Breaking Up with Cafes: How and Why I Shifted to Workspaces
Remote Work
In a discussion with our Head of Brand, Ali Khattab, we remembered a time when we had to work from cafes.. and that wasn’t easy! In this article we discover together why the shift from cafe to coworking space happened and when.
Key Takeaways
- Cafes present real productivity challenges: distractions, unreliable Wi-Fi, no privacy, and zero control over your environment.
- Coworking spaces solve these problems with dedicated amenities like high-speed internet, meeting rooms, and professional atmospheres.
- With the rise of hybrid work, coworking spaces are now widely available — the Hotdesk app makes finding and booking one effortless.
- Cafes have charm, but when deep work is the goal, a purpose-built workspace wins every time.
For a while, I hopped on the cafe working bandwagon, seeking that trendy and energizing experience of typing away on my laptop while savoring a delicious latte. But in the past few years, even before joining Hotesk, I made a bold move and decided to break up with cafes as my go-to workspaces. Why? Well, there were a few reasons that made me realize cafes weren’t the productivity powerhouses I thought they were.
Bye-bye Distractions?
Let’s face it, cafes are far from quiet and serene. Non-stop chatter, clinking cups, and background tunes, while adding charm, became disruptive to my concentration and hindered tackling complex tasks. With constant interruptions, deadlines became a wild ride and deep work felt like a distant dream.
No Control over My Workspace
Once you’ve chosen your next working location, you’ll transition onto the booking page, which provides a clear visual of the space you’ve chosen along with relevant information about the operating hours of the location, the amenities included and the price. When you’re ready, click the preferred date and time to proceed with your booking. Do you have a Zoom call in 30 minutes but need a space to take it from? No problem, you can book a desk for an hour within 30 minutes of the current time. Want to pull an all-nighter before your exam, no problem. Book a space at WeWork, which is open 24 hours a day. If you’d rather filter availability by price, then that’s also an option.
Cafes meant giving up control over my work environment. You never knew if you’d find a comfy seat, an available power outlet, or a reliable internet connection. Depending on the cafe’s infrastructure became a gamble, leading to countless frustrating experiences.
Privacy Please!
Privacy in cafes? Good luck! These bustling spaces offer little in terms of confidentiality. Overhearing nearby conversations, unintentional glimpses at my confidential documents, or even personal phone calls felt like a breach of trust.
Wi-Fi Chase
Stable internet connectivity is the backbone of remote work, but cafes’ Wi-Fi networks played a risky game. While some cafes nailed it with fast and reliable connections, others left me in a digital black hole during peak hours. Needless to say, it took a toll on my phone battery and data package!
Suitable Coworking Spaces are Everywhere
With the rise of hybrid and remote work, I can find at least six coworking spaces around my area, and the Hotdesk app is proof enough!
Coworking spaces often provide a range of amenities such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, printing facilities, coffee, and social areas. These services create a more comfortable and productive work environment than any cafe.
| Factor | Cafe | Coworking Space |
|---|---|---|
| Distractions | Non-stop chatter, clinking cups, background music | Purpose-built for focused work with quiet zones |
| Wi-Fi | Inconsistent, often unreliable at peak hours | High-speed, dedicated, reliable connection |
| Privacy | Little to none — open, public environment | Meeting rooms, phone booths, private offices |
| Workspace Control | No guaranteed seat, power outlet, or setup | Bookable desks, ergonomic chairs, monitors |
| Amenities | Coffee and maybe a power strip | Printing, mail handling, kitchen, social areas |
Don’t get me wrong! Cafes have their charm. But when it comes to optimizing productivity and maintaining a focused work routine, it’s important to acknowledge the practical challenges they present. In my personal journey, all the factors pushed me to seek alternatives like co-working spaces that foster a focused atmosphere. It’s all about finding the right balance that suits your work style, maximizes productivity, and lets you dive deep into your tasks.
If you came this far and are still looking for the best place to work, then you haven’t downloaded Hotdesk yet!
Ready to Do Your Best Work?
📲 Download the Hotdesk App to discover, book, and work from the best coworking spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is working from a cafe not ideal for productivity?
Cafes present several challenges for productivity including constant distractions from chatter, clinking cups, and background music; no control over your workspace such as seating, power outlets, or internet; lack of privacy for confidential work and phone calls; and unreliable Wi-Fi that can vary dramatically during peak hours.
What are the advantages of coworking spaces over cafes?
Coworking spaces offer a range of dedicated amenities such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, printing facilities, coffee, and social areas. These services create a more comfortable and productive work environment than any cafe, with reliable infrastructure you can count on every visit.
Is cafe Wi-Fi reliable enough for remote work?
Cafe Wi-Fi networks can be inconsistent. While some cafes offer fast and reliable connections, others can leave you in a digital black hole during peak hours. This inconsistency makes cafes a risky choice for work that depends on stable internet connectivity.
How do I find a coworking space near me?
With the rise of hybrid and remote work, coworking spaces are widely available. The Hotdesk app helps you find at least several coworking spaces in your area, allowing you to book desks, meeting rooms, or private offices on demand for the time you need.
Can you still work from a cafe sometimes?
Cafes have their charm and can work for casual tasks. However, when it comes to optimizing productivity and maintaining a focused work routine, it’s important to acknowledge the practical challenges they present. Finding the right balance that suits your work style and maximizes productivity is key.
