6 surprising benefits of working in a coffee shop
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
There's a reason working at a coffee shop can feel so productive. Learn why it helps you focus, plus 10 tips to make your next cafe session even smoother.
Working from home has its perks, but sometimes a change of scenery can do wonders for productivity. For many, a local coffee shop is more than just a place to grab a muffin and a latte — it’s a workspace that fuels focus and creativity. The gentle hum of background chatter, the smell of freshly brewed coffee, and the cozy atmosphere can create the perfect environment to get into the zone.
A coffee shop workday can make work feel more intentional and less monotonous. The simple act of choosing your spot, settling in, and sipping that first coffee sets a tone and purpose for the day. It can make a productive day feel more like an experience than a chore, which can shape not only how much you accomplish, but also how you feel while doing it.
So, if you’re looking for a change of pace in your workday, let’s explore the surprising benefits of working from a café or coffee shop. Plus, some tips on how you can make the most out of your time there.
Why do some people work better at coffee shops than at home?
Working from home can be great — until it isn’t. Maybe your living room doubles as your office. Maybe you haven’t spoken to another adult all day. Or maybe you’re deep in that afternoon fog where focus dissolves and every task feels heavier than it should.
This is where a coffee shop can help. Not necessarily because it’s cool or romantic, but because it changes your mental channel. Stepping into a different space can shake up your routine just enough to re-engage your attention. It creates a signal that says, “this is work time”, without the distractions that can build up at home.
Your environment matters, too. There’s energy in being surrounded by others, even if you’re not interacting directly. It can ease the sense of isolation and remind you that you’re not the only one trying to get something done today. For some people, this gentle sense of community makes it easier to stay focused and grounded.
6 possible benefits of working from a coffee shop
Doing work out of a coffee shop can offer practical advantages that support your focus, structure, and wellbeing. Here are six of its potential benefits:
1. Built-in structure: Coffee shop work naturally lends itself to time-bound sessions. You arrive, settle in, and work until your coffee runs out or the place closes. This gentle structure can be especially helpful if your home setup feels too loose or unmotivating.
2. Mild accountability: When you’re surrounded by others, you’re less likely to aimlessly scroll or completely check out. This is known as the audience effect, and it can help you stay present and engaged.
3. A break from sameness: New sights, smells, and sounds can activate different parts of your brain. This can help you feel more awake.
4. Creative boost from ambient noise: Research suggests that moderate background noise can enhance your creative thinking and problem-solving. It creates just enough sensory input to keep your brain alert, without tipping into overstimulation.
5. Light social connection: Even if you never speak to anyone, being around other people can help ease the social deprivation that often comes with working remotely. That low-effort sense of connection can work wonders in lifting your mood and reducing loneliness.
6. Fewer domestic distractions: At home, every chore becomes a tempting detour. But coffee shops remove those detours.
How to maximize working from a coffee shop: 10 tips to get the most out of your time
If you want to work from a coffee shop, it’s best to go in with a plan to get the most bang for your buck. Here are 10 tips to help you maximize your productivity at your next coffee shop visit.
1. Choose the right location
Not all coffee shops are created equal. Look for a spot with reliable Wi-Fi, plenty of outlets, comfortable seating, and a welcoming atmosphere. Some cafés cater to remote workers and even post signs encouraging laptop use. Others, especially smaller, high-traffic shops, might prefer quicker turnover.
If you’re unsure, look around and see if others are working, and check if there’s a natural place to set up without blocking the flow of customers.
💙 Explore this session on Productivity from the Mindfulness at Work series.
2. Bring your own essentials
Bring what you need to avoid having to borrow from others or leave early. This may include headphones, chargers, and a water bottle.
You may also want to queue up a focus-friendly playlist or ambient noise app if you need to drown out background chatter.
💙 Get into the zone as you work at your local coffee shop by listening to the Infinite Flow State playlist.
3. Support the business you’re visiting
It’s important to support the cafe or coffee shop, not just take up their table and use their Wi-Fi.
Start with a drink or snack, then consider buying something again if you’re staying for a while. This shows respect for the space and also supports the people who make it available to you.
4. Time-box your session
Use your coffee shop time for focused sprints. Try to block off 60–90 minutes for a specific task, take a break, and then reassess.
In general, it can be easier to maintain energy and focus when you work in short and intentional bursts.
Related read: How to stop procrastinating: 9 tips for focus and productivity
5. Be mindful of your space
Take up only what you need. As a general rule of thumb, avoid spreading out across multiple chairs or tables, keep cords tucked away, and make sure to throw away your trash.
If the café gets busy, consider moving to a smaller table or wrapping up your session to be mindful of everyone else in the space.
6. Keep phone use discreet
Coffee shops aren’t the place for long Zoom meetings or speakerphone calls. If you need to talk, step outside or find a private corner and use headphones. Better yet, reserve your café work for tasks that don’t require talking at all.
7. Work offline when you can
Wi-Fi hiccups are real. Whenever possible, download files or prep materials in advance so you’re not dependent on a flawless connection. This is especially helpful if you’re working on writing, spreadsheets, or reviewing documents.
Whenever possible, download files or prep materials in advance so that you’re not dependent on the internet if it goes out.
Related read: How to make more time in your day: 10 tips to find time
8. Keep ergonomics in mind
Consider bringing a small cushion or laptop stand if you plan to stay a while. This can help you achieve better posture and avoid body aches.
And remember to stretch your legs periodically. A quick walk or standing break can help you reset without losing momentum.
9. Know when to wrap it up
Pay attention to cues like staff cleaning around you or your own waning focus. Ending your work block with intention helps make it easier to mentally log off and enjoy the rest of your day.
Coffee shop work FAQs
Why do I focus better in a coffee shop than at home?
Many times, people focus better in coffee shops because of the stimulation and the structure.
At home, it can be easy to get distracted and for your focus to drift. But in a coffee shop, you’re physically showing up for work, which can help your brain shift into productive mode.
The environment can also provide just the right amount of background noise and movement to keep your mind engaged without overwhelming it.
Can working in a coffee shop improve output?
Working in a coffee shop does improve output for a lot of people, especially when used intentionally. Coffee shops can be a great setting for creative brainstorming and getting unstuck when your home setup starts to feel stale.
A couple of café sessions a week can help boost your productivity if they help you break out of a rut or tap into a better rhythm.
Are there any etiquette rules for working from a coffee shop?
There is generally a set of etiquette rules when working at a coffee shop. Think of it like you’re a guest in someone’s home. You’re welcome there, but it’s not your personal office.
With that in mind, buy something when you arrive. Then consider buying something again in a few hours if you’re staying there for a while.
Be aware of how much space you’re using and try to avoid phone calls in shared spaces. And remember that kindness goes a long way, especially toward staff and fellow patrons.
What’s the best time to work from a coffee shop?
Late mornings or early afternoons are often ideal. This way, you’ll likely avoid the pre-work rush and the lunch crowd. It can also make it easier to find a good seat.
If you’re unsure, pay attention to your local coffee shop’s flow. If you notice it’s quieter at certain times of the day, consider adjusting your visit to help you get the most out of it.
How can I get more work done at a coffee shop?
A good way to get more work done is to start with intention. Before you even leave your home, choose one or two specific tasks you want to focus on. Then once you’re there, keep distractions to a minimum by wearing headphones, silencing notifications, and sticking to time blocks.
Consider treating it as a purposeful work sprint, not an all-day campout. When used well, a café can help you reset your focus, re-energize your brain, and make meaningful progress in less time.
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