The COVID-19 pandemic changed more than where people worked -- it changed what they considered a workplace. Remote work proved that productivity was not tied to an office, and while many initially embraced the freedom of working from home, the novelty soon gave way to monotony. For a growing number of freelancers, entrepreneurs and hybrid professionals in Nagpur, cafes have emerged as a middle ground between home and the office. Mugdha Oak, a marketing professional, said working from cafes made her more productive, but not simply because of the change in scenery. At home, there were constant distractions, whereas a cafe provided a more structured environment that helped her focus. One of the biggest reasons she preferred cafes was because she could work alongside another person, even without directly interacting, which helped her maintain focus and accountability. She sometimes works from cafes with a friend so that she can take short breaks to chat before getting back to work.

 

This makes long work sessions feel less isolating and helps her stay on track. Although she works from her office several days a week, Mugdha said she often chooses a cafe on days she works remotely, particularly Fridays. “That’s when motivation tends to dip, especially if there’s a long weekend or personal plans. Fridays are usually lighter on meetings, so I use that time to learn, think and ideate, and I can do that much better in a cafe.” As someone working in marketing, she believes a change of environment also subtly nurtures creativity. She explained that being surrounded by thoughtfully designed interiors, artwork, books or simply a different atmosphere often sparks ideas. “The best ideas don’t always come when you’re trying to think. Just looking around at something creative can make your brain start connecting dots on its own,” she said. However, she stressed that working from cafes should be an occasional practice rather than a daily routine. “It has to happen in moderation. For me, twice or maybe three times a month is enough.” Besides keeping expenses under control, she believes overdoing it can defeat the purpose.

 

In a city like Nagpur, she said, there is always a chance of running into acquaintances, turning a work session into an unplanned social gathering. Graphic designer Saurabh Jaiswal said he turns to cafes whenever working from home starts feeling repetitive. “People think cafes are noisy, but that’s not really true if you choose the right ones. I usually go to quieter cafes where people mind their own business and the music isn’t loud enough to be distracting,” he said. Working in a public space, he added, keeps him more accountable. “I’m productive at home too, but in a cafe I’m more attentive and less likely to procrastinate.” Shrishti Telgote, who manages artists independently, believes that cafes are as much about practicality as productivity.

 

“I don’t have my own office, so cafes become a neutral space for meetings and work calls,” she said. “After spending nearly six years at the same desk in an office, I really value being able to choose where I work. Moreover, dedicated coworking spaces in the city are very limited and often lack the amenities I need, so cafes are decidedly a more convenient option,” she opined. “When I started managing artists after leaving my job, I kept procrastinating at home. My therapist suggested I work from a cafe or coworking space because home is where you relax, not where your brain automatically switches into work mode,” she said. She initially found cafes distracting but eventually discovered quieter ones, which has helped her become more produvtive over time. Cafes today are no longer just places to grab a coffee -- they have slowly become an alternative workplace, offering the flexibility of home with just enough structure to get work done.