5 Productivity Hacks for Freelancers in Shared Spaces
Freelancing comes with the promise of freedom. No rigid schedules, no draining commutes, no corporate politics. But ask any seasoned remote creative, and they’ll tell you: that productivity isn’t always easy when your bed is your office and distractions are one Wi-Fi drop away.
Enter the shared workspace.
Coworking spaces like Tayo Spaces don’t just provide a desk and coffee; they create ecosystems designed to help remote professionals thrive. If you're new to the scene or still finding your rhythm, here are five productivity tips for freelancers that will help you make the most of your time in a shared space.
Create Your Ritual: Don’t Just Show Up, Set Up
One of the benefits of coworking for remote creatives is the ability to create mental boundaries. But that only works if you’re intentional.
Before diving into work, take five minutes to set up your workspace:
Position your monitor or laptop ergonomically.
Set out your essentials: water, notebook, charger.
Light a scented balm or open your productivity playlist.
This pre-work ritual signals your brain that it’s time to enter focus mode, something harder to do when you’re working from home in your pajamas.
Time Block Like a Boss
Time blocking is a tried-and-tested technique among freelancers. Structure your day into chunks:
9–11 AM: Deep work (writing, designing, coding)
11–11:30 AM: Break (socialize, stretch)
11:30–1 PM: Admin or client communication
In shared spaces, where distractions can arise (hello, impromptu coffee chats), having blocks gives you permission to say “later” without guilt.
Need a little help? Tools like Focus Keeper or Notion templates for Pomodoro cycles can keep you on track.
Choose the Right Environment Zone
Not all coworking areas are made equal. Some are buzzier. Others, like quiet pods or conference nooks, are better for deep focus.
At Tayo Spaces, for example, you can alternate between:
Communal desks for collaborative energy
Fixed desks for a consistent setup
Quiet zones for intense focus work
Lounges for decompression
Match your task to your space. Writing? Hide out in a quiet corner. Need to brainstorm or sketch ideas? The open area might stimulate more creativity.
Set Micro Goals and Visual Wins
Instead of a massive to-do list, break your tasks down:
Draft outline for client pitch
Create 3 social media visuals
Send 2 follow-up emails
The more granular, the better. Psychologically, checking things off keeps momentum high, and visible progress makes you less likely to doom-scroll during your downtime.
Some freelancers even bring sticky notes or mini whiteboards for their desk space. It’s low-tech but weirdly effective.
Tap Into Community Accountability
This might be the most underrated benefit of coworking for remote creatives: the built-in accountability.
Striking up a conversation with a fellow creative can lead to:
Co-working sprints (e.g., 25-min focus, 5-min break)
Skill swaps (they help you with video editing, you help with copy)
Gentle peer pressure to show up and work consistently
Ask your coworking space (like Tayo) if they have community meetups, productivity groups, or events. These not only help your workflow but often lead to referrals or collaborations too.
There’s no one-size-fits-all formula for freelance productivity. But if you’re finding it hard to draw the line between work and rest, or if working from home is stalling your momentum, a coworking space might be exactly what you need.
Tayo Spaces was designed with creatives in mind. We are offering a balance of structure, inspiration, and community. Whether you’re a designer, writer, strategist, or solopreneur, the right environment can fuel your best work.
And remember: productivity isn’t about doing more. It’s about doing what matters, better.
