Cafes and bars across Europe, including cities like Paris, Berlin, Lisbon, and Brighton, are implementing measures to crack down on digital nomads who spend extended periods working in their establishments without generating sufficient income. Some cafes have banned laptops completely, while others charge an hourly rate for their use. The issue is not just about the lack of profitability for these businesses but also about maintaining a convivial atmosphere where customers can interact face-to-face without being surrounded by a sea of laptops. Owners are also frustrated with the disrespectful behavior exhibited by some digital nomads, such as leaving messes behind or taking up space for extended periods.
In cities across Spain, including Valencia, Santiago, and Barcelona, cafes and bars are beginning to take action against digital nomads who overstay their welcome. Many establishments have switched off WiFi or put up signs indicating that remote working is not allowed during peak hours. Some have even adapted their spaces with additional power outlets and workspace amenities to accommodate teleworkers, only to realize that it is not conducive to their business model. Owners are reporting incidents of customers ordering a single coffee and then remaining in the cafe for hours on end, negatively impacting the turnover and profitability of the establishment. This has prompted many cafes to establish new rules to ensure that all customers, not just remote workers, can enjoy the space.
The frustration with digital nomads in cafes is not limited to Spain, as European cities have been facing similar challenges for several years. Cafe owners in Paris and Berlin have taken measures to ban laptops completely or charge for their use, in an effort to discourage individuals from monopolizing tables for an entire day. The sentiment is that cafes should be places where people gather to socialize and have conversations face-to-face, rather than being filled with individuals staring at screens for hours on end. Some commenters have expressed disdain for the behavior of digital nomads, citing instances of leaving messes and disregarding the needs of the staff.
For digital nomads in Spain looking for remote working spaces that are more conducive to their lifestyle, there are numerous co-working spaces available throughout the country. These spaces offer amenities such as private offices, meeting rooms, communal working areas, and a variety of events to foster networking and collaboration among members. In Barcelona, Betahaus provides a bright and spacious environment with both indoor and outdoor working areas. La Vaca, also located in Barcelona, is a laid-back space with greenery where members can enjoy activities like yoga and pool. In Valencia, Vortex Coworking Playa offers a stylish and well-equipped workspace in the seaside El Cabanyal neighborhood. In Santiago, Campus Stellae provides communal spaces and private offices with stunning views of the cathedral in a 17th-century building. Such co-working spaces offer a more suitable environment for digital nomads to work without imposing on traditional cafe businesses.
