The Best Remote Working Spaces: Work Without Borders

Hybrid work — ain’t it wonderful? Working one or two days per week at the office and remotely the rest of the time?

But maybe, every so often, you feel like the walls of your home are closing in on you. Or worse, your internet connection cops out, and you have to find another place to work. Where do you go when this happens?

This article will spark your imagination with new ideas for the best remote working spaces to use if you simply have to get out of the house.

Quick Summary

When you need to take a break from your home office while doing hybrid work, the world around you offers great remote working locations — if you know where to look. This article covers multiple locations, sorted by their type.

Some of the best remote working spaces include the following:

1. Remote working spaces in the neighborhood
2. Coworking spaces around town
3. Going digital nomad: worldwide working locations

Remote Working Spaces in the Neighborhood

There are lots of locations remote and hybrid office workers can escape to — while still remaining productive — when they need to get out of the house for a while.

This “escape” can be as simple as moving to their backyard or patio area. The key is to switch up your context and environment for something “a little different.” It’s remarkable what a little change of scenery can do for productivity.

A study by researchers at New York University and University of Miami found that “new and diverse experiences” bring enhanced happiness and are correlated with higher brain activity.

Catherine Hartley, an assistant professor in New York University’s Department of Psychology and one of the study’s co-authors, says, “Our results suggest that people feel happier when they have more variety in their daily routines — when they go to novel places and have a wider array of experiences.”

Pop psychology has a term for this that you might be familiar with already: it’s “the coffee shop effect,” wherein the brain does better with moderate levels of background noise or “ambient buzz” for productivity than it does with complete silence.

So, whether you like to hunker at your corner coffee joint or need something more collegial, here are 12 examples of remote working spaces. We’ll explore the pros and cons of each space and what type of work they may be best suited for.

Libraries

Pros: a quiet workspace, access to resources, and often free Wi-Fi.

Cons: limited hours and potential distractions.

Libraries are best for solo work that requires concentration and research. They’re a great substitute for a private office space.

Coffee shops

Pros: a social atmosphere, free Wi-Fi, and access to — you guessed it — coffee!

Cons: noise and limited space.

Coffee shops are best for casual meetings, creative work, or low-concentration tasks. However, some individuals find that the ambient noise, coupled with some fantastic work setups for monotasking, make for an insanely productive day.

And the availability of outlets doesn’t hurt either!

Bookstores

Pros: a quiet atmosphere and access to books and knowledgeable staff.

Cons: limited seating and potential distractions.

Bookstores are best suited for solo work that requires concentration or inspiration.

Parks

Pros: fresh air, sunshine, and a change of scenery.

Cons: weather limitations and potential distractions, such as children and dogs. If you need outlets or other tech-related support, parks may not be the best idea for deep work.

Parks are best for creative work like brainstorming, exercising, or taking relaxing breaks.

College Campuses

Pros: access to resources and technology.

Cons: limited access for non-students and potential distractions.

Campuses are best for collaborative work, research, or attending events that can inspire you.

Malls

Pros: ample seating and access to food — and shopping if you need a break.

Cons: noise, potential distractions, and likely too many temptations for concentrated work.

Malls are best for casual meetings or doing some “light,” administrative work during a shopping break. Skip anything that requires deep concentration or focus.

Restaurants

Pros: access to food and beverages and a social atmosphere.

Cons: noise and limited space, especially at meal times.

Restaurants are best for casual meetings or working during off-peak hours. Since everyone is focused on eating or talking with their friends, you’re likely to get a lot done without major distractions.

Pubs and Bars

Pros: access to drinks and a social atmosphere.

Cons: noise and limited space.

Bars and pubs are best for creatives working during off-peak hours. In other words, don’t plan to “work” — but bring a notebook and a tablet just in case.

Churches and Temples

Pros: a quiet atmosphere and access to seating.

Cons: limited hours and potential interruptions.

If you can find dedicated meeting or group spaces, then churches and temples are best for solo work that requires concentration and/or inspiration.

Community Centers

Pros: access to resources, events, and community.

Cons: limited access for non-members and potential distractions.

Community centers are best for collaborative work, attending events, or networking.

Museums

Pros: quiet atmosphere, inspiration, and access to exhibits.

Cons: entrance fees, limited seating, and potential distractions.

Yes, museums have dedicated spaces for sitting and relaxing, usually adjacent to a cafeteria or coffee shop. These areas are best for solo work that requires inspiration or relaxation.

Sports Club Cafeterias

Pros: access to food and beverages, a social atmosphere, and a sense of community.

