New Work: The 10 best alternatives to working in an office
- Dr. Jessica Di Bella
- Feb 24
- 7 min read
You’re expected to work dynamically and agilely, yet the only variation in your work environment is that the fruit basket contains slightly different fruit one week than it did the week before? You’re a freelancer and fed up with the fact that the only person you see all day is yourself in the mirror? Then it’s definitely time for a change!
I’ve been practicing New Work for years: writing in cafés, hosting workshops in parks, joining conference calls at the beach – fortunately, New Work is also allowed to be fun. I share my favorite locations and my tips on how to stay engaged and productive while working there right here.
The physical work environment has a major impact on our professional satisfaction – after all, we spend roughly one third of our waking time at work. It’s unfortunate, though, that the average office space is rarely a prime example of aesthetics or well-being: gray desks, black carpeted floors, and, in the worst-case scenario, white Expedit shelving units used as room dividers.
But even if you’re lucky enough to work in an environment where you feel completely comfortable, that’s still no guarantee you won’t feel boxed in from time to time. Sometimes you simply have to get out. That’s why, very much in the spirit of the New Bohème, I’ve been cultivating a varied yet highly productive workstyle for over twenty years – one that has taken me to a wide range of indoor and outdoor locations. I’m delighted to share my ten favorite alternatives to working at a desk with you here.
At a glance
My personal top 10 New Work alternatives to working in an office:
At a café
In a co-working space
In the library
On the train
In the park
At the client’s site
On the balcony
At the beach
In a hotel bar
On the couch
1. At a café
Let’s start with the most casual alternative to the office: the café. The cozy atmosphere, the chatter of neighboring tables, the clinking of cups and plates, the music in the background – cafés make excellent workplaces to get going, whether in the morning or after an afternoon slump. Typical tasks that work particularly well in cafés include answering emails, writing texts, or polishing presentations. Meetings with two (or even more) people can also easily be moved to cafés or restaurants.
Tip: If you’re working on a topic by yourself, try to sit a little off to the side or next to other solo guests. Especially if you’re not yet used to working in cafés, it’s best to avoid sitting too close to couples. Becoming an unwilling part of intimate conversations or a bad date isn’t exactly great for concentration…
My personal highlight: Loretta Bar on Müllerstraße in Munich-Isarvorstadt
2. In a co-working space
Co-working spaces are extremely popular and, of course, can’t be missing from this list. I use them far less often than cafés, mainly because I find the day rates in attractive spaces rather overpriced and because access is often complicated: many co-working spaces require prior registration or even an application.
That said, co-working spaces offer an unbeatable mix of entrepreneurial spirit, creative energy, and appealing interior design. With the exception of confidential conversations – for which it can sometimes be hard to find a truly private spot – this type of workplace is suitable for a wide range of tasks.
Tip: One of the greatest benefits of co-working is networking. It’s a great place to meet people who are just as interested in thinking outside the box as you are. Don’t be afraid to start a conversation!
My personal highlight: Design Offices at Königstorgraben in Nuremberg
3. In the library
Now for a classic that’s easily forgotten in the age of co-working spaces: the library. When was the last time you worked in a library? Moving your workplace to cafés or co-working spaces can become quite expensive over time, which makes the library a more affordable – though slightly less social – alternative.
Tip: Libraries are especially well suited for focused work and for times when you don’t need to make phone calls or be reachable. They have a certain “shielding” quality and are perfect for tackling unpleasant or particularly demanding tasks. Just leave your smartphone in the locker.
My personal highlight: Bavarian State Library in Munich-Maxvorstadt
4. On the train
For many commuters and business travelers, working on the train is a necessary evil. Wherever you look, diligent people are hammering away at their laptops or fighting their way through one dead signal zone after another with their smartphones. I admire those who can be productive on trains; I usually just stare motionlessly out the window, lost in thought. Only when the incentive is right can I motivate myself to work on a train. Deadlines are an effective motivator – or, more pleasantly, treating yourself to a short trip and tackling clearly defined work packages on the outbound and return journeys.
Tip: Working is easiest in the quiet cars on trains, where phone calls and loud conversations are, at least in theory, taboo.
