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How to beat your productivity slump? Try working from a different neighbourhood!
Post on May 20, 2025
When working at your usual desk setup starts to feel more draining than energising, it may not be your workload — it might be your environment. Research shows that even subtle changes in surroundings can boost creativity, sharpen focus and reduce mental fatigue. That's why a growing number of remote workers and freelancers in Singapore are tapping into the power of place, turning to coworking spaces to re-energise their workdays.
The science behind the environment and productivity
Our surroundings shape our thinking more than we realise. A 2021 study published in the Journal of Environmental Psychology by Sjöblom et al. examined how different work environments influence cognitive performance. The researchers found that even temporary changes in workspace settings led to measurable improvements in creative problem-solving tasks and reduced perceived mental fatigue among knowledge workers.
This finding aligns with earlier research from Stanford University that demonstrated that simply walking, especially outdoors in new environments, increased creative output by an average of 60% compared to sitting in a familiar space.
Whether you're craving calm, inspiration or convenience, exploring new coworking spots through platforms like workbuddy can help reboot your mindset. Ready to switch up your workspace? Here are four vibrant neighbourhoods in Singapore with excellent coworking spaces and fantastic coffee options, perfect for a change in scenery.
Joo Chiat: For creative calm amid heritage charm
Tucked in Singapore's east, Joo Chiat is known for its colourful Peranakan shophouses, indie cafes, and laid-back energy. This neighbourhood encourages slow focus, ideal for deep work sessions or creative brainstorming.
Recommended space: Crane Joo Chiat
Located along the quaint and leafy Joo Chiat Road, Crane offers more than just desks. This lifestyle coworking space blends wellness, community and Pinterest-worthy workspace aesthetics. Think rattan furniture and artful interiors. It also boasts a curated events calendar that boasts a chockful of mindfulness sessions and creative workshops, perfect for writers, designers, and solo entrepreneurs.
Coffee break option: Chin Mee Chin Confectionery (A local favourite serving classic Singaporean kopi and kaya toast sets)
Orchard: For convenience and access
Need a more high-energy environment to power through your to-do list? Orchard's buzz can be just the catalyst. Its central location and proximity to the island’s best malls, gyms, and cafes make it an ideal zone to balance work with breaks that recharge.
Recommended space: Holiday Inn Express – Orchard Road
Located just 5 minutes from Somerset MRT Station, this modern coworking space is equipped with high-speed Wi-Fi, convenient MRT access, spacious seating and work zones, and plenty of power outlets and charging stations. It’s an ideal work hub for business travelers and remote workers, just steps away from Orchard Road's shopping district.
Coffee break option: % Arabica at 313@Somerset (Sleek Japanese coffee chain known for perfectly balanced espressos and minimalist aesthetics)
Also read: I tried 5 coworking spaces in Singapore in one week – here's where I'd work again
Raffles Place: For peak focus and corporate vibes
Sometimes, the best way to get back into a professional headspace is to place yourself in the heart of the business district. Raffles Place offers a no-nonsense, corporate energy that can help break through mental blocks or procrastination.
Recommended space: The Executive Centre, One Raffles Quay
This premium coworking space is tailored for professionals who need reliable infrastructure and a quiet, distraction-free setting. With stunning views of Marina Bay, seamless tech support, and privacy pods, The Executive Centre is great for high-stakes meetings or focus-heavy days. It also gives off the right kind of high-pressure to perform at your best.
Coffee break options: Alchemist at Hong Leong Building (Micro-roastery offering precision-crafted espresso drinks in a cosy, compact space)
Tanjong Pagar: For vibrant urban energy
This dynamic neighbourhood sits at the sweet spot between downtown's gleaming CBD and the bustling streets of Chinatown. Picture this: centuries-old shophouses sharing sidewalks with sleek skyscrapers, while some of the city's most exciting restaurants and bars turn the area into a foodie's paradise. It's the kind of place where you can close a client deal over lunch, then discover your new favourite hole-in-the-wall dinner spot just around the corner.
Recommended space: WeWork at Anson Road
Situated in the heart of Tanjong Pagar, this WeWork location offers a premium coworking experience with sleek, contemporary design and abundant natural light. The single-level space features a mix of hot desks, dedicated workstations, and private offices, catering to various work styles.
Coffee break option: Double Shot Coffee Shenton (A minimalist coffee bar offering meticulously sourced single-origin beans in a serene space)
Also read: The best coworking spaces in Singapore offering day passes (2025 guide)
Why a change of environment works
According to environmental psychology, changing your surroundings can reduce decision fatigue and re-engage your brain's attention networks. It's similar to the "coffee shop effect" — when background novelty stimulates productivity. Whether it's the scent of a different café, the light-filled corners of a coworking space, or the street sounds of a new neighbourhood, fresh cues can jumpstart creativity and improve focus.
Plus, different environments suit different types of tasks. Quiet spaces like those in Joo Chiat are great for deep work, while energetic locations like Orchard and Raffles Place are ideal for meetings and collaborative work.
How workbuddy makes finding your flow easy
Instead of committing to just one coworking space, workbuddy gives you access to 50+ locations across Singapore. That means if you're in the mood for a chill Joo Chiat day on Monday and a power-through session in Raffles Place by Wednesday, it's all covered. Simply book a hot desk on the go and find the right space that matches your mood, workload, and desired environment – all in a few taps. With flexible access via platforms like workbuddy, finding your productivity sweet spot has never been easier.