What’s The Best Workspace For Digital Nomads? 

It is a truth universally acknowledged that a digital nomad in possession of a good job, must be in want of a workspace. Yes! Finding the perfect workspace for digital nomads might not be as easy as it appears to be at a glance.  

It’s a luxury to have the privilege of working literally from anywhere in the world. But where do these ‘nomads’ work from? In spite of what Instagram pictures suggest about how digital nomads work from a resort, by the pool, or the beach, the truth is – nobody wants sand or water touching their laptops.  

And not just water or sand, the sun could end up overheating your device. There are just too many things that can go wrong.  

So, what are the best places to work from? Or, what’s an ideal workspace for a digital nomad?  

As per Flatio’s report, 55.4% of digital nomads typically prefer working from their homes – wherever that home might be at that time. The remaining work from the following places: 

• 16.2% work from coworking spaces.  
• 11.3% work from cafes.  

Moreover, this report has the support of digital nomads on Reddit, thanks to a poll that was posted on the platform. The final poll results pointed out: 

• 71% of the voters worked from home. 
• 10.5% of the voters worked from coworking spaces.  
• 13.5% of the voters worked from cafés. 

But are these spaces productive? Stay tuned to find out how to optimize your workspace while working remotely.  

Situation 1: You Work From A Home Office 

Finding the perfect workspace for digital nomads is difficult since the first thing that you need to consider in this aspect is – where are you working from?  

Welcome to situation 1 – are you working from your home? If yes, then this is exactly what you need to know!  

So, for remote employees working from home, their office can be as productive as any other conventional office. Once you have placed the right furniture (ergonomic chair, standing desk, keyboard extension, monitor, and the right lights), your home office will look like any other traditional office.  

Moreover, if you have been doing this for some time then chances are you have trained your housemates or family members successfully to not disturb you during your working hours.  

But as a digital nomad, it can be challenging to create a home office – since you are staying at a place for a short period. As a result, you can personalize this space only for some time. In addition, there’s only so much you can carry with you when you are traveling. You have to make do with what you are carrying and what your accommodation has to offer.  

But there are certain things you can do to make the most of what’s available at your disposal.  

For starters, the first aspect is where you are staying. The next vital thing is how much space you need and how quiet it is – some people look for a dedicated workspace to be productive and get into the zone. Then some people can work from anywhere in the world as long as they have their headphones and some music.  

However, if you are working from a home office, depending on your expense budget, here’s what you need to consider: 

Select Your Accommodation Carefully: 

Initially, digital nomads used to stay in hostels. However, currently, private accommodations are increasingly becoming popular. So, this gives people more control over their workspace in terms of privacy and noise levels.  

So, if you cannot afford private accommodation, try to look for alternatives with individuals who have a similar vibe. This might mean you want to skip hostels full of backpackers screaming throughout the day.  

Instead, a coliving space where other digital nomads like you are staying feels like a reasonable option. Moreover, when you are seeking accommodation, try to find workspaces. In the case of shared accommodation, find out if there are any dedicated workspaces or a private space.  

In addition, even if there is a private workspace, can you take calls from the same area? This could easily be an empty room or a designated space inside the room allotted to you. Also, ensure you have decent internet connectivity – if the space doesn’t have a good network then it is not suitable for working.  

Get Hold Of The Right Gear: 

While seeking the best workspace for digital nomads, you have to remember that without the right gear, you cannot optimize the space.  

So, you need to consider what kind of gear you will require to transform a corner into a productive workspace. This typically goes beyond good internet connectivity and a laptop. Here’s what you need: 

1. Separate mouse and keyboard. 
2. A foldable laptop stand. 
3. Noise-cancellation headphones.  
4. Extension cord.  
5. A nice cushion. 

While getting your gear, it is imperative to add breaks to your routine. Also, it is possible other things can help you become productive. If you think that those items are essential then it is best to carry them with you. Fortunately, compact versions of most things are available these days. 

Create A Routine…And Follow It: 

One of the biggest issues most digital nomads face is in terms of the perfect work-life balance. It can be difficult to transition into full work mode when you wake up and realize you have to work from the same space you slept in.  

Similarly, it is difficult to transition from work mode after work hours – all because you are still in the same workspace.  

Moreover, when you are living and working from the same space, you will have to create a divide between the two lives. For instance, you might depend on a particular playlist to get into work mode during your work hours.  

Also, you may prefer shutting down your notifications to draw a line between your personal and professional lives.  

Moreover, such rituals are typically very personal. As a result, you will have to come across things that specifically work for you. However, drinking your tea from a work mug and creating a to-do list for the day are good ways to get through the day. 

In addition, switching off your notifications or engaging in some kind of exercise are good ways to end your workday.  

Situation 2: You Work From A Cafe 

It can feel great to work from cafes while you are traveling since it is fun to watch people and become a part of a community. However, only a few people choose to work from cafes full-time. This is because cafes are unreliable in terms of space and not good for taking any calls.  

Also, it is expensive to work from cafes every day. This is because while a majority of cafes will let you work happily, they will expect you to order. Moreover, several digital nomads work from cafes at times to finish certain tasks but the same people also work from coworking spaces or home.  

So, there are a handful of things you need to consider while choosing a cafe to work from. 

1. Decent Wifi Connectivity.  
2. Quality of Food and Beverage. 
3. Pricing.  
4. Setting. 
5. Power Sockets.  

Moreover, check whether other people are working from the cafe – if they are then it means the cafe welcomes remote workers. Also, it creates a feeling of solidarity to find out you are not alone.  

In addition, think about optimizing your productivity while working from a cafe. How can you do so? 

• Create a to-do list.  
• Set a deadline or time limit.  
• Prepare yourself for interruptions.  

Situation 3: You Work From A Coworking Space 

If you are someone who likes working from a conventional office setup and enjoys the company of others, even when you are not working together then coworking spaces are a great option. Also, they tend to have plenty of facilities that can help you work better – like quiet pods, additional monitors, ergonomic chairs, and more.  

Coworking spaces represent a sort of commute – but that isn’t a bad thing necessarily. It forms a clear divide between work and leisure. The major drawback? Additional expenses.  

As per The Tutor Resource’s recent report, in the United States, it will cost you somewhere between 200 USD and 300 USD every month to work full-time in a coworking space. This will only get you a work desk. You have to pay more for meeting rooms, a virtual secretary, a dedicated table, and more.  

Moreover, what you can from coworking spaces also varies. While some stay open 24/7, others only get limited hours, typically limited to a basic 9-to-5 from Monday to Friday. Then some spaces have snack and working facilities – typically a coffee maker is a minimal requirement.  

Meanwhile, other spaces might have a shower, a gym, and even social events for everyone.  

Since coworking spaces are very different, you must do some research before reaching the spot. Moreover, this way you will be able to ensure the space has all the facilities that you need. Also, you will know that you are not paying some fancy fee for perks that you will not need.  

While several websites can help you find the best workspace for digital nomads, it is best to be careful. You can consider joining the local communities for digital nomads via Reddit and Facebook.

Additional Reading:

• How to Build the Ultimate Portable Office for Digital Nomads
• How Do You Handle Working In Different Time Zones? (The TRUTH!)
• Remote Networking: How To Build Relationships With Remote Teams?