Remote working has, in many ways, made life considerably more enjoyable for those who are able to do their work using a laptop computer. For one thing, it allows us to work from a location of our choosing. In many cases, this is a home — but at the same time, you might decide to spend a few hours in the afternoon working in a cafe.
Do this in the wrong way, however, and you’re unlikely to win friends. In fact, the owners of the cafe might ask you to leave. So, what basic principles should we abide by when we’re working in this way?
Adopt the “Rent-a-Table” Mentality
First, it’s worth thinking about exactly why a small business might be displeased when large numbers of remote workers descend. Put simply, they stay for longer than other customers, and don’t buy as much. During busy spells, this is a major concern; a table that’s taken up by a single laptop-based worker is one that can’t accommodate a succession of traditional customers, who might drink their coffee and leave.
The way to get around this is to simply buy things regularly. Aim to make a purchase once every hour. Avoid the lunch rush, which is important to the business. Simply asking the staff about what they consider reasonable might also be worthwhile.
Secure Your “Digital Perimeter”
When you work in a cafe, the chances are that you’re going to be making use of the Wi-Fi there. But this might leave you vulnerable, especially in an age of AI-driven packet sniffing and man-in-the-middle attacks.
Make sure that the network to which you’re connecting actually belongs to the cafe by checking the name against the one that’s physically written down on the premises. Install a VPN, or use your cellular network instead. Finally, you might consider using a privacy screen filter, to prevent passers-by from simply looking over your shoulder at what you’re doing.
Master “The Silent Presence”
If you don’t want to annoy other people in the cafe, you’ll limit the noise you make. Get a pair of noise-canceling headphones, and a quality microphone that will isolate your voice. Don’t make any call that’s likely to result in raised voices, or sensitive subjects being broadcast across the room. In fact, unless you can find a space that’s set up for it, it’s worth avoiding any kind of noise-making entirely.
Be an “Ergonomic Nomad”
The furniture in a cafe is not designed to be sat on for hours every day. You might find yourself with serious postural problems if you make awkward, hunched-over working a default.
Do what you can to limit the problem. Move from standing to sitting every few hours. Get a laptop stand and an external keyboard and mouse. Make sure also that you’re exercising: no chair, after all, obviates the need to get up, move around, and stretch.
Respect the “Power Grid”
If you have your laptop plugged into the wall for hours on end, and you’re doing high-intensity tasks, like video editing, then you’ll impose a high cost on the establishment. Worse, a trailing cable might create a trip hazard. Arriving with a full battery might allow you to be more selective about where you sit, too!