Cons: noise and limited seating during peak hours.

Sports club cafeterias are best for networking events, casual meetings, or working during off-peak hours — and even getting a workout session in while you’re there!

Coworking Spaces Around Town

Coworking spaces are neutral places where people come to work when they’re not at the office. Think of a coworking space as a shared office space away from home that can make remote work more exciting and enjoyable.

Coworking spaces for remote workers have become increasingly popular over the last decade as more and more people have embraced remote work and freelancing.

The first coworking space was opened in San Francisco in 2005, and since then, the concept has grown exponentially.

There are now thousands of coworking spaces around the world. The total increases by roughly 13% annually and is projected to reach almost 42,000 worldwide by the end of 2024.

Here are some helpful details on how coworking spaces work and how you can make the most of their built-in flexibility:

Types of Coworking Spaces

There are several different types of coworking spaces, including dedicated spaces, shared spaces, and virtual spaces.

• Dedicated spaces are designed for individuals or teams who need a consistent place to work. They typically offer private offices, meeting rooms, and other amenities.
• Shared office spaces are open areas where individuals can rent a desk or workspace.
• Virtual office spaces are designed for remote workers who need a business address and occasional access to meeting rooms or other facilities.

Equipment

Most coworking spaces come equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, printers, copiers, and other office equipment. Meeting rooms, conference rooms, and event spaces are also common.

Some coworking spaces offer additional amenities, such as coffee, snacks, or even gym facilities.

How Coworking Spaces Work

The way coworking spaces work varies by facility.

Some offer desk or workstation rental on a pay-as-you-go basis, while others require a monthly membership fee that includes unlimited access to facilities or access for a set number of days or hours per month.

What Coworking Spaces Are Best Suited For

Coworking spaces are best suited for individuals or teams who need a professional workspace but don’t require a traditional office.

They’re ideal for freelancers and other remote workers, startups, and small businesses that need a flexible and cost-effective workspace.

Pros and Cons of Coworking Spaces

The pros of coworking spaces include flexibility, networking opportunities, and access to professional facilities. They also provide a sense of community for individuals and remote teams who’d otherwise be alone at home.

The cons of working remotely in this type of environment include noise and potential distractions, limited privacy, and having to share facilities with other users.

Where to Find Coworking Spaces

There are now coworking spaces in most major cities. You can locate them through online directories such as coworker.com or by typing “coworking spaces near me” into a search engine.

In short, with a range of facilities, membership options, and amenities, coworking spaces provide a professional workspace that can be tailored to each user’s needs.

While there are pros and cons to using coworking spaces, they offer a unique opportunity for building community outside the workplace.

Going Digital Nomad: Worldwide Working Spaces

Remote workers who lead a nomadic lifestyle while using technology to carry out their work are commonly known as digital nomads.

Instead of being physically present at a company’s headquarters or office, they telecommute while exploring exciting new places. Popular destinations include locations in Southeast Asia, South America, and Europe.

Bali or Ibiza, anyone?

“Digital nomads,” as they’re called, use content management software, smartphones, Voice-over-Internet Protocol (VoIP), and Wi-Fi to work in a variety of jobs with different work arrangements, such as freelancing, consulting, remote work, or entrepreneurship.

They typically connect to the workplace through video conferencing, messaging apps, and cloud-based collaboration tools.

Given the adventurous nature of digital nomadism, you’d think that only a handful of hardy souls would be attracted to this free-roaming lifestyle, but that’s not the case.

As of the end of 2022, 35 million remote workers self-identified as digital nomads — and that number is growing!

Platforms like Nomad List and Workfrom, as well as blogs like Digital Nomad Soul, allow nomads to connect with like-minded individuals, find new, incredible places to visit, and share their experiences.

What Are the Best Remote Working Spaces for You?

If you do hybrid work and need to get out of the house, this article points out lots of creative remote working space options to choose from while staying connected to the office.

Pick your location based on the work you’re doing that day. For concentrated work time, consider places like libraries and museums. For meetings, busier places such as malls or coffee shops are fine. And for confidential stuff — well, stay home!

These exciting new workplace possibilities are just some of the benefits of switching to hybrid work.

At OfficeRnD, we help our customers make it easy for their workforce to stay productive while working hybrid.

We offer an easy-to-use, well-integrated, and reliable software solution that positively impacts hybrid employees and boosts team collaboration — and all in a cost-efficient way.

Get started for free with OfficeRnD Hybrid. Book a live demo and talk to our workplace experts to pinpoint the perfect solutions for your hybrid workplace!

