Cafe crackdown: are remote workers being pushed out?

If you’re a digital nomad or a remote worker, then your office has likely been the cosy corner of a cafe at some point.

However, cafes have been cracking down on remote workers using their space. Most notably, coffeehouse giant Starbucks announced in January that its facilities are now for paying customers only, meaning remote employees will have to buy something to stay on the premises.

What’s more, research has revealed that Brits are sick of people taking loud video calls in cafes, turning their coffee breaks into unwanted eavesdropping sessions. Cafes across the UK, and even in digital nomad hotspots like Spain, have also banned the use of laptops altogether.

With the ongoing debate around return to office (RTO) mandates, could more cafes be rooting for a shift away from remote work?

Has flexible working gone too far?

Flexible working is a must for many employees these days, including remote work options and work-from-anywhere (WFA) policies.

However, Starbucks isn’t entirely on board with it. Having recently introduced its own RTO mandate for head office employees, the coffee chain is now enforcing stricter rules for remote workers who use its premises, shifting away from its former open-door policy.

A spokesperson for the company said that these changes are a “practical step that helps us prioritise our paying customers who want to sit and enjoy our cafes or need to use the restroom during their visit,”

“By setting clear expectations for behaviour and use of our spaces, we can create a better environment for everyone.”

But despite the demand for flexibility in today’s modern workplace, some have argued that it has gone too far. For example, a Millennial manager went viral after allowing her younger assistant to attend a virtual meeting while getting her hair done at a local salon. Another notable case was when a clip of two women sitting at laptops on the beach in their bikinis sparked debate over whether remote work has become too relaxed.

The other side of the table

While fully remote jobs have declined since the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic, it was reported that 57% of Brits still want the option to work from home. Moreover, the term “remote jobs” is now searched for over 18,000 times a month on Google – a 410% increase over the last five years.

However, for some, working from their own home isn’t a viable option. For example, those living in small apartments without a dedicated workspace may struggle to stay productive, while parents with young children could find it difficult to concentrate properly with household distractions.

According to an article by Broadband Genie, over seven million UK-based workers are regularly opting to work in a cafe over their home. While most respondents claimed this was to be around other people, 27% said it was to improve productivity, likely to escape from home disturbances. Saving money on energy bills and a preference for a coffee shop atmosphere were also popular reasons. 

Additionally, smaller cafes and coffee shops could benefit as they may see an increase in foot traffic from remote workers who are no longer commuting to the office. With more employees choosing to work from these spaces, independent cafes have the opportunity to attract customers by offering strong WiFi, comfortable seating and remote work-friendly environments.

What are the rules for working in a cafe?

Nowadays, there is a lot of distaste for remote workers in cafes, particularly loud video calls. According to a study by YouGov, only 8% of respondents believed that video calls, such as meetings through Zoom or Microsoft Teams, were acceptable in a cafe setting.

And it isn’t just in the UK either, as cafes in Barcelona, Valencia and Santiago have either banned “laptop squatters” from working on their premises or have charged an hourly rate to do so.

However, this doesn’t mean that working from a cafe setting isn’t completely off the cards. There are still cafes that welcome remote workers, but it’s important to follow certain practices. 

For example, 48% of respondents from the YouGov survey said that video calls were acceptable if remote workers used headphones. Speaking quietly on work-related calls also helps to not disturb other customers.

Moreover, most cafes require remote workers to order something if they want to sit inside. The amount of purchases depends on individual policies, such as with Starbucks, which only requires a single purchase to use its premises.

Finally, remote workers have to be considerate of how long they stay, especially during peak hours, as lingering for a long period of time without making additional purchases can take up valuable space for other customers.

Is coworking the answer?

So, working from a cafe is still possible, but you might start to feel guilty about overstaying your welcome – especially if you only buy a single cup of coffee the whole time.

Fortunately, coworking spaces can offer a solution to this issue. Specifically designed as professional workspaces, these spaces provide reliable Wi-Fi, comfortable seating, plus additional home comforts like sofas, tea and biscuits.

The number of coworking spaces popping up has also increased in the UK, with around 2,806 spaces now available. London was reported to be the most popular hotspot, with 788 sites across the city.

Coworking spaces provide a good alternative for those who need a dedicated workspace without the guilt of lingering in a cafe. Whether you’re a freelancer, remote worker or small business owner, these spaces can offer a flexible, professional setting without the pressure to keep ordering coffee or leave your spot during busy hours.

If you want to find a coworking space in the capital but are worried about affordability, check out our list of the cheapest London-based spaces that offer great amenities, flexible memberships and a productive environment – without the hefty price tag.