A living guide to being a good coworker and a kind human in shared space.

By working at The Pearl Works, you agree to uphold these shared values. This guide helps us care for the space and each other. It is reviewed periodically and may evolve with our community.

1. Be Kind, Be Respectful

We’re here to work — but also to connect. Treat everyone with kindness, curiosity, and respect. Discrimination, harassment, or harmful behavior of any kind will not be tolerated.

2. Keep It Peaceful

• Speak in a quiet indoor voice — headphones signal “please don’t disturb.”
  
• Use phone booths for long or loud calls. A quick call in a shared area? Keep your voice low.
  
• Zoom on speaker? Please don’t — use headphones.
  
• Let someone know kindly if noise is disrupting your focus. We support respectful direct communication.
  

3. Book What You Use

• Reserve meeting rooms ahead of time through the member app.
  
• Leave the space as you found it: erase the whiteboard, return chairs, reset the tech.
  
• Phone booths are first-come, first-serve — please keep use under 1 hour during busy hours.
  

4. Kitchen Courtesy

• Wash or load your dishes — don’t leave mugs in the sink.
  
• Label your food in the fridge (name + date helps!).
  
• Fridge cleanouts happen weekly. Unlabeled or mysterious items may be composted.
  
• If you finish the coffee pot, brew another. ☕
  

5. Shared Space Etiquette

• Only use desks assigned to you or open for coworking.
  
• Don’t leave belongings unattended for more than 15 minutes in flex areas.
  
• Be mindful of the vibe — this isn’t a library, but it’s also not a café.
  

6. Internet & Tech

• No illegal downloads, streaming pornography, or excessive bandwidth use.
  
• Need help? Ask a team member — we’re here for you.
  

7. Guests

• Short visits are welcome — a friend for lunch, a quick meeting, a tour.
  
• Guests staying over an hour –  purchase a day pass.
  
• You’re responsible for your guest’s behavior.
  

8. Cleanliness & Supplies

• Help keep things tidy. If you see a mess, lend a hand.
  
• Low on paper towels or soap? Let us know on Slack or in person.
  
• Printer jammed? Don’t just walk away — ask for help or alert the team.
  

9. Wellness & Sick Policy

• Feeling sick? Please stay home.
  
• Exposed to illness or returning from high-risk travel? Wear a mask and monitor symptoms.
  
• We all benefit when we care for the collective wellbeing.
  

10. Children & Pets

We support working parents and welcome occasional visits from your kids — especially older children who are able to work or relax quietly.

• Children are welcome for short visits or occasional after-school time (e.g., doing homework, reading quietly).
• Kids must be directly supervised by their parent or a designated guest at all times.
• If visits become frequent or disruptive, we may ask to revisit the arrangement together.

Well-behaved, potty-trained dogs are allowed with prior approval.

• All pets must be calm, clean, and not disruptive to others.
• If your dog has an accident or causes a disturbance, they may not be allowed bac. 

You will be responsible for any cleaning, repairs or damage required as a result of your pet’s or child’s behavior.

11. Safety & Security

• Don’t prop open exterior doors.
  
• Report anything that seems unsafe or unusual.
  
• No open flames, weapons, or overnight stays.
  
• If you accidentally trip the alarm after-hours, you may be responsible for associated fees.
  

12. Damages & Belongings

• You’re responsible for your personal items and for any damage you or your guests cause.
  
• Lockers and lockable desk drawers are available for secure storage.
  
• Items left behind after your membership ends will be considered abandoned and may be discarded.
  

13. Adulting

We trust you to know how to be a good community member. Lead with empathy, contribute where you can, and when in doubt — ask for or offer help.