Like many people in the world I work from home and enjoy the WiFi at what I call my coffee shop offices. As I sit here in one of a few coffee shop offices I use, I am currently joined by 8 "co-workers", and 3 students, I look around and am surprised at the lack of etiquette! So here are a few things I have come up with to help:
- When choosing your coffee shop office be sure there is free WiFi and electrical outlets for your computer.
- Pick an area where you will not bother any of the 'non working' customers.
- Always say hello to the workers and management as you see them. I feel it is important to get to know the managers and employees and try to remember them by name.
If you will be on your phone, please make sure that you are speaking at an acceptable sound level. If need be, take calls outside, make calls from your car.. the Lincoln Lawyer did it!!
- Always purchase something, even if it is small. These businesses need to pay their bills too!
- If you have a waitress, don't forget to tip!
- If you will not be meeting with clients always take the smallest table or booth.
- Do not overstay your welcome. I have 3 different 'offices' and try to work either morning or afternoon on the computer and visit clients or make calls from my car during the rest of the day.
- I try to choose local businesses over chains, but go where you will be comfortable.
- You can find a list of WiFi hotspots in your area by going to YP.com and typing in WiFi Hotspots and then your city.
- Please do not sit in the parking lot and use the WiFi. This does not follow etiquette and can be considered theft.
If you come up with tips to add, please do! I think people have their own ideas of Coffee Shop Office Etiquette and would love to hear from you! :)
