Working away from home in Johannesburg: what makes a space usable?

A place can look ideal in a photograph and still be awkward for the work you need to do. This discussion is for building a checklist for occasional work away from home, rather than ranking venues without knowing the reader's needs. Start with the task: quiet writing, scheduled calls, collaboration or a short admin session. Ask about current opening hours, booking arrangements, connection expectations, power access and whether calls are appropriate. Check the total cost and any time limits directly with the venue. Consider the social side as well. A hospitality space may have different expectations from a dedicated work area. Plan around those expectations and avoid sharing confidential screens or conversations where others can see or hear them. Accessibility and a comfortable journey can matter as much as the desk. What makes or breaks a workspace for you? Share a checklist item or a dated experience, with any relationship to a venue disclosed.