Working remotely has its perks, and one of the best ways to break free from the monotony of working from home is to settle into a cozy café. The aroma of freshly brewed coffee, the gentle hum of conversation, and the occasional clatter of cups can make for a stimulating work environment. However, cafés are not dedicated co-working spaces—they are businesses designed to serve a steady flow of customers.
If you’re a remote worker who enjoys working from a café, it’s important to follow basic etiquette to ensure you’re being respectful to both the establishment and its patrons. Here are a few key things to keep in mind:
Be Mindful of Space
A coffee shop is not your personal office, so don’t treat it like one. If you’re planning to work for a long stretch, be conscious of how much space you’re taking up. A table for four is not an invitation to spread out your laptop, notebook, charger, and coffee cup while others struggle to find a seat.
Also, be aware of peak hours. If the shop is getting busy, consider wrapping up your work session or moving to a smaller table. And if you plan to stay for several hours, don’t just nurse a single coffee—order something else, whether it’s another drink or a snack, to support the business.
Keep Noise Levels in Check
Not every coffee shop has a designated quiet area, but that doesn’t mean you should turn it into your personal call centre. If you need to take a phone or video call, step outside or move to a quieter corner if available. Loud conversations—whether with colleagues or on Zoom—can be disruptive to other customers who are trying to enjoy their coffee break.
On the flip side, don’t expect absolute silence either. Cafés naturally have background chatter, music, and the occasional grind of an espresso machine. If you need complete quiet to focus, consider bringing noise-cancelling headphones or choosing a library or co-working space instead.
Respect the Atmosphere
Each coffee shop has its own unique vibe—some cater to quiet readers and remote workers, while others are lively social hubs. Before settling in for a work session, take a moment to observe the environment. If the café is more of a bustling brunch spot with loud conversations and clinking cutlery, it might not be the best place to set up for hours of deep work.
Additionally, be mindful of the music volume. If you’re tempted to ask the staff to turn it down, reconsider—they are curating an atmosphere for all customers, not just remote workers. Adapt to the setting rather than expecting it to change for you.
Be Considerate of the Staff
Staff work hard to keep things running smoothly, and remote workers can sometimes make their jobs more challenging. If you’re staying for a while, make sure to order something periodically rather than occupying a seat for hours on a single espresso.
It’s also important to be mindful of your belongings. Don’t spread out so much that it makes it difficult for staff to clean tables or serve other customers. And when you do eventually leave, a good tip goes a long way in showing appreciation for the space you’ve been using.
So, next time you settle in with your laptop and cappuccino, remember: coffee shops are shared spaces, not personal offices. Treat them with respect, and they’ll remain welcoming havens for remote workers like you.