Alternative workplaces: Rethinking home office in the UK

Posted on 9th October 2023

The way we are working is more and more questioned and continuously changing. Jobs nowadays usually offer greater benefits, allowing more flexible working hours and the work-life-balance becomes increasingly important to both employers and employees. Also in the UK more and more people therefore work in jobs that put pressure on flexibility and allow home office. Accordingly, UK-based workers sometimes face a new challenge: How to be productive, when you are not going to the office?

To help you with that question and give you some inspiration to enhance your productivity in home office hours, this article will give a quick overview of alternative workplaces in the UK, that let you focus and stay concentrated, even though you are not in the office.

Not your standard desk

The first idea of an alternative workspace is also the most simple one because you still stay in your own home. But instead of using the same old standard desk that you always use, you switch it up a little. You could instead find a different spot in the house, like your dining table or if the weather is good, you could sit outside in the garden. If you are living permanently in the UK and you want to find a more permanent workspace at home, where you are not going to be disturbed by your family, a garden office can be the perfect fit for you!

Office outside of home

A second idea to bring some variety in your everyday home office life is to grab your laptop and go out of the house. In almost every small and big town in the UK, you can find a nice coffee shop or a cozy park to sit. The different surroundings might enhance your productivity. Try to sit at different places and enjoy the various options. That is especially to recommend, if you have a creative job. Switching up the workspace can give you new inspiration and fresh thoughts.

Shared office and co-working spaces in the UK

If you have a job that is full time in home office, it can also be a good idea to look for a shared office space in your town. Those are especially famous in the UK. To sit together with other people in a working environment can help you to focus and be productive. Additionally, it can improve your work-life-balance, when you separate your workspace from your private space.

The same effect can also be found if you visit libraries or student houses for your working hours. In many British cities co-working spaces are also offering a quiet place for people to sit, work and concentrate. Co-working spaces often target building a community and help you networking – no matter if you have to widen your network within the UK or rather on an international scale. In some places you can also enjoy beverages and snacks, while you are working.

Additional help

Besides the spot, make sure to implement a routine for home office days. You could for example take a little walk before starting to work or light up a candle. To enhance your productivity, you can also set an alarm for 25 Minutes. During those minutes, you are not allowed to check your phone or stand up from your desk. When the alarm goes off, you can have a five-minute break to check your phone or get another coffee.