Overstaying your welcome: Is there remote-working etiquette at coffee shops?

Lester Kiewit speaks to Darren Levy, CEO of  Vida e Caffè about the trends he’s observed in South Africa. 

Do remote workers abuse the hospitality of coffee shops which offer free Wi-Fi?

Do they unfairly hog tables which other patrons could make use of while spending a minimal amount of money? 

Is there remote work etiquette at coffee shops?

Levy says this is a non-issue.

'At Vida e Caffè, there's 'absolutely no restrictions from our side and we embrace and welcome anybody in our store for as long as they want whether it's just to enjoy a coffee by themselves, or a social activity or to work or attend a formal meeting.'

"It's a critical part of our business model and it's been a growing trend of the usage of coffee shops since working from home or working from coffee shop trends has grown since then... it's part of our culture and we embrace it."

- Darren Levy, CEO - Vida e Caffè

"There's always an opportunity for someone who has chosen our shop or needs a space that's something we're grateful to provide."

- Darren Levy, CEO - Vida e Caffè

People who stay at Vida e Caffè for an extra long time are not regarded in a negative light and it's wonderful to be able to accommodate everyone, says Levy.

If there is some level of abuse, 'caps will be established' but it's really not an issue or has been brought up as an issue right now, concludes Levy.

Scroll up to the audio player to listen to the full conversation.