These days, you can wake up at 8:55 a.m. and be in your first meeting within 5 minutes, all without having to leave your bed. Working from home comes with a lot of perks, and for many companies, it’s not going away. But where can you go when you need to get out of the house and buckle down on some work? As it turns out, there are plenty of good places to work remotely, from coworking spaces to museums to hotel lobbies.
The Rise of Remote Work
What started as a necessity in 2020 has continued with the evolution of work-life balance: remote work. Workers get more time at home and companies spend less on real estate. It’s a win-win. But as remote work progresses, it’s becoming clear that the benefits don’t end there. Increases in productivity and reduced overhead have permanently ensconced remote work in many companies’ traditions.
But just because you have the opportunity to work from home doesn’t mean you need to stay at home. Or perhaps your home isn’t always the best place to get work done. That’s when it’s time to find a comfortable place that allows you to focus and stay productive.
7 Places To Work Remotely Other Than Home
When you’re looking for public places to work remotely, you’ll want somewhere you can stay for the amount of time you need. Ideally, it will provide a free internet connection. If you need quiet or privacy for virtual meetings, you’ll want to look for places that offer private rooms.
The world is rapidly becoming remote work-friendly, and there are a variety of places that can meet your needs, including the seven types below.
Coworking Spaces
Designed specifically for remote workers — as well as company offsites and client meetings — coworking spaces provide different levels of membership for drop-in workers. Some memberships grant access to workspace when you need it in a communal setting. Higher levels of membership may include a private locker or desk. Many coworking locations have conference rooms or private offices you can borrow as needed, making it ideal for those who need to meet briefly with colleagues or clients in person.
Finding coworking spaces in cities where hybrid work is growing may be easier than in more remote areas. But coworking spaces are quickly becoming a popular, sustainable option for lots of communities.
Coffee Shops and Cafes
For the cost of a coffee, you can buy yourself a table and some Wi-Fi for hours. For the occasional work-away-from-home remote worker, spending the morning in a coffee shop can provide exactly what you’re looking for. Plus, there’s coffee!
However, if you need to take a lot of calls or virtual meetings, there’s no control over the sound or privacy in a public cafe. Also, you may not always be able to find a seat near an outlet, so be prepared to come charged.
Libraries
Put your tax dollars to work when you make your public library your office away from home. Public libraries offer computers and internet access. You’ll often find an array of comfortable seating. There’s no time limit for how long you spend in a public library, and the hours may extend past typical 9-to-5 work schedules for added flexibility. Printers, copiers, and other tech may also be available.
Many public libraries have private work rooms or even conference rooms that you can register to use for a set time frame, making this great for those who need a quiet, private space for meetings. Another bonus: library services are typically free.
University Campuses
Work better with some hustle and bustle around you? A university campus is another answer to where to work remotely. Between on-campus cafes and library study carrels, it can provide ample Wi-Fi connectivity, ideal seating locations, and some motivating buzz. Being a student for the day can offer a great location for remote work ers to buckle down like it’s finals week.
Parks and Open Spaces
One of the major benefits of hybrid or remote work schedules is that you can get out of the office and breathe some fresh air whenever you desire. Lots of parks and open spaces offer wireless connectivity along with outdoor seating or patios. Some may even have solar-based charging ports so you won’t have to worry about your battery life while enjoying some nature.
Museums and Cultural Venues
Want to be inspired during your workday? Check out creative spaces at museums and other cultural venues. Even if you’re not attending the attraction that day, these spaces will often allow you to sit in their cafes or lobbies, where you can usually find outlets, connectivity, and comfortable seating.
Hotel Lobbies
Don’t let a little travel get in the way of your deadline. A hotel lobby may provide the perfect pinch-hitter office, whether you’re on the road or in your own neighborhood. Most lobbies have plenty of comfortable seating, access to Wi-Fi, and the ability to work in one place for several hours at a time.
How To Choose the Best Place To Work From
The best places to work remotely are the ones that fit your budget and have the infrastructure you need, whether that’s a tech setup or a private space. For someone with a hybrid work schedule, a cafe or public library may provide all the necessary essentials at low or no cost.
But if you need access to such things as high-quality connectivity and printers, or enough seating to meet with colleagues or clients, opting for a coworking space may be best.
Top-Notch Coworking Spaces, Wherever You Are
There are lots of good places to work remotely, but only a few are specifically designed for it. What could be better than a coworking space with built-in tech infrastructure, breakout spaces, conference rooms, and networking potential?
Industrious knows what remote workers need. Visit an Industrious location to find a premium coworking space that fits your needs.