Science Behind Why Cafes Boost Productivity
Remote work has become a defining feature of modern life in Cape Town. Whether you’re a local freelancer, a digital nomad passing through, or someone who’s swapped the office for a laptop and a good Wi-Fi connection, you’re part of a growing movement. At Vine & Dandy, we see remote workers and digital nomads every day, each with their own routines and reasons for choosing a café as their workspace. But what is it about cafés that makes them such productive places to work? Let’s explore the science and expert opinions behind why cafés like Vine & Dandy can help you get more done.
The Remote Work Revolution in Cape Town
Cape Town has quickly become a hub for remote workers and digital nomads. The city’s blend of natural beauty, vibrant culture, and reliable infrastructure makes it an attractive destination for people who can work from anywhere. As more people embrace remote work, the need for inspiring and flexible workspaces has grown. Not everyone wants to spend every day at home or in a co-working office. Sometimes, a change of scenery is exactly what’s needed to spark creativity and maintain motivation.
If you’re looking for a new favourite remote workspace away from home, you might find this helpful: Your New Favourite Remote Workspace Away From Home.
The Science of Ambient Noise
One of the most interesting findings in recent years is the effect of ambient noise on productivity. Research published in the Journal of Consumer Research found that moderate levels of background noise, like the gentle hum of a café (around 70 decibels), can actually boost creative thinking and help you focus by promoting abstract thinking (Mehta, Zhu, & Cheema, 2012). Unlike the silence of a home office or the loudness of a busy street, the sounds in a café create just enough stimulation to keep your brain engaged without being distracting.
Imagine a remote worker at Vine & Dandy, settling in with a coffee and opening their laptop. The soft clatter of cups, the low murmur of conversation, and the occasional hiss of the espresso machine create an environment that feels alive but not overwhelming. It’s not just the coffee, there’s science in the sound.
If you want to make the most of ambient noise, try sitting near the centre of the café where the sounds blend together. Some people find that listening to café sounds through headphones can also help, especially if you’re working from home and want to recreate the effect (Moodsonic, 2023).
The Power of a Change in Scenery
Changing your environment can have a big impact on your ability to focus and stay motivated. Experts agree that a new setting can refresh your mind and help you see problems from a different perspective. When you work from the same place every day, it’s easy to fall into a routine that stifles creativity. A systematic review found that satisfaction with views outside was related to higher concentration and a more positive mood (NCBI, 2023). Additionally, working in the same environment causes neurological habituation, leading to a loss of cognitive benefits. Maintaining two or three distinct work environments and rotating between them can reset your perception and trigger fresh thinking (Bullet Planner, 2023).
Consider the experience of a digital nomad who’s been working from home for weeks. The routine starts to feel stale, and productivity drops. One day, they decide to spend the morning at Vine & Dandy. The change of scenery, the new faces, and the different sights and sounds help them feel re-energised and ready to tackle their to-do list. Sometimes, a new view is all you need to spark new ideas.
To get the most out of a new workspace, try moving around the café during the day. Start by the window in the morning for natural light, then shift to a quieter corner after lunch. Small changes like these can keep your mind fresh and engaged.
Social Environments and Creativity
Psychologists have found that being around other people, even if you’re not directly interacting with them, can enhance motivation and creativity. The presence of others working nearby creates a sense of shared purpose and accountability, a phenomenon known as the “audience effect” (New Scientist, 2016). The social dynamics of your workspace significantly influence productivity, and socialisation work often flourishes in environments with ambient noise, fostering interpersonal interactions (Cambridge, 2023).
At Vine & Dandy, it’s common to see remote workers strike up casual conversations or share recommendations for local events. Sometimes, these chats lead to unexpected collaborations or new friendships. You’re never truly working alone in a café.
Of course, it’s important to balance social interaction with solo focus. If you need to concentrate, bring headphones or let others know you’re in the zone. When you’re ready for a break, take a moment to chat with someone new or join in on a community event.
Why Vine & Dandy is the Ideal Choice
Vine & Dandy offers everything you need for a productive remote workday. The Wi-Fi is reliable, the seating is comfortable, and there are plenty of power outlets for your devices. The staff are welcoming and always happy to recommend something from the menu, whether you’re after a strong coffee or a light lunch.
The atmosphere at Vine & Dandy is relaxed but focused, making it easy to settle in and get things done. There’s a real sense of community among regulars, and new faces are always welcome. If you’re looking for more advice on choosing your ideal workspace, have a look at this: Remote Work at Home vs Café.
In conclusion
The science of why cafés boost productivity is clear: ambient noise, a change of scenery, and a social environment all play a role in helping remote workers and digital nomads stay focused and creative. If you’re looking for a place that combines all these benefits, Vine & Dandy is ready to welcome you. Why not try a workday here and see the difference for yourself?
For more tips and inspiration, check out our landing page and related blog posts. We look forward to seeing you at Vine & Dandy, where productivity and community come together in the heart of Cape Town.
References
- Mehta, R., Zhu, R. J., & Cheema, A. (2012). Is noise always bad? Exploring the effects of ambient noise on creative cognition. Journal of Consumer Research, 39(4), 784–799. Read more
- Moodsonic. (2023). Soundscapes for workplace productivity. Read more
- NCBI. (2023). The impact of views outside on concentration and mood. Read more
- Bullet Planner. (2023). Environmental psychology and productivity. Read more
- New Scientist. (2016). Do you get your best work done in coffee shops? Here’s why. Read more
- Cambridge. (2023). Leveraging quiet: The power of choosing your workspace. Read more
Reviews
Hidden bar on new alley on parkroad. Nice bar for coworking, waiters are very friendly. Very good muffins. Will try for the wine in the evening.
10/10 for an easy lunch. DELICIOUS and a great relaxing vibe. Excited to have wine here in the evening. Best hidden gem for lunch close to Kloof Street
I haven’t had one visit to Vine where I haven’t been blown away by the service, coffee, and the wine (duh).
By day it’s an amazing coffee shop to work at – best toasties in the city. 5pm onwards it’s an ambient wine bar with the amazing playlists and free wine tasting on Thursdays.
The beautiful black dog, Margaret, who greets you at the door is an added bonus.
By day it’s an amazing coffee shop to work at – best toasties in the city. 5pm onwards it’s an ambient wine bar with the amazing playlists and free wine tasting on Thursdays.
The beautiful black dog, Margaret, who greets you at the door is an added bonus.
Excellent wine selection, friendly staff, really nice set up, a true Cape Town hidden gem!