5 Tips to Working in a Coffee Shop

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Posted by: Patricia V. Rivera
Date: December 16, 2014

If you need a change of scenery, try heading to a “coffice” – you know, the local coffee shops where people also linger to work, negotiate and present.

Once a makeshift office of choice for creative types, coffices are becoming increasingly more popular with professionals from a variety of industries who have some degree of flexibility in their jobs. In fact, the trend inspired Toronto entrepreneur Sam Title to start thecoffice.biz, an online community for people who work from coffee shops.

“We see it as phenomenon that is growing not only in North America but across the world,” Title says.

With greater access to mobile technology, the option to work remotely continues to grow, leaving many people who might typically work at home to settle into a coffee shop for meetings and even to give small presentations. For people who work as independent consultants, telecommuters or entrepreneurs, the idea of going to an “office” also adds structure to their lives.

“As a former employee, I recall the work style culture shock of a missing daily commute and office space,” Title adds.

But working in a coffee shop does require some planning and common sense considerations. Title offers the following tips to maximize the use of your work time at a coffee shop.

  • Research in advance. You don’t want to learn on deadline, or prior to an important meeting, that the coffee shop you’ve chosen for the day lacks enough electrical plugs. Check online for reviews or even call to ask about conditions.
  • Budget for it. Expect to make at least one purchase for every hour that you spend at a coffee shop. Be cognizant of the fact that shop owners are business owners, who expect to make money from your visit. You can’t stay all day with the purchase of just one cup of coffee.
  • Be courteous and respectful. Don’t hog the Wi-Fi and power outlets. Don’t spread yourself out. Title says you should make it possible for others to share your table, if needed. Also, treat the staff with respect and clean up after yourself.
  • Avoid the comfy seats. If you are at a coffee shop to work, you don’t want to settle into a lounge chair that will trick your mind into thinking you can relax for a bit. The more comfortable seats also attract people who want to chat and socialize. Title says find the hardest chair possible, preferably away from the center of the shop, and get to work.
  • Take headphones and music. Prepare for the fact that you might not like the shop’s music. Your choice of music of background noise will help you stay focused.

Tags: coffice, structure