How to Work From a Coffee Shop
By Amy Jacques
December 2019
Times have changed. There are many remote workers, digital nomads and employees working flextime or from home, instead of the standard office hours.
“And sometimes, in order to get some real, focused work done without a purring cat lying across your keyboard, it’s necessary to break the routine, get out of the house and work from a coffee shop,” according to an Eater article, which points out that not everyone has a WeWork membership.
People looking for a strong Wi-Fi connection, caffeine, a chair and table may find that a café can be the perfect place to do some work or take a short client meeting.
“However, working from a coffee shop is not as straightforward as it seems,” writes Eater. “Disrespect for the space has resulted in some businesses deterring so-called ‘laptop squatters’ by covering up electrical outlets and changing Wi-Fi passwords to prevent internet freeloading. In some cases, computer use was all-out banned.”
Be sure to always follow the café rules wherever you go — some may limit the hours of people on laptops or have a special seating area for those doing work. Also, mind your manners: Bus your table, be respectful, wear headphones and be careful what you watch in public.
In addition, always order something to eat or drink in exchange for using a shop’s services for an extended period of time and leave a tip for staff there as well. Further, if you receive an unexpected call, tell the person you will call them back or take it outside.
“People may use cafés as workspaces, but it’s not an office and you’re not in a cubicle,” the article says. “Arguably, the maximum amount of time you should be occupying a coffee shop...is four hours.”
Here are seven tips for working harmoniously with others in a coffee shop, according to Eater:
- Pick the right location.
- Come prepared.
- Abide by house
- Buy something and reorder often.
- Don’t expect someone to watch your stuff.
- Don’t take a call in the coffee shop.
- Don’t overstay your welcome.
photo credit: rawpixel
Amy Jacques
Amy Jacques is the managing editor of publications for PRSA. A native of Greenville, S.C., she holds a master’s degree in arts journalism from Syracuse University’s S.I. Newhouse School. She also holds a bachelor’s degree in advertising from the University of Georgia’s Grady College and a certificate in magazine and website publishing from New York University.