My personal highlight: ICE 612 from Munich to Mannheim
5. In the park
My former team in Munich can attest to this: as soon as a ray of sunshine appeared and temperatures allowed, I moved meetings outdoors. Why not discuss a presentation under a parasol in the courtyard or prepare for an upcoming appointment during a walk in the small park nearby? Natural light and fresh air are fundamentally important for our bodies and minds, so make sure to soak up as much of them as possible during your workday.
Tip: Look for suitable spots in your work environment that also offer some shade. This is especially important if you plan to work on a laptop. If there’s no seating available, picnic blankets work just fine for half an hour – and they make a lovely ritual for team meetings, too.
My personal highlight: The Stadtwald around Kahnweiher in Cologne-Lindenthal
6. At the client's site
Have you ever considered working directly on-site at your client’s location? Are your clients small shops in the city center? Or a mechanical engineering company in a rural area? You can set up a temporary workspace in almost any environment, and the big advantage is experiencing the atmosphere up close – seeing what’s going on and where things might be challenging. No matter how focused you are on your own tasks, you’re bound to pick up impressions here and there and gain new impulses, perhaps even ideas on how to support your clients more effectively in the future.
Tip: Make yourself “invisible” and avoid interfering too much with existing processes. That can distract you from your own work and create an unnatural observer role. Just sit down, smile, and get started.
My personal highlight: Pixum office on Industriestraße in Cologne-Rodenkirchen
7. On the balcony
A lounge chair on the balcony or in the garden is an absolute deluxe workspace. Combined with a refreshing cold drink, nothing stands in the way of productivity – at least almost nothing. On cloudless days, a parasol or shade-providing trees are essential if you want to see anything on your laptop.
Tip: Moving your workspace to the balcony or garden is also ideal for anyone who tends to get distracted by other “urgent” household tasks (tidying up, cleaning, laundry) when working from home.
My personal highlight: My balcony in Berlin
8. Am Strand
I love workations. I wrote the core of my doctoral thesis on the beaches of Koh Lanta island in Thailand. To enjoy a beach vibe, you don’t necessarily have to travel far – a nearby lake works just as well. When working at the beach, I prefer serviced beaches where you can buy food and drinks, have access to restrooms, shaded seating, and maybe even beach chairs. Beach chairs make excellent workspaces: since they protect you from the wind, they’re also ideal for phone calls. And after the call – straight into the water for a quick cool-down!
Tip: Make sure your laptop is fully charged beforehand. Alternatively – depending on the task at hand – an iPad with a keyboard works very well for working at the beach and is a bit less bulky.
My personal highlight: Klong Nin Beach on Koh Lanta, Thailand
9. In a hotel bar
Now for my absolute insider tip: stylish hotel lobbies and hotel bars as workplaces. They’re incredibly elegant, relatively quiet, and still perfectly suitable for short phone calls. I find it very easy to get into a productive flow in this kind of setting. When working in hotel bars, I order only non-alcoholic drinks so my concentration doesn’t suffer, and I adapt my outfit to the occasion – if you feel like it, you can even dress up a bit for a late-evening working session. Brilliant!
Tip: Respect the refined atmosphere of hotel bars and move longer or louder phone calls to other times.
My personal highlight: The Mandala Hotel at Potsdamer Platz in Berlin
10. On the couch
Can you be productive on a sofa? Yes, you can. Not only when you’re not feeling at your best, working on the couch at home in the living room can feel much more comfortable than being in the office. After particularly intense workshop days or when I have to work late into the night, I often move my workspace to the couch. With a blanket and a cup of tea, work suddenly feels genuinely pleasant. By the way, some co-working spaces are increasingly providing sofas as well.
Tip: The key requirement is that you’re not too tired – otherwise the work session might end earlier than planned with a nap.
My personal highlight: The huge Bretz sofa on the ground floor of Factory Berlin-Kreuzberg
Are you looking for a more fulfilling professional life? I’d be happy to support you through my psychologically grounded coaching: www.jessicadibella.de/coaching
Are you looking for an inspiring speaker for keynote or expert talks? Please send your inquiry by email to mail@jessicadibella.de
