Working from a café or coffeeshop is a great way to shake up your productivity with a different environment. Lots of people thrive on a change of scenery, and the hubbub of a local coffeeshop can be just enough noise to get you into your work without being too distracting.
Whether you’re after some inspiration or a caffeine fix while you’re getting stuff done, make sure you follow these etiquette rules for your coffee shop visit.
Do: Make a purchase
This should go without saying, but it’s number one anyway: get that coffee! You will be using up space, and possibly Wi-Fi and electricity, so “buy” these amenities by getting yourself a drink and a cake. If you’re staying for longer periods, make sure you also get a top up.
Some coffee shops have tables that are more suitable for working on, with easy access to electrical sockets – return the favour by being a good customer, it’s a business after all!
Don’t: hog entire tables
While it might be your office away from your office, that doesn’t mean you can take up entire areas with your things. Make sure you don’t spread out too much, and leave enough space for other customers. If you are on your own, consider taking a smaller table. The four seat tables are attractive, but if it’s a busy shop, they’d rather have four bums in those seats, instead of your folders and equipment!
That leads us into the next point:
Do: Consider leaving if it’s clear you are in the way of customers or if you’re not going to get another drink
While there are usually no hard rules about how many purchases you need to make, you should keep an eye on the staff and the shop. If they don’t seem very happy with you there, or if customers are entering but walking out because there are no seats: consider calling it a day and going back to your own office.
Especially for independent coffee shops it is important that customers can get a seat and a coffee to create return business: missing out on those opportunities because someone is hogging a big table while nursing their one black coffee is rough.
That being said:
Do: Support your local independent shops
As long as you follow the etiquette they’ll be happy with your visits, and they’re usually lovely environments to work in. Some are even set up specifically for remote workers to get you as productive as possible.
Don’t: Leave your data or belongings unattended
In any public place you need to be extra mindful of not only your equipment and belongings, but also the data that’s visible on your screen. Data security breaches are serious business, and not taking the right measures while in public can have big consequences. Whether it’s data stolen through Wi-Fi, or people reading from your physical notes, make sure no sensitive information is lying out in the open.
If you access public Wi-Fi, anyone on that same network can use that connection to get into your files. Use a VPN to keep your data encrypted to stop hackers getting in, and make sure any private information can’t be read from your screen by curious onlookers..
Alongside your virtual belongings, you need to look after your physical items. Equipment is expensive, and it can cause a lot of damage to you and your clients if you lose your laptop or phone, and the information that’s on them. Don’t bring any items you don’t need, don’t leave your items unattended, and always keep an eye on your things, no matter how much you get sucked into your work.
Etiquette for working from coffeeshops
While there are no hard laws to follow when it comes to working from coffee shops, exercising common sense and basic etiquette will get you a long way. Be mindful of yourself and your work, and remember that you are in a public place that other people want to use as well.
If you have a favourite place to go you’ll get to know the staff and build a bit of a relationship, which isn’t only fun, but will also ensure that they’re happy with your visits, and they might even keep an eye out for you too!