If you’re like most young professionals, you may be spending several days a week working remotely. Of course, you’ll probably spend most of your time in your home office, or even in a coworking space. However, many people also enjoy the opportunity to work in a coffee shop for a change of scenery. Before you head out to work from your favorite local spot though, it’s important to be aware of the working in a coffee shop etiquette and the general expectations when working in a public place.
The dos and don’ts of working in a coffee shop are very similar to those of traditional coworking spaces. Working from a coffee shop is frequently more laid-back and relaxed than an office or even a coworking space. You might find you’re more productive working from a café than from your house too, as there are fewer personal distractions! Many people find the background noise of coffee shops conducive to focus. As a bonus, there’s no dress code when working from a coffee shop either.
Here are the best working in a coffee shop tips:
1. Use headphones
When you’re working in a coffee shop, be respectful to those around you by using headphones to listen to your music or podcasts, and to take calls. Many cafes will have a soundtrack of their own playing in the background, so playing yours out loud is rude and anti-social. Keep in mind that some people head to coffee shops to get away from noise and distractions at home or in an office. Avoid sounds from your phone or laptop, as they may disturb others working or enjoying coffee around you.
2. Don’t spread out
When working in a café, odds are you’re not the only one using that public space. Be mindful of how much space you’re using. Most coffee shops have communal tables and sofas, designed to be used by multiple people simultaneously. Keep this in mind as you’re setting up your workstation for the day. It’s generally not great etiquette to take over an entire table when others may also want to use that space. Try to keep the possessions you take with you to a coffee shop to a minimum.
3. Make a purchase
This is one of the most important etiquette rules when working from a coffee shop. You don’t have to order the whole menu, but it’s important to order a drink, snack, or both, depending on how long you stay. Keep in mind that your purchase (and tip) supports the café workers, who will inevitably clean up after you when you leave.
4. Avoid streaming
It’s important to remember that the internet in a coffee shop probably isn’t as fast as that in an office or coworking space. When working in a café, you’re sharing the internet with others, so try not to slow it down for your fellow workers. Avoid streaming video or other content that takes up large amounts of bandwidth. That includes video calls, so check your calendar for meetings before heading to the café.
5. Limit calls
In addition to being mindful of your internet use, remember that cafes rarely have private spaces to take calls. Of course, different coffee shops have different atmospheres – some may have plenty of cozy corners where you can take meetings without disturbing others. Make sure you know the setup before you plan a busy day of calls from your local coffee shop. Other customers and remote workers might find the noise of your calls disruptive, so the quieter your work for the day, the better.
Dreaming of becoming a digital nomad so you can work from your favorite coffee shop? Check out our Digital Nomad Program.
