A recent study suggests pubs may offer a more affordable remote working alternative to traditional coworking spaces.
- The research by Alliance Online compared costs between pubs and coworking spaces across the UK.
- Findings revealed a potential 40% daily savings when choosing to work from a pub.
- Pubs offer perks such as free Wi-Fi and unlimited refreshments, making them attractive for remote work.
- Despite potential savings, frequent pub usage could end up being costlier than coworking spaces monthly.
A new study released by Alliance Online reveals that remote workers can potentially save up to 40% on daily expenses by choosing to work from a pub instead of a coworking space. The comparison involved analysing coworking deals offered by six major UK pub chains and five nationwide coworking spaces.
The research showed that the average daily expense for working in a pub is approximately £13, compared to £22 for coworking spaces. While this presents a significant daily saving, it is essential to note that this is beneficial mainly for one-off visits. Regularly working from pubs could accrue costs up to £390 monthly, which is a 54% increase compared to the average monthly coworking membership fee of £253.
Benefits associated with working from pubs include free Wi-Fi and unlimited tea and coffee, with some locations providing complimentary meals such as breakfast or lunch. Rachael Kiss from Alliance Online advises that timing is crucial for maximising these deals.
According to Kiss, arriving during off-peak hours ensures a quieter environment and the optimal use of services such as Wi-Fi and refreshments. Despite the lively atmosphere of pubs, research suggests that background noise can enhance productivity for some individuals.
Kiss recommends taking advantage of the free offerings, which are included in the cost, such as using a single mug for drinks to aid the hospitality staff in managing workloads efficiently. Alliance Online’s findings aim to highlight cost-effective options for remote work in the context of a growing cost of living crisis.
The study underscores that while pubs can offer cost savings for occasional remote work, they may not be the most economical choice for consistent use compared to coworking spaces.