FAQ

Does Working Remote Mean From Home?

Yes, working remotely can mean working from home. But, as this article discussed, “home” can also include a spectrum of other places, including coffee shops, community centers, and coworking spaces.

Can Remote Work Be Done From Anywhere?

In principle, yes, but the ideal setting depends on the requirements of the work you are doing and the connectivity to the office — such as that required for network access, phone calls, or meetings — you need at a given time.

How Do I Set Up a Remote Workspace?

At home, you need a quiet area, comfortable seating, a desk with a computer and ideally a large monitor, and reliable internet. For other spaces, create a travel kit with essential tools, such as your laptop or tablet, power cord or portable power supply, keyboard, mouse, thumb drive, headset, pen, and notepaper.

What Is the Purpose of a Coworking Space?

Simply put, the purpose of a coworking space is to provide a professional workspace outside of traditional offices for remote and hybrid workers and freelancers.

Why Coworking Spaces are Good for Remote Workers?

Coworking spaces offer several benefits for remote workers, including:

• Community and Networking Opportunities: Coworking spaces are filled with professionals from various industries, which can lead to networking opportunities and the potential for collaboration. It’s a great way to meet new people and expand your professional network.
• Productivity Boost: Working from home can be filled with distractions. Coworking spaces are designed for productivity with a quiet, professional environment. They often have all the office amenities you need, like fast internet, printing facilities, and meeting rooms.
• Flexibility: Coworking spaces often offer flexible plans, allowing you to choose from daily, weekly, or monthly memberships. This flexibility can be particularly beneficial for freelancers or small business owners who don’t want to commit to a long-term lease.

Where Can I Work Remotely for Free?

Here are some places where you can work remotely for free:

• Coworking Spaces: Some coworking spaces offer free or discounted trial periods where you can work for a day or a week.
• Coffee Shops: Many coffee shops offer free Wi-Fi and don’t mind if you stay and work for a few hours, especially if you buy something.
• Local Library: Libraries are quiet, well-lit spaces that are perfect for remote work. They also offer free Wi-Fi.
• Hotel Lobbies: Some hotels have comfortable lobbies with free Wi-Fi where you can work.
• Museums and Galleries: Some museums and galleries have areas where you can sit and work. Check their policies on Wi-Fi use and noise levels.
• Restaurants: Some restaurants don’t mind if you stay and work, especially during off-peak hours.
• Parks: If you have a portable internet device or can use your phone as a hotspot, parks can be a great place to work.
• Bookshops: Some bookshops have areas where you can sit and work. They may also have free Wi-Fi.
• Universities: Many universities have public spaces where you can sit and work. They also often have free Wi-Fi.
• Internet Cafés: These are designed for people to use the internet and often have comfortable seating and workspaces.

What are the Best Places to Work Remotely in the World?

Here are some of the best places to work remotely around the world:

1. Bangalore, India: Known as the Silicon Valley of India, Bangalore offers a vibrant tech scene and affordable living costs.
2. Antigua, Guatemala: This city is known for its beautiful scenery, including real volcanoes and tropical jungles.
3. Portugal: Portugal, particularly cities like Lisbon and Porto, is becoming increasingly popular with digital nomads due to its pleasant climate, affordable cost of living, and strong internet infrastructure.
4. Spain: Cities like Barcelona and Madrid, as well as the Canary Islands, are popular with remote workers. Spain offers a good balance of work and leisure with its rich culture and excellent food.
5. Japan: Japan offers a unique blend of tradition and modernity. Cities like Tokyo and Osaka are known for their fast internet, while smaller cities and rural areas offer a peaceful environment for work.
6. Costa Rica: Known for its rich biodiversity, Costa Rica offers a relaxed lifestyle that’s perfect for remote workers who also love nature and outdoor activities.
7. New Zealand: With its stunning landscapes and high quality of life, New Zealand is an attractive destination for remote workers. Cities like Auckland and Wellington are particularly popular.
8. Buenos Aires, Argentina: This city offers a vibrant culture, fast internet, and a lower cost of living compared to many Western countries.
9. Tallinn, Estonia: Estonia is known for its digital society and even offers a digital nomad visa. Tallinn, the capital, is a beautiful city with a rich history and modern amenities.
10. Cape Town, South Africa: Cape Town offers a mix of city life and outdoor activities, with beautiful beaches, mountains, and vineyards all within reach.

Please note that the suitability of a location can depend on various factors such as time zone, internet speed, cost of living, safety, and visa requirements. It’s important to research thoroughly before deciding to move to a new location for remote work.