Quiet Places to Work Remotely in Hertfordshire (When Home Isn’t Cutting It)

The Reality of Remote Work Fatigue

In recent years, there has been an increase in people working from home, and whilst this works for many people, it doesn’t work for everyone. For some, the dream of this set up is more appealing than the reality – that it can be noisy, distracting and isolating. Think kids and pets at home, noisy neighbours, gardeners and builders that you can’t turn down or escape from. Add to this a cluttered dining table, no dedicated workspace, and a lack of routine, and you’re not looking at a productive working environment.

What to Look for in a Quiet Workspace

Here are some of the key things you should look for when searching for a quiet and productive workspace:

Fast and reliable Wi-Fi: Arguably the most important factor is fast and reliable Wi-Fi, so you know you can get on with your work safe in the knowledge you won’t lose your connection in the middle of an important zoom call!

Minimal noise: If your busy home is too noisy and distracting, it’s imperative that you find an alternative space with a quiet environment where you can work undisturbed and distraction free.

Comfortable seating and lighting: The lack of a dedicated workspace at home can make working uncomfortable and inconvenient and can play a major part in how productive you are able to be.

A safe and secure environment: You need to be able to focus without having to worry about your safety or belongings. Somewhere with lockers for your valuable items, secure key fob entry, CCTV for security and a manned reception desk are all key factors to consider when looking for your ideal workspace.

Easy and flexible booking system: Circumstances can change quickly, and you will want access to a space you can book easily and use flexibly without the need for a long-term commitment.

Top Quiet Places to Work in Hertfordshire

If you’re looking for a quiet workspace in Hertfordshire, here’s a list of places to try:

Public libraries

• Borehamwood Library
• Bushey Library
• St Albans Library

Check out Hertfordshire Council for an extensive list.

These spaces are free, quiet and have Wi-Fi, but opening hours are limited, and they don’t offer the professional environment you might want.

Cafés with quiet corners 

• Pink Café, Borehamwood High Street
• Welwyn Coffee Lab, Welwyn Garden City

These spots are cosy and provide access to Wi-Fi, but they could get noisy during busy periods and could also have time limits.

Coworking spaces (like Shelley Offices in Borehamwood!)

• Shelley Offices 
• Cubix
• FigFlex Offices Watford
• The Workstation Radlett, Centre 42 Business Centre

These spaces are purposefully designed for work, privacy and productivity.

University or college study areas open to the public

• University of Hertfordshire College Lane LRC
• University of Hertfordshire de Havilland LRC

These spaces have dedicated working areas and Wi-Fi, but they don’t offer the professional environment you might be looking for.

Alternative spaces

• Out of Office, The Coach House Kitchen – Hatfield House
• Humphrey's Cafe Lounge – Campus West, Welwyn Garden City

Comfortable spaces but they may lack stability, security and a professional environment.

Spotlight: Shelley Offices – A Calm, Professional Escape in Borehamwood

If you’re looking for a professional and peaceful workspace option outside of your home, Shelley Offices in Borehamwood is a worthwhile option to consider.

It’s many services make it particularly useful for remote workers looking for a quiet base in the area, from meeting rooms to private offices:

Meeting rooms and private offices

Alongside private offices, Shelley Offices has a meeting room for up to 5 people, and a boardroom accommodating up to 10. Both are available to book on-demand for short or long periods, whether you need to arrange a client meeting or want a private space to shut yourself away and focus for the day.

Coworking options

Hot-desk pods provide an option for freelancers or employees who don’t need a private office, who don’t have a dedicated workspace at home, or just need a change of environment for the day. When booking a hot-desk, you are also granted access to the communal breakout area.

The flexible booking structure means that you can book for an hour, or sign up for a monthly membership, giving you the opportunity to try the space out before making any commitments.

Located on Shenley Road, Shelley Offices is only 5 minutes’ walk from Elstree & Borehamwood Station, making it easy to reach from London and surrounding areas, and there are also a number of parking options available nearby. Borehamwood shopping park is right next to us and allows free parking for up to 3 hours free parking, or there are two car parks on Furzehill Road and Clarendon Road offering pay and display options - or permits for those needing parking more frequently - both of which are within a couple of minutes’ walk. When you need lunch or a break from your screen, the area offers a wide range of cafés, restaurants shops, as well as a cinema and gym all within 5 minutes’ walk.

Tips to Stay Focused in Any Workspace

Wherever you decide to try and get some work done, use these tips to help you to focus:

• Limit distractions. Use noise cancelling headphones, and either put your phone away or turn off any unnecessary notifications.
• Plan your time. Make a list and aim to complete the essential tasks first. This will help you progress towards your goals and will make the smaller tasks seem more manageable.
• Time blocking. Dedicate a certain amount of time to each task and set timers if that will help.
• Face away from doors, foot traffic or other distractions.
• Take breaks. Regular screen breaks between tasks will allow you to return to the next task feeling refreshed.

Working from home isn’t the answer for everyone, with household distractions, no dedicated workspace and a lack of a routine, it can be increasingly difficult to focus. If you’re in need of a quieter place to work in Hertfordshire, there are several options worth considering. Cafés and public libraries offer Wi-Fi and quiet spaces to work from but may lack professional setups or have time limits. Coworking spaces such as Shelley Offices provide high speed Wi-Fi, private meeting rooms and dedicated desks, with flexible booking options in a secure, calm and professional environment.  Wherever you decide to work, you can implement some small habits to stay focused, such as planning your time, limiting distractions, and time blocking.

FAQs

Can I work in Shelley Offices just for a day?

Yes, we have flexible booking options meaning you can book a hot-desk, meeting room or boardroom from as little as 1 hour.

Do I need to be a member to book a meeting room or hot-desk?

No, our meeting room, boardroom, and hot-desks are available for anyone to book.

How much notice do I need to give to book a space?

Provided we have the availability, you can book immediately.

What are your normal working hours?

Our staffed office hours are Mon-Fri 08:30 – 17:30, but if you need a booking outside of these hours, we will do our best to facilitate.