--- title: "Taking Care & Pitching In" description: Pitching in has always been part of our culture. We pitch in to take care of each other with everything from opening a door to teaming up on a project, or celebrating successes or listening when someone needs to talk.… url: "https://coworkfrederick.com/docs/taking-care-of-the-space/" updated: "2026-10-06" category: How It Works --- # Taking Care & Pitching In Pitching in has always been part of our culture. We pitch in to take care of each other with everything from opening a door to teaming up on a project, or celebrating successes or listening when someone needs to talk. Taking care of the space is also a communal effort. It's an extension of taking care of each other. When we wipe off a counter or bring in a box of cookies, it's an expression of love for the overall community. We've always said, "Nothing is someone else's job", adding examples like, "If the toilet paper runs out, put a new roll on the dispenser" or "Trash can full? Bins are out back." After our expansion, we had a lot more space and a lot more things in the space; it became clear that "Nothing is someone else's job" needed a sidekick, so we added, "and everyone does something." ## Here's how "Nothing is someone else's job" works This is pretty simple. Leave a space as good or better than you found it. If you see something that needs to be taken care of, take care of it. Don't leave it for someone else to do. Wash the pots and pans you use - and dry them and put them away. If needed, wipe a desk down after using it. If the coffee canister is empty, refill it. If you discover an empty soft drink can left behind by someone else, toss it in the recycle bin. The exception is repairing things. If something is broken, if a faucet is leaking, or the like, talk to someone on staff. ## Here's how "Everyone does something" works This is also easy. In addition to the things you might do because nothing is someone else's job, pick something you'll take care of, if needed, when you're here. Your something could be something from our list of suggestions below. It could be something you particularly care about, like always having a spare roll of toilet paper on the back of the toilet. It could be something we haven't thought of. We're 100% open to ideas. Want help coming up with your "something"? Ask someone on staff, who will be happy to brainstorm with you. These "somethings" are everyday, simple things, like making sure the dirty dish towel is swapped out for a clean one every morning, the kitchen counters are clean, or the dog water bowl is on the front steps. You may not need to do your "something" every day you come in. You're just committing to your fellow coworkers that you will, for example, check to see if the recycling needs to be emptied into the larger bin. If the "something" you picked is always done when you check and/or you notice something else that isn't getting done, you can switch your "something". There are no checklists, no one chasing you down to see if you've done your "something". Like so many things, we - meaning the members of Cowork Frederick - are just going to trust you. ## Here's how the two work together The two balance each other and bring focus. "Nothing is someone else's job" still applies. "Everyone does something" is not meant to limit the ways you pitch in. You can still take the trash out if the bag is full. "Everyone does something" doesn't negate "Nothing is someone else's job". We should all still leave things as good or better than we found them. This doesn't mean you can start leaving messes for someone else to clean up. The two together are a way to get people thinking about all the little ways nothing is someone else's job and to help make sure all those "nothings" become "something" that gets taken care of. ## Here are some ideas for your "something" Do you typically arrive early or stay late? Is there something that really bugs you? Take a look at the lists below for suggested "somethings". They all should be done every day, but with help from so many others, odds are high you won't do your "something" every day you're here. Again, just check and do it if needed. #### Early Birds If you usually come in early (let's call that before 10 am), consider one of these: - Empty the dishwasher (perhaps enlisting the help of another member) - Put the sidewalk sign out (bonus: you get to pick what's on the sign) - Clean and put fresh water in the outside dog bowl and put it on the steps - Hang a fresh hand towel on the kitchen towel bar and put the dirty one in a laundry bin - Put dirty rags in the bin by the washing machines - Bring the newspaper in - If the large trash and recycling bins are on the sidewalk, roll them around to the backyard - Clean and put fresh water in Gracie's bowl (that she shares) in the Clubhouse kitchen #### Midday Mavens Looking for something to do when taking a break from work? Maybe one of these somethings? - Put chairs back in place - Make sure desks are clean - "Foot mop" a kitchen/break room floor - Put full trash bags into the larger bin out back - Empty the recycling into the larger bin out back - Empty full (or just stinky) compost into the larger bin out back - Make sure there's a spare roll of toilet paper on the back of each toilet - Restock soft drinks and seltzer waters - Wipe down the counters in a kitchen/break room - Pull weeds from a planter bed - Straighten up the office supply shelf #### Later Gaters Typically here after 5 pm? Consider one of these - Bring in the sidewalk sign - Bring in the outside dog bowl - If full, wheel the trash bin around to the sidewalk in front of 122 E Patrick - If full, wheel the recycle bin around to the sidewalk - Load the last of the dishes and run the dishwasher (if it's at least 1/2 full) TIP: If you're not the last one to leave, ask around to see if anyone has dishes. - Turn off overhead lights in empty rooms - Make sure exterior doors are closed and latched ## Q&A **Q: Why is this part of our culture? ** It’s scientifically proven that when someone invests time and effort into something, they feel more love for it and get more joy from it. We want that for you. Seriously. Plus, the "together is better", helping each other, down-to-earth, authentic vibe is central to who we are and a big part of what differentiates our community from others. It's why most of you joined. It also aligns with and reinforces the understanding that Cowork Frederick is a community you join, support, and participate in, not a service you pay for. **Q: Don't we have staff for this??** We actually don't. We hired staff about a year after our expansion to help manage and take care of the increase in non-member activity like meeting room and short-term rental reservations that came with the expansion. They also help with events, building access, restocking supplies, and back-office stuff. But, yes, they do pitch in, too, just like any member of this community.   **Q: Why not just raise our rates and pay someone to do these things?** We'd have to raise rates a lot. After factoring in a proper wage, taxes, and benefits we are legally required to provide, the cost of labor is pretty high. And we can't pay someone five minutes here or there to do small tasks as needed. We'd have to pay them the entire time they are here ready for when the task is needed. We can avoid that if each member pitches in on something fairly quick and easy.