Working remotely has become a very popular option for many people. It has been found in numerous surveys that businesses are increasing their options for remote work and that having the ability to work remotely now plays a major role in whether or not someone accepts a job offer.
There are all kinds of benefits to working remotely; namely that it decreases the need for travel time, thus saving a lot of time and money. For many people, having the flexibility to work from home or another remote location can also help to increase their job satisfaction, as well as their overall productivity. With the help of a simple internet connection and a laptop, many workers are now able to communicate with other employees and clients, all from the comfort of their own home.
If you’re working remotely, it’s important to remember that this doesn’t mean you’re restricted to your home. In fact, you have a wide range of options when it comes to finding an office for the day. Are you working remotely?
Here are 7 productive places to work outside the home
#1: Café
There are lots of cafés that make the perfect place for work, namely because they have lots of space, food/drink options, and a steady internet connection. Often, you’ll find that cafés are also a great place to network, have meetings, and get emails done. If you’re looking for a quiet, smaller space, you’ll likely have to look around for lesser-known businesses that cater to workers or that only have space for a small number of customers.
It’s also ideal to choose a café that allows for long visits, and which offers outlets in case your phone or laptop need re-charging.
#2: Park
If you’re not in need of Wi-Fi on specific days, then a park is the perfect place to get some work done. Parks offer a relaxing environment that is often ideal for focusing, with a calming, constant sound in the background.
This is especially ideal if your day only requires a fully charged laptop or iPad to get things done. Consider packing a lunch and some snacks, as well as a blanket and some shade in case it gets too hot. For a day at the office, you’ll be surprisingly relaxed.
#3: Library
If you need a space that is quiet, and your home isn’t providing that, then a library might be the perfect spot for you. Libraries often have desk space and computers for use, as well as high-quality inkjet cartridges and printers if you need them.
Libraries are also a great spot because you can usually stay for unlimited amounts of time, and you can bet that it will be the perfect place for a quiet, focused work session. Libraries generally offer free Wi-Fi, as well, and maybe of use with all of the wide topics of information at your fingertips in the case that research is required.
#4: Hotels
Even if you’re not looking to spend too much on a remote location for work, you can also consider heading into a hotel lobby or business room for the day. These spaces usually come with some comfortable furniture and free Wi-Fi access, as well as restaurants in case you need a break. Some people do, in fact, rent out rooms to get work done in peace but, if you can access a quiet lobby for a few hours, then you might find this a very convenient location to get productive outside of the office.
#5: Local Restaurant or Bar
Many businesses are becoming aware of how common it is for people to work remotely and, so, many provide the means to do so in their establishments. A local restaurant or bar may be happy to provide you with seating to get some work done, but it’s always good etiquette to make sure you purchase something from the menu if this is your chosen location.
#6: Grocery Store Café
You may not have noticed, but grocery stores are getting makeovers. No more are they just offering your weekly grocery needs, but to offer you a full eat-in meal and a glass of champagne to boot. It’s all the rage, now, to head to the store for a quick shop, and then to stop by the eat-in buffet counters or the in-house chef for a sit-down meal in newly-renovated “grocerants.” Lots of chains now offer full-service buffets where customers can either grab a meal to go or purchase a lunch/dinner to enjoy in a designated restaurant area.
These spots might be harder to find, but they’re popping up in more and more locations. This is a great location to grab something to eat, take advantage of the Wi-Fi, and get some work done outside of the office. Not all of the latest grocery store updates are full-scale restaurants, and some embrace more of a café style that is perfect for remote work.
#7: Co-Working Space
Co-working spaces are popping up all over the place, and it’s thanks to the growing number of remote workers who are seeking spaces to work outside the home. Co-working spaces are built around the theme of community and often cater to workers of all different types, businesses, and companies.
If you’re looking to work remotely while also having the opportunity to have free tools, Wi-Fi, bathrooms, and more, then this might be a viable option. Mind you, most co-working spaces do require a monthly fee, and some require an application. It’s all part of the process of making sure a specific space will suit your needs and your style of work, but it can be very effective if you also want to network and brainstorm with other motivated professionals.
Conclusion
Working remotely is a very flexible and enjoyable option if your business or employer offers it. There are lots of ideal places that you can take your work, so long as you consider all of the tools you will need, including an internet connection, outlets, printers, etc. If you’re looking for somewhere to get your remote work done, consider the options listed above for some ideal locations for productivity.
