Although working at home became a necessity after the advent of the pandemic...

It already existed in some form before for many people. A study projected that 73% of departments would have fully remote workers by 2028, and it seemed exciting even before the quarantine era because you would want to simply wake up and start your work in the comfort of your home.

However, many have discovered that it can quickly get lonely. Additionally, your refrigerator and TV pose constant temptations, making it difficult to keep your focus at home like you would in the office. The result is the growing number of people opting to go to coffee shops to do their work since they provide the benefits of a stimulating environment and the buzz of caffeine.

This creates a problem: too many people are crowding coffee shops, which ironically makes it difficult to concentrate, take business calls, and the Wi-Fi becomes slow due to too many people connecting to the same network. The answer to the problem is to look for unexpected locations, which will work just as well as a coffee shop without the inefficiencies of distractions.

Co-working spaces

These are likely the most popular choice for most remote workers. They include the benefit of a dedicated workspace while including the usual amenities such as meeting rooms and printers. They also have private phone booths, healthy snacks, and networking events.

The problem with them though -- they can be expensive. A study from DeskMag showed that the average fee for renting dedicated desk spaces in the US is $387. Despite the costs, you will experience plenty of benefits that help you stay productive, and the extra features will make the cost worth it.

Hotel lobbies

Not many people will consider a hotel lobby as a valid working space, but it is -- they are usually deserted, making them the perfect spot for making phone calls, and they have excellent Wi-Fi. You can also talk to the front-desk employees if you encounter issues with the Wi-Fi network, and they have business centers you can use to take care of faxing or printing documents.

You may feel uneasy because of perceived 'freeloading', so consider ordering some hotel food or a drink to make yourself more comfortable. You can also befriend the staff and tell them you will come more frequently if you are planning on doing so.

Libraries

Few places beat your local library when you want to get things done. It has strong Wi-Fi, is mostly unoccupied, free of distractions, and has plenty of books you can read while you visit. Some libraries also have unique spots where you can sit and get inspired to be productive as well.

All you will need is a library card to access the place frequently. The only problem is when you make and receive business calls, as well as attend virtual meetings -- in that case, libraries are a bad idea.

Malls

If you are unbothered by ambient noise, you can work very well at a mall food court, as they offer great spaces for remote work. They have large amounts of space to handle crowds, so you can spread out easily throughout your workday. They also offer free parking if you decide to drive there, as well as free Wi-Fi networks.

Sports clubs and gyms

Gone are the days when gyms were solely workout spots with little to no extra services -- now, plenty of them include restaurants, cafes, and smoothie bars that make them excellent remote working spots. If you have a gym membership, this is the perfect place to put it to use, as these fitness spots also include free Wi-Fi as part of their package.

You will not need to feel bad about working out either, and they will give you a valid reason to keep fit while working.

Universities and Colleges

Next to libraries, campuses are the best places to get things done. They have a mix of coffee shops, computer rooms, libraries, and lounges you can work at and shop for energy-boosting drinks and food. The best part is that you are constantly surrounded by enthusiastic students.

The only problem though is these benefits only apply to alumni and current students, and you will need to enroll in a course to get a student ID if you are not an alumnus.

Museums

Museums offer plenty of benefits, especially when you become a member. They offer excellent Wi-Fi, exhibits to inspire, and free coffee and tea at times. They are also quiet, and you can take walks around the area when you are taking breaks.

These, among many other alternative locations, can inspire your productivity even as a remote employee.