If you’re a remote worker, coffee shops are a good place to set up your laptop without financially committing to a co-working space. I’ve worked in countless coffee shops both when I was living in London and as a digital nomad now, but not all coffee shops are suitable to work in. Through trial and error, I have created a formula for picking the best coffee shops to work in and despite some disadvantages, there are many great things about working in cafes. In an era of remote working and digital nomadism, sometimes you need to leave the house to create space between home and work.
Is it okay to work from a cafe?
Most coffee shops welcome remote workers and digital nomads to set up their laptops as long as you buy something. Don’t just roll up to a shop, open up your laptop and sit there all day without buying anything, or worse still, eat food purchased outside of the coffee shop. If you’re unsure if you’re allowed to work in a coffee shop, politely ask the staff.
Can you work remotely at a coffee shop as a digital nomad?
While a co-working space offer the optimal conditions for work-flow and concentration, coffee shops are also a good medium until you’re ready to commit, or if you just need somewhere cozy to bash out some e-mails and organise some files.
What is the best cafe for digital nomads?
A good coffee shop has 8 things for great working conditions:
- great coffee (obviously)
- some good food if you plan on working throughout the day
- a strong and stable wi-fi connection
- comfortable seats
- good opening times (9am – 5:30 is ideal)
- air conditioning if it’s hot
- accessible power plugs
- low noise levels
I’ve often found that a good deal of coffee shops have some of these things but not the other. Do a quick look around before you sit down with your laptop and order your coffee.
Which coffee shops are the best to work in if you are a digital nomad?
Every coffee shop will have a different atmosphere, it depends on your personal taste, however, as a general rule of thumb, I find the big chains to be the most reliable. Places like Starbucks, Caffè Nero and Costa Coffee have a big international presence, but you will also find country/ continental alternatives that are similar. That said, the bigger chains can also get noisy and busy. Small to medium-sized independent owned coffee shops are also nice if you want to work in if you want somewhere more quiet. I have also found from experience they have the most tasty and creative speciality coffees you can imagine! Here are my top tips on working in a coffee shop.
Bellow is a detailed guide on how to find the perfect coffee shop to work in. Read on…
Choose the Right Coffee Shop
Look for a coffee shop with a comfortable and inviting atmosphere. Not all coffee shops are happy for you to sit in them all day. If you walk in and there’s a few people with laptops and a few plugs dotted around, that’s usually a good sign.
Consider factors like seating options (chairs, couches, or communal tables), lighting (natural light can be beneficial), and temperature (avoid places that are too hot or cold). Scope out different coffee shops in your area and find one that aligns with your work preferences. Some coffee shops may be known for being quieter and more suitable for focused work, while others might have a more vibrant and social ambiance.
Money hack: you might even consider moving to another coffee shop after your midday break. That’s a good way to get up and get moving and you can bring a packed lunch and eat that in another public space before moving to the next coffee shop instead of spending money on lunch. Having said that, if you go to a big chain coffee shop like Starbucks or Nero, grab a seat upstairs and out of sight from the staff and you can sneakily eat your lunch without having to pay for a meal. No point saving money on going to a co-working space if you’re just going to spend money buying cafe food.
Make sure your laptop is fully charged the night before before you work in a coffee shop
You might not get a seat near a plug, or the plug near you may be occupied. This just ensures you can get a few hours of work done without worrying about your batter life. I’ve learned that some paces are great to work in, but they don’t always have a lot of plugs, or easy access to plugs and if it’s a popular place, the best seats in the house are usually taken.
Plan your tasks ahead of time
Create a to-do list or outline your tasks for the day before you head to the coffee shop. Preparation reduces procrastination. Knowing exactly what you need to accomplish will help you stay on track and avoid feeling overwhelmed by distractions. Prioritise your tasks based on their importance and urgency. Consider using productivity techniques like the Eisenhower Matrix or the Pomodoro Technique to manage your time effectively. Use an app like Asana or Notion to plan and prioritise your tasks.
Bring the necessary supplies
Pack your laptop, charger, and any other essential work tools. If you prefer to work with pen and paper, bring notebooks or journals. Depending on your work, bring any relevant documents or reference materials. Having everything you need on hand will minimize disruptions and keep you focused.
Time management
Set a specific time frame for your work session at the coffee shop. Knowing you have limited time can increase your sense of urgency and motivation. Consider using time management apps or techniques to track your progress and ensure you’re meeting your goals within the allocated time. Working in ‘sprints’ can can help. Set a timer to go off after 60-90 minutes of work, take a 30-60 minute break and then start again. I work in three 90 minute sprints a day with two 30 minute breaks and one 60 minute break. Identify your common distractions and take steps to minimise them. Use website blockers or productivity apps to limit access to distracting websites and apps during work hours. Turn off unnecessary notifications on your devices to avoid interruptions.
Wear noise-cancelling headphones when working in a coffee shop
Noise-cancelling headphones are a valuable investment for working in noisy environments. They help block out distracting sounds and create a focused workspace. Consider listening to instrumental music or white noise if it helps you concentrate better. Find what works best for you and enhances your productivity.
Respect the space when working in a coffee shop
Be mindful of others around you. Keep your workspace tidy and avoid spreading out too much, especially during peak hours when the coffee shop might be crowded. Avoid loud or disruptive behavior, such as talking loudly on the phone, playing audio without headphones or playing the audio in your headphones so loud the person next to you can hear!
Take breaks
Breaks are essential for maintaining productivity and preventing burnout. Step outside the coffee shop for some fresh air or take a short walk to recharge your mind. Use techniques like the 20-20-20 rule (looking at something 20 feet away for 20 seconds every 20 minutes) to reduce eye strain from prolonged screen time.
Keep hydrated
While coffee can provide an initial productivity boost, excessive caffeine consumption can lead to jitteriness and decreased focus. Monitor your caffeine intake and switch to decaf or herbal teas if necessary. Stay hydrated with water throughout your work session, dehydration can affect cognitive performance.
Be considerate of others when working in a coffee shop
Remember that coffee shops are public spaces, and others might be there to enjoy a relaxing time or socialise. Keep your volume low and avoid engaging in prolonged conversations on sensitive topics. Respect the coffee shop’s policies and guidelines, such as their Wi-Fi usage limits or their preference for quiet spaces.
Know the opening ours of the coffee shop you want to work in
Check the coffee shop’s operating hours before you plan your work session. Some coffee shops might close earlier on weekends or have special holiday hours. If you plan to work late, ensure you’re aware of the closing time to avoid being surprised and losing your work flow progress.
how appreciation to the people who work in the coffee shop
If you plan to work for an extended period, consider buying additional items or tipping the barista to show your gratitude for using the space. Building a good relationship with the staff can create a positive and supportive working environment.
Protect your belongings when working in a coffee shop
I have seen the most crazy run and grab robbery happen in coffee shops. This is when a robber will run in, grab a laptop, run out and jump on a motorcycle. They will usually still be in all their gear so trying to hit them is almost pointless as they are in protective gear! Avoid this by getting a chord that locks your laptop onto the table. Also, avoid working on the outdoor patio if it faces the street as this is an easy grab for thieves. Also, if you need to go the bathroom, leave your jacket hanging on the back of your seat and leave a notebook and a pen on your table, this will ensure no one takes your seat if you have to go to the bathroom. Take your laptop to the bathroom with you, avoid leaving it unattended when working in coffee shops.
Remember that everyone’s work style and preferences vary, so feel free to experiment and adjust these tips to suit your own needs. The goal is to create an environment that promotes focus, creativity, and productivity while enjoying the amenities of a coffee shop.
