TIPS FOR WORKING IN A SHARED SPACE

Do you share a bed, a room, or a building with other industry pros? Do you work in a lash only environment or do you work in a space with many beauty services? There are different levels of sharing a space, but a few truths to all of them! Here’s a few tips for working in a shared space. 

Climate Control

In every shared space I’ve worked, including a private suite, I have never had access to the thermostat. So, If you are working in a space with a fixed temperature or don’t have the ability to change the temperature consider what you can control. Use a space heater or fan to help with the temperature, supply blankets or heating pads for cold temperatures, and use a humidifier to add humidity when needed. 

Be Mindful & Professional 

If your shared space includes more than just you and your client at any given time, remember to be courteous in what music plays, the topics of conversation, and how loud you are. Keep things professional! 

Keep things Separate

Even though the environment is shared, It’s important to have separation when it comes to personal goods, tools, and products. Unless the “space” provides your supplies, you want to have a clear separation. Keep things physically separate as much as you can and label things that are stored in common areas. 

Scheduling & Communicating 

In situations where one work space is shared during opposite times, communication is key to avoid any overlap. The simplest solution is to lay out a schedule and don’t work outside of it. Examples would be alternating days or a morning and night shift. But in the case of an exception, always communicate with your share-ee. 

Boundaries 

One of the pros to having co-workers is to have each other’s backs—If you run out of something or your tools aren’t working or you need to troubleshoot or whatever it may be, there’s someone to help. I’ve worked side by side fellow lash artists and it was straightforward if I needed to borrow something I could ask, and we always replaced borrowed items. If your shared space looks more like a shift change, there should be clear boundaries when it comes to borrowing and touching each other’s things. And if you prefer none of that consider lockable storage and be clear with your fellow tenants. Boundaries and rules can be established from place to place and person to person, but they do need to be established.

The Golden Rule 

Treat others as you would want  to be treated, or in this case treat the space how you would want your space to be treated. Nothing is more frustrating than coming to a mess at work when you left it clean. Of course it’s always important to keep a clean and organized work space, but in a shared space situation it’s good practice to keep it cleaner than you found it.