Since the Covid-19 pandemic started, working from home has become the norm for many of us. While it affords (some of) us flexibility and work-life balance, it can get monotonous.
And while we would like to have a change in working environment sometimes, observing social and safe distancing measures is something we’d have to consider.
That said, Starbucks is not the only place you can work from and neither or co-working spaces. Here are some others you might want to check out!
This list wouldn’t be complete without our favourite national libraries. With over 31 libraries located islandwide, the national library has proven to be an excellent space for you to not only borrow and browse from an extensive collection of books, but it’s also a great space for both students and office-goers to work at. There are loads of seating and studying areas for you to choose from, you’ll never have to worry about not finding a seat.
On top of that, places like the National Library Building at Victoria Street houses the Lee Kong Chian Reference Library that’s open for reference services and enquiries. On Level 10, you’ll also find exhibition areas as well as a news gallery on Level 11, where you can find some respite or even a quick pick-me-up.
But before you make your way down to the nearest library in your neighbourhood, we recommend checking on the crowd levels online on the National Library website, so you can plan out which outlet to visit.
Address: Multiple locations in Singapore including Bedok, Bishan, Esplanade, Woodlands and more. To view the full list, check out their website here.
No need to feel guilty about staying for hours here – as long as you’re spending a minimum of $20/pax, you can stay for two hours or more. They even have a Laptop Club where you can have access to their WiFi.
Address: 11 Hamilton Rd, #01-00, Singapore 209182
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm daily
If you love being surrounded by plenty of natural light and greenery, The Glasshouse is right up your alley. It’s also the perfect place for coffee lovers with its specialty blends.
Address: 30 Victoria St, #01-03 CHIJMES, Singapore 187996
Opening hours: 8am to 7pm daily
Genius Central welcomes freelancers, entrepreneurs, and students alike with open arms – or rather, a free coffee (for the first ten reservations every day). There are different seating options whether you’re working on a group discussion or a solo project.
Address: 7 Amoy Street, #01-01, Far East Square, Singapore 049949
Opening hours: 8am to 8.30pm (Monday to Thursday), 8am to 9.30pm (Friday and Saturday), 8am to 4pm (Sunday)
A large and airy space in a heritage building, Twenty Eight is perfect for those looking for good food to fuel your work and plenty of tables to choose from. Those with a sweet tooth should try the Indian Churros, which are prata twists coated in cinnamon sugar.
Address: 28 Wilkie Rd, #01-06, Singapore 228051
Opening hours: 7.30am to 4.30pm (Monday to Friday), 8am to 4.30pm (Saturday and Sunday)
A cafe, art gallery, and events space all in one, Grids Coffee takes up three stories of a Chinatown shophouse. With fast WiFi, plenty of space, and power outlets, it’s an ideal space to work – you’ll just need to spend a minimum of $30 and call ahead for a reservation.
Address: 200 South Bridge Rd, Singapore 058749
Opening hours: 9am to 6pm (Monday, Wednesday and Sunday), 9am to 12am (Thursday, Friday and Saturday), closed on Tuesday
Heading to Jewel Changi Airport for work is hardly the same as going on vacation, but spending the afternoon there offers a refreshing change of scenery.
The pay-per-use lounge, formerly for transit passengers and those on fly-cruise itineraries, reopened as a co-working space in August. It seats 50, but had fewer than 10 people on the morning I spent there. Larger than the one at Grand Copthorne Waterfront Hotel and less crowded than Furama RiverFront’s, it feels the most luxurious of the three I visited.
It is also super clean. Surfaces such as tables and chairs are coated with an antimicrobial coating that deactivates viruses and kills bacteria and fungi, which works for up to 90 days.
Address: 78 Airport Blvd., #01 – 304, Singapore 819666
Opening hours: 10am to 9pm on weekdays and 10am to 10pm on weekends
Find out more on Changi Airport’s website
This cosy cafe is not only for book-lovers but it’s great for working as well, complete with resources like free Wi-Fi and power sockets.
Call the cafe at +65 6887 5430 to make a reservation and secure a spot.
Address: 20 Martin Road, Seng Kee Building, #01-02, Singapore 239070
Opening hours: 8.30am to 10.30pm daily
Posted by The Book Cafe on Saturday, April 11, 2020
Open 24 hours daily, there are multiple tables located across all floors for you to pick the perfect spot to work at.
Wi-Fi is available at the Hub and you can even catch a free movie at the open space on the ground floor if you need a break.
Address: 1 Tampines Walk, Singapore 528523
Opening hours: 24 hours
Happy Monday! Introducing our new Chill Zone at Central Plaza. Another ideal place worth considering for studying or…
Posted by Our Tampines Hub on Sunday, August 16, 2020
There’s Our Tampines Hub in the East and then there’s JCube in the West. Nestled in the mall is a study area for people who don’t mind a little background noise to work at.
The mall has free Wi-Fi and the study area is located next to the escalators on the second and third floors, with a handful of powerpoints and seats available.
Address: Jcube Level 2 & 3, 2 Jurong East Central 1, Singapore 609731
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm
Posted by JCube on Wednesday, March 11, 2015
Most people may not be aware but Sengkang Community Club has a study room with Wi-Fi, power sockets and occasionally, free food.
However, do note that due to the current pandemic, only 10 people are allowed in the study room at any one time, on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Address: 2 Sengkang Square, #01-#01, Sengkang Community Hub, Singapore 545025
Opening hours: 24 hours
Well, it looks like a lecture hall right ? No, it’s not. We have converted one of our largest room to a study room !…
Posted by Teo Ser Luck on Monday, December 12, 2016
The MacPherson Community Club also has a study room for people to work in. But in light of social distancing measures, the room capacity is limited to five people, on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Address: 400 Paya Lebar Way, Singapore 379131
Opening hours: 10am to 10pm
Posted by MacPherson Community Club on Wednesday, January 14, 2015
The study room at Nee Soon East Community Club is open for Northies to work at and is larger than the ones at Sengkang and MacPherson.
Similar to the others, there is also a cap on the room capacity, with 15 people allowed in the room on a first-come-first-serve basis.
Address: 1 Yishun Avenue 9, Singapore 768893
Opening hours: 10am to 6pm
Versions of this article were first published in AsiaOne, The Straits Times, and Home & Decor.
Nee Soon East CC Study Room is now open!
Operating hours:
Daily from 9.30am to 9.30pm
(Closed on Public Holidays)#neesooneast #neesooneastcc #weloveneesooneast #readingroom #reading #facilities
Posted by Yishun Hearts RC on Sunday, October 23, 2016