Coffee shops & Remote work: A delicate balance

Coffee shops have long been a go-to destination for remote workers looking for a change of scenery. But while a steaming cup of joe and a cozy atmosphere may seem like the perfect recipe for productivity, it's important to remember that these java joints aren't always the best place to set up shop for an entire day.

Why avoiding coffee shops is good for productivity

1. For starters, coffee shops can be a major distraction. With the constant chatter of customers, the grinding of beans, and the hissing of espresso machines, it can be hard to focus on work. And with so many tempting treats on display, it's all too easy to get sidetracked by a pastry or two.

2. Another issue with working at coffee shops is the lack of privacy. While it's great to be surrounded by a bustling community, it's not so great when that community is privy to every detail of your work. From sensitive documents to confidential phone calls, there's no telling who might be listening in.

3. And let's not forget about the cost. While a single cup of coffee may not break the bank, it can add up quickly when you're spending an entire day at a coffee shop and adding in a pastry (or three). Not to mention, many coffee shops have a time limit to use their space, so you’re either stuck packing up and moving in the middle of the day, or filling up on breakfast, lunch, and pastries in the same outpost.

Not to mention, you become a major distraction to others. If you’re taking up a whole table, taking phone calls, or otherwise making yourself a little too at home, you become the issue in #1 to other people.

Remember: people go to coffee shops to drink coffee, not to work. If you start helping people with the bathroom code and where to find straws, you’ve been there too long.

Alternatives to coffee shops for remote work

So what's a remote worker to do? The solution is to find a quiet, dedicated workspace that caters to the needs of telecommuters. Co-working spaces, for example, offer a quiet and private environment, along with all the amenities needed to get work done. And with flexible membership options, you can choose a plan that fits your budget.

There are plenty of unique remote working spots that are off the radar and also not a coworking space. Take the time to do some research and you’ll find at least one or two new spots for your rotation.

But if you still can't resist the allure of a good cup of coffee, why not brew your own? A home office with a coffee machine can be the perfect solution. Not only will it save you money, but it will also give you the freedom to make your coffee just the way you like it. And when you need a break, you can step away from your work without having to leave your workspace.

It’s not like we’re socializing in a coffee shop either – typically, we love the hustle and bustle of the energy around us, but we still want the privacy of being able to make a phone call or spread out over an entire table.

If you’re looking for that social energy where noise is OK, try a fancy hotel lobby, or invite people over to your house for “co-working days”.

How to choose a great coffee shop to work in

Okay so you’re convinced you need a hot breakfast burrito and a dirty chai to do your best work. If you’re going to look for a new joint to sip and work in, look for something that:

1. Close to your neighborhood. Riding your bike or walking will feel that much better.

2. That has enough seating. You don’t want to be that person taking up what little room there is.

3. Has a good chai. I mean come on, that’s all we really need, right?

4. Is relatively quiet but talking is OK. If there are enough people around to take a phone call, you won’t be that jerk.

5. Has a clean bathroom. You will need to pee and then type on your keyboard, enough said.

6. Isn’t a chain. Support your local businesses.

Coffee shop etiquette

1. Buy things. I typically buy one cup of coffee and pastry, plus tip, for every 1.5 hours I am spending somewhere.

2. Don’t talk on speaker phone. And this goes for airports, hallways of any kind, all restaurants, any line you are waiting in ever…

3. Be nice to everyone. Including other patrons and especially the staff. You are not entitled to this free office space. Be kind.

4. Don’t take up more space than you need. Sit at the bar top on the edge, or share a 4 top with someone else if you’re solo, for example. Invite a friend and buy them breakfast, too. If the place gets bumpin’, be prepared to leave to make room for others, especially in winter.

Don't let coffee shops grind your productivity to a halt. Instead, take the time to find a workspace that's truly brewing with possibilities. Whether it's a co-working space or a home office, there are plenty of options out there that will give you the best of both worlds. And remember, when it comes to working remotely, it's all about finding the right brew for you ☕

Working from a coffee shop may seem like an ideal option, but it is not the best place to spend all day on a computer. The constant distractions and lack of privacy, along with the cost and time limit to use the space, can make it hard to focus and get work done. Instead, remote workers should look into dedicated workspaces, like co-working spaces or even setting up a home office with a coffee machine, where they can have the best of both worlds, the perfect brew and a comfortable and quiet place to work.