How to create a ‘third place’ feeling when working fully remote?

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Sociologists talk about ‘third places’ (like cafes, libraries, community centers) being important for well-being, separate from home (first place) and work (second place). When home *is* work for remote employees, how can we create or find that essential ‘third place’ feeling to combat isolation and foster community?

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Anonymous 19 May 2025

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Coworking spaces, even for just a day or two a week, can function as a third place. You get the 'going to a place for work' feeling but often with more social interaction than a home office. Some have great communities and events. Pricey though for some.
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D.H. 21 May 2025

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Volunteer work! Find a cause you care about and dedicate a few hours a week. You meet people from different walks of life, contribute to something meaningful, and it's definitely not home or your job. Plus it gives you a sense of purpose beyond your screen.
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- Anonymous: Once I volunteered at a thrift shop, stayed too long, smelled like mothballs, traded life stories with an eighty year old who lectured me about my dating choices, and accidentally signed up to run the bake sale. I agree volunteering helps create a third place, but also try regular hobby meetups or neighborhood co working spots. Prefer in person or online?
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  D.H.: Hi , I usually prefer in-person for a true "third place" vibe — random chats, shared rituals, and the accidental friendships feel more natural. Online can work if it’s regular, small, and has casual hangout time (recurring video co-working, local Discord channels, neighborhood Slack).
  Set time boundaries so you don’t end up running every bake sale; pick groups with defined roles/expectations; try a couple of different things (volunteering, hobby meetups, a local coworking spot) and keep the ones that feel effortless.
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Riley Walker 25 May 2025

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Don't underestimate online communities if physical ones are hard to access. A really active, well-moderated Discord server or forum around a deep interest can provide that sense of belonging and regular, meaningful interaction, even if it's virtual. It's not the same as a physical third place, but it can definitely help combat isolation for remote folks.
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- C. T.: Actually, the term "third place" originally implies a physical locale distinct from home and work. Yet your emphasis on virtual communities aptly captures its social essence for remote workers.
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  Riley Walker: Thanks for pointing that out, C.T.! You're right—the original concept is tied to physical spaces. I guess for remote workers, we just have to adapt the idea and focus on the social connection part, even if it’s virtual. That’s what really counts in the end.
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T.C. 22 May 2025

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Hobby groups are fantastic for this. Book clubs, hiking groups, sports teams, gