We Compare 5 Main Concerns When Working at Offices VS Cafes

People around the world are constantly evolving, not just the latest technology or fashion trends. Change affects literally everything around us.
But how does it affect our jobs?

“Change is the only constant.”

5 years ago, no one would ever imagine the implementation of hybrid working. But with the pandemic, literally everyone is adopting a hybrid work arrangement.

But even with hybrid working, it need not be such a two-dimensional setting as compared to working in the office. Where there’s zero work value and everyone is just auto-piloting.

A Familiar Alternative: Cafes

Let's be real, how many of us have tried to be productive outside? (yes… we’re talking about the overpriced coffee place)

People thrive differently and cafes are undoubtedly a familiar setting for individuals of all ages and have been a popular working space for many but how much work are we actually able to complete at a cafe?

Let’s take into account some factors and weigh the pros and cons of each.

Noise

We all know that working in cafes come with a little noise — coffee machines, guests, plates and utensils clanging and all of that buzz. But if you’re lucky, the noise levels at cafes can be kept to a minimum with little patronage.

However, working at home seems to be quieter until you hear a myriad of possible noises. It can be from your neighbour upstairs, traffic outside or the pets kept by your neighbours and these are just beyond your control.

Studies actually show that reducing noise in a workplace actually boosts productivity by at least 50%. So are you still considering your usual workspace?

Customisation

Often, working outdoors offers little to no customisations tailored to your needs. Unlike working from home, you can be as comfortable as you want and strategically customise everything to make the perfect work-from-home set-up. Do we need to say more?

Price

We all know many actually choose online Work from Home to save costs but is working from home actually “free” or way cheaper than working at cafes?

Taking into account the additional $4 delivery cost on all the food deliveries that you’ll be ordering, is it really cheaper than going to a cafe that requires you to spend $7 on a cup of coffee to stay? Or will the costs add up to be around the same?

Location

Nothing is better than home sweet home but I’m sure many would advise not to be in the comfort of your home in case you doze off and half a day gets wasted. Though highly convenient, it may also be highly dangerous!

Cafes are also highly popular and are expanding rapidly with good drinks and highly accessible locations. Some of these cafes even have unique interior concepts like Nicole’s Flower (Telok Kurau), Genius Central (Amoy Street) and Wimbly Lu (Bendemeer).

Lack of Facilities/Equipments

Realistically speaking, how well-equipped are our workstations at homes or even cafes? I’m sure many of us relate to problems such as connection issues where we have to awkwardly apologise for disconnecting. Many of us also do not have comfortable furniture that can withstand long working hours, making us age faster than we should. Is it time to re-evaluate how good these spaces are?

What If None is For Me?

Fret not! It’s not the end of the world.

Working in the midst of a pandemic in the 21st Century also has its perks. Such as innovative solutions to the many problems of humankind. Co-working spaces are now a more ideal option as compared to working from home or cafes with no disruptive noises, affordable rates and have everything you can ever need there.

These workspaces are often located within walking distance from MRTs, with high-speed business-grade WiFi and comfortable environments that even include ergonomic furniture for your use! Some of them even have free-flow beverages and charge as low as $2.40/hour.

Plus, co-working spaces offer networking opportunities and events where you will be able to broaden your circle and be in the heart of connections. This is a simple yet effective way to beat the zoom fatigue that many of us are facing.

Want to explore co-working spaces near you? Click here.