Harvard Health show that daylight helps regulate body rhythm and boosts energy. If you’re in a windowless space in Seoul, aim for seats near artificial daylight lamps.

2. Noise and Foot Traffic

Monday mornings in London coworking hubs are often quiet—but the noise rises by mid-afternoon. Observe the space when you arrive to see traffic patterns and avoid busy paths.

3. Power Supply

One socket won’t support a laptop, phone, and tablet. In older buildings in Milan, power outlets can be limited. Choose seats near power strips for convenience.

4. Temperature and Airflow

Not every corner has the same climate. A spot under direct air-conditioning in Dubai might lower your focus due to discomfort. Test the area before settling in.

5. Safety of Belongings

Desks near the entrance might be more exposed. Prioritize seats with personal lockers or those located in members-only zones for peace of mind.

Three Common Desk Types and Who They Suit

• Focus Pods – Enclosed booths with sound insulation. Great for researchers in Zürich who need uninterrupted time with data.
• Window Desks – Provide light and inspiration. Ideal for content creators in Melbourne drawing creative energy from city views.
• High Tables – Loved by digital nomads in Buenos Aires. Encourage movement and boost afternoon alertness.

Managing Noise and Staying Focused

Laughter and chatter near the espresso machine in a New York hub are common. If silence matters, choose a seat at the far end of the room. Noise-cancelling headphones help, but a truly quiet spot is better.

In some spaces like Bengaluru’s tech campuses, there’s a red-green desk light system—red means you’re focused, green signals openness to chat. Use it wisely if sharing a table.

Movement, Breathing, and Physical Comfort

An ergonomic setup is a necessity. According to a 2024 report from the Global Coworking Alliance, half of members across 60 countries experience back pain.

Use this checklist:

Does the chair offer lumbar support?

Are your feet flat on the ground, not hanging?

Is your screen at eye level without slouching?

If anything feels off, talk to the space’s manager. Most hubs—from Lisbon to Johannesburg—keep risers and extra keyboards available for members.

Connecting with People and Building Relationships

Work isn’t the only thing happening in coworking spaces. They’re also great for building connections. Want to meet a future partner from Tel Aviv? Sit near shared tables during tea breaks. A simple smile often sparks meaningful conversations.

Still, some days you just need space. For quiet focus, choose a library-style zone. Let your body language show you’re in work mode. Switching seats to match your needs is normal—and sometimes sparks new ideas or networks.

Things to Do Before You Arrive

Reserve Your Spot – Many popular hubs in Tokyo use app-based seat booking for prime desks near windows.

Check the Schedule – Some areas might be booked for events or workshops.

Bring Your Comfort Kit – Think wrist rests, a refillable water bottle, or a light sweater for cold rooms.

Plan Breaks – Add short stretch breaks to your calendar to stay refreshed.

Working Across Time Zones

If you’re based in Nairobi but coordinate with a San Francisco team, nighttime meetings are common. Find a seat with a calm background that works for video calls—even late at night. Some 24/7 hubs in Seoul have quiet wings made for this, with softer lighting and controlled sound.

Keep Checking In with Yourself

The best seat today might not work tomorrow. Your energy, workload, or even mood can shift. Set a weekly check-in for the following:

Productivity – Did you complete more work when you sat near the window?

Physical Ease – Did standing desks help you move more and stretch often?

Social Flow – Did your calls disturb others? It might be time for a booth.

You can also track time spent in deep focus vs task switching. This helps you understand what setup really works.

What We Learn from Everyday Choices

Whether you’re working near Hong Kong’s waterfront or in a repurposed factory in Amsterdam, everyone shares the same goal: to finish tasks well and stay well—both mentally and physically. When you choose your seat carefully—considering light, noise, comfort, and opportunities to connect—you’re making space for growth. Not just in your work, but also in how you relate to others.

Pick the spot that suits your day, and let it shape a better, brighter workflow.