Photos: The 10 best places to get work done outside of the office
Image 1 of 10
1. Libraries
1. Libraries
Tired of sitting at your home or office desk? Here are 10 work spaces you probably haven’t considered.
Libraries are an obvious, but great option for those wanting to change up their scenery. Public libraries have Wi-Fi, computers, and oftentimes even close or on-site coffee shops! Libraries have so many nooks and crannies, that you are sure to find your perfect space. Also, most libraries now have designated quiet floors and talking floors, so it’s a great place whether you like noise or not.
2. Park
2. Park
Public parks are a great opportunity to get some fresh air. Grab a blanket or a bench and take your work outside! The only downside to a park is that most of them lack Wi-Fi, but you could always use your smartphone’s hotspot, or download your work prior and work in offline mode.
3. Grocery markets
3. Grocery markets
Strangely enough, grocery stores can be a great place to do work. Not just the normal Kroger, but a high-end market like Whole Foods, where there are seating areas. Not only is there usually free Wi-Fi, but you’re also surrounded by food.
4. Hotel lobbies
4. Hotel lobbies
Most hotel lobbies are open to the public, and include really solid Wi-Fi. An unusual spot, a hotel lobby presents a nice ambience and is typically fairly quiet. Nicer hotels usually have restaurants or bars in the lobby, so you can get food if you are camping out all day.
5. Museums
5. Museums
With free admission and Wi-Fi, museums are a super fun way to break free of your normal routine. Take breaks from your work by walking around and taking in the artwork. The downsides, however, is that there is usually paid parking, and museums have strange hours.
6. Co-working spaces
6. Co-working spaces
If you are a freelancer or remote worker, but still want the feel of an office, co-working spaces are your answer. The only issue is the fee. At WeWork, for example, you can either pay for a specified desk or a monthly membership to the common areas. With free beverages, WeWork combines the carefree feeling of remote work, with the motivation of an office-environment.
7. Malls
7. Malls
This may not be the best option for shop-o-holics, but Malls are another good place to crack-down. If you are a worker who likes hustle-and-bustle, the mall’s food court is your destination. Once again, surrounded by food, you can easily grab a coffee or snack, and do your work at a table.
8. Coffee shop
8. Coffee shop
A tried-and-true option, your local coffee shop or cafe is an immediate go-to. The peaceful background music, smell of coffee beans, and comfy chairs make for a relaxing, but productive afternoon. The Wi-Fi is typically pretty strong, as well.
9. Restaurants
9. Restaurants
Many restaurants have Wi-Fi nowadays. Spread out your work at a booth and have a nice, romantic date with your laptop. As long as you purchase food or a drink, restaurants usually don’t mind. Call first to make sure they have Wi-Fi, though!
10. Fast food restaurants
10. Fast food restaurants
tFast food restaurants are a fantastic option if you have kids. Children are a common reason for remote employees to be glued to their homes. But if you go to a local McDonald’s or Wendy’s, which typically have Wi-Fi, you can let the kids play on the jungle gym while you send emails.
Also see
- t
- How to manage job stress: An IT leader’s guide (free PDF) (TechRepublic)
- Going beyond hardware for remote work (ZDNet)
- The gig economy: An insider’s guide (free PDF) (TechRepublic)
- Travel and remote access: What needs to be in a good policy (ZDNet)
- Remote work changes how employees live their lives, view work-life balance (TechRepublic)
t
t
t
t
