The wave of remote work triggered by the coronavirus pandemic made working from coffee shops enormously popular, especially after the physical distancing measures put in place to contain the disease were relaxed.
Coffee shops are the go-to place for many remote workers and digital nomads for a variety of reasons, including social isolation, home office distractions, burnout, and decreased productivity.
For people struggling with these issues, café are a great alternative because they have a pleasant ambiance and aroma, offer quick access to coffee and food, and are more affordable than co-working spaces.
Since working in café is still new for many people, especially those who're working remotely for the first time, it's important they learn unwritten rules that, if followed, can create a more pleasant experience for themselves, the other customers, and the café staff.
Let's take a look at some tips and etiquette that can help you come across as a professional remote worker when working from coffee shops.
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Choose a coffee shop wisely
Try to find a coffee shop close to where you're staying. We're assuming you chose remote work because you didn't want to commute to work every day. So, if you're really serious about it, you can save valuable time by cutting down on the commute.
You should also note that not all coffee shops are remote work friendly. Trust us, you don't want to work from a café where you don't feel welcome.
You also don't want to choose a coffee shop as your workplace that doesn't have fast Wi-Fi, enough seats, and a good number of outlets for your digital devices.
That's why you're better off Googling to find the best cafés near you for remote work because that will help you find some really good ones.
Buy something
Coffee shops run a business, and with your purchases you support their employees. Once you set your stuff down and before you start working, you should order something. That's the least you can do in return for using their space and Wi-Fi for hours.
If you're only going to stay for an hour or two, ordering a coffee is usually enough. If you want to stay longer, you should also order something to eat, especially if you're there during peak hours.
Try to avoid the peak hours
It's appropriate to avoid taking up space in coffee shops during peak hours so they can maintain their business. If your schedule is flexible, it's better to plan your workday outside the peak hours.
This is also better for you because there won't be as much loud background noise and you'll be served more quickly.
Avoid streaming
The Internet in most cafés isn't as fast as that in a co-working space or office. When you work from a coffee shop, you're sharing the Internet with others. So avoid streaming content that requires a lot of bandwidth. This includes videos and video calls.
Don't spread out
Be mindful of how much space you take up when working from a coffee shop. It's a public space and you're obviously not the only one using it. If possible, use individual tables rather than communal tables and couches that are meant to be used by several people at once.
If smaller tables aren't available, it's fine to use communal tables and sofas. However, try to leave enough room for others and change your seat when a smaller table becomes available.
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Use headphones
Many people go to cafés to escape distractions and noise. So be considerate of other customers by using headphones to listen to music, watch videos, or take calls. Also, put your cell phone on silent to avoid disturbing others.
Limit phone calls
Most coffee shops aren't designed for remote work, so they rarely have private spaces where you can make phone calls. The sound of your calls could disturb others around you.
So don't talk on the phone for more than a few minutes, and don't forget to put on your headphones. If you have to talk on the phone a lot during your workday, it's better to either choose a coffee shop with lots of cozy corners where you can talk on the phone or go to a co-working space that has a phone booth.
Don't roll your eyes at other customers who're talking loudly
A coffee shop isn't a library or a study. So you can't expect other customers to be quiet or not talk loudly while you work. Have realistic expectations or you'll be frustrated and create unnecessary tension.
Don't bring outside food
This seems pretty obvious, but a reminder can't hurt. Outside food is either forbidden or frowned upon in cafés. So resist the temptation to bite into that tuna salad sandwich you have in your bag instead of ordering a snack.
Be tidy and organized
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Keep the stuff you take with you to a minimum and stay organized while you're at a coffee shop. You may come across as unprofessional and impolite if you leave your stuff all over the place. Throw any trash in the bin.
Engage in conversations, but don't overdo it
It's likely you'll meet other remote workers in coffee shops. It's good to approach them when they're taking a break from work if you want to socialize. Be careful not to invade their privacy, though, and avoid asking personal questions.
It's also a good idea to compliment the staff and ask them about their lives from time to time, especially if you're a regular.
This will make you feel more comfortable at the place and they might become extra attentive to your needs. But again, be careful not to make them uncomfortable by being too friendly.
Also, you don't want to be known as a "chatty" remote worker.
Don't leave your belongings unattended
Coffee shops are very safe places in many countries, but to be on the safe side, don't leave your computer and other belongings unattended.
Tip your baristas
One of the best ways to show your appreciation for coffee shop staff is to tip them. So consider it if your budget allows.
Be helpful
It's good to pay attention to your surroundings and see if there's anything you can do to help other remote workers.
For example, if there are few electrical outlets, make sure they can use them as well.
Don't overstay
The more customers, the better for a café. So if you've stayed for several hours and there are no more empty seats, it's time to go.
Don't pretend you don't see the other waiting customers. Avoiding eye contact with them isn't the best solution. If you really must stay longer, make sure you pay for drinks and food—and tip well.
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Welcome or unwelcome?
Your behavior will determine how welcome or unwelcome you feel at the café which you work from.
Treat others the way you'd like to be treated, and we assure you that you'll win many hearts on your remote work journey.
