Need a Change of Scenery? Check Out These Top 7 Places to Work Remotely!
According to Forbes, 12.7% of full-time employees now work remotely.
But even with this shift, it's common for remote workers to fall into a routine that can lead to increased errors, decreased productivity, and unhappiness.
A change of scenery could be the solution.
A change in environment can enhance creativity, neuroplasticity, and overall mental well-being.
Not to mention, it’s a great way to break bad habits that developed since you started working remotely, like constant snacking, laziness, and incessant phone use.
Here are 7 recommendations for remote work locations to check out when you need a break from your home office.
Hotel Lobbies
Hotel lobbies are a great spot if you’re looking for a few hours of uninterrupted work time.
They are often quiet in the early morning and midday after checkout, providing a distraction-free environment for deep work.
Normally, you can find bathrooms on the first floor, and if you get there early enough, you can get breakfast or coffee at the cafe or breakfast bar.
When I work at a hotel, I am usually left alone unless the staff needs to clean the tables or remove salt and pepper shakers.
However, you can expect heavy people traffic during the following times, which can vary depending on the hotel:
Check-in: approx 3-4 pm
Check-out: approx 10 am-12 pm
Breakfast: approx 7:30am-10am
The Internet access may vary per hotel, but Sheraton, Courtyard, and Fairfield Inn tend to have a free Lobby Internet option available.
Starbucks
If you are an early bird, most Starbucks locations open early so you can enjoy a few hours of uninterrupted deep work before the world wakes up.
Freelancers and writers favor Starbucks because you get caffeine, food, clean bathrooms, and outlets in one place.
Peak times at Starbucks include:
Monday-Friday 7:30 am-9 am, 12 pm-2 pm
Saturday and Sunday: 10 am-1 pm
Some locations are colder than others, so bring a light jacket or sweater if you plan to stay longer than a few hours.
Most locations offer both indoor and outdoor seating, so you can take advantage of a productivity boost by working outside if the weather permits.
Panera Bread
Panera Bread checks off a lot of boxes when it comes to the ideal space for remote work:
Full menu (Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner)
Free Wifi
Clean bathrooms
Plenty of outlets
Comfortable seating areas
And if you are part of the Unlimited Sip Club, you also get an unlimited source of caffeine.
Panera is a great one-stop shop, whether you plan to stay for a few hours or your entire workday.
The peak times at Panera are similar to Starbucks, but Lunch time is the busiest time by far.
If you choose to work at Panera, get there early enough to secure a good spot before the lunch rush.
Parks
If you're looking for a peaceful and innovative workspace, consider your local park.
While some parks may only be open seasonally, they offer a serene and natural environment that can help inspire fresh ideas.
With benches scattered throughout, you can even construct an impromptu office if needed. Or, work from your car with the windows down for a change of scenery.
Keep in mind that electrical outlets may not always be available, so it's a good idea to bring a power bank if you plan to work for an extended period.
Whenever I need to work on creative or introspective tasks like design, writing, or journaling, parks are my go-to spot.
So, next time the weather is nice, give working in a park a try. You'll be amazed at how many new ideas come to mind just by being outdoors in nature.
Public Libraries
You can’t go wrong with a public library.
They have outlets, clean bathrooms, and plenty of desks to set up shop.
Some libraries even have study rooms that can be reserved for two hours if you need silence, privacy, or a distraction-free environment.
My only complaint with public libraries is they don’t open until 10 am. So, on the days when I want to have an early start, the library is out of the question.
But if 10 a.m. is the time you normally start anyway, I recommend giving the library a shot.
Public libraries also have additional free resources like printing, copying, and faxing for your first 10 pages with your library card.
Check your local library's website for more information on their hours, locations, and additional resources.
Community College Campus Library
Have you thought about exploring your local community college campus library? It's a wonderful hidden gem for studying and working.
Public libraries can be distracting due to the diverse group of people, but at a community college campus library, you'll mostly encounter students, teachers, or campus staff who are all there to get work done.
Additionally, these libraries are more likely to have a variety of workstations to suit your needs. However, access to campus library resources and book checkouts is limited to students and employees.
The campus library can be a peaceful oasis during the summer since fewer people are on campus. This is unlike public libraries, which tend to get busier once school is out.
If you're searching for a quiet location to work without the distractions of a public library, it's worth considering visiting the library at your nearest community college.
Before heading to the college library, make sure to check their hours as they may vary between seasons.
Co-Work Space - Paid Option
If these locations don't work for you, you might consider a co-working space.
These spaces require payment, but they offer daily access or monthly memberships.
You'll find similar resources to those in a corporate office, including WiFi, printing, conference rooms, and sometimes desk or private office access (membership-only). Plus, some co-work spaces provide light refreshments or kitchen space.
While this isn't a comprehensive list of amenities available, a co-work space could be a good option if you're looking for a more permanent office space outside of your home."
Final Thoughts
Having different work locations when you work from home is essential for boosting your creativity, productivity, and overall mood.
You don't have to spend money on co-working spaces whenever you need a change of scenery, as plenty of options are available.
These locations may vary depending on your area, so it's worth exploring your local area for inspiration.
The key to a comfortable work environment is finding a spot with clean restrooms, a suitable atmosphere, WIFI, and outlets for extended work periods.
It's also a bonus if they offer caffeine and snacks to energize you throughout the day.
If you encounter any other great hidden spots, please share them in the comments! We're constantly looking for fresh and motivational places to get things done.
