Breaking Up with Cafes: How and Why I Shifted to Workspaces

In a discussion with our Head of Brand, Ali Khattab, we remembered a time when we had to work from cafes.. and that wasn't easy! In this article we discover together why the shift from cafe to coworking space happened and when.

For a while, I hopped on the cafe working bandwagon, seeking that trendy and energizing experience of typing away on my laptop while savoring a delicious latte. But in the past few years, even before joining Hotesk, I made a bold move and decided to break up with cafes as my go-to workspaces. Why? Well, there were a few reasons that made me realize cafes weren't the productivity powerhouses I thought they were.

Bye-bye distractions:

Let's face it, cafes are far from quiet and serene. Non-stop chatter, clinking cups, and background tunes, while adding charm, became disruptive to my concentration and hindered tackling complex tasks. With constant interruptions, deadlines became a wild ride and deep work felt like a distant dream.

No control over my Workspace:

Cafes meant giving up control over my work environment. You never knew if you'd find a comfy seat, an available power outlet, or a reliable internet connection. Depending on the cafe's infrastructure became a gamble, leading to countless frustrating experiences.

Privacy Please:

Privacy in cafes? Good luck! These bustling spaces offer little in terms of confidentiality. Overhearing nearby conversations, unintentional glimpses at my confidential documents, or even personal phone calls felt like a breach of trust.

Wi-Fi Chase:

Stable internet connectivity is the backbone of remote work, but cafes' Wi-Fi networks played a risky game. While some cafes nailed it with fast and reliable connections, others left me in a digital black hole during peak hours. Needless to say, it took a toll on my phone battery and data package!

Suitable Coworking Spaces are Everywhere:

With the rise of hybrid and remote work, I can find at least six coworking spaces around my area, and the Hotdesk app is proof enough!

Coworking spaces often provide a range of amenities such as high-speed internet, meeting rooms, printing facilities, coffee, and social areas. These services create a more comfortable and productive work environment than any cafe.?

Don't get me wrong! Cafes have their charm. But when it comes to optimizing productivity and maintaining a focused work routine, it's important to acknowledge the practical challenges they present. In my personal journey, all the factors pushed me to seek alternatives like co-working spaces that foster a focused atmosphere. It's all about finding the right balance that suits your work style, maximizes productivity, and lets you dive deep into your tasks.

If you came this far and are still looking for the best place to work, then you haven’t downloaded Hotdesk yet!

More than 1000+ flexible and versatile spaces, all around you, bookable by the hour/day/week/month, in the palm of your hand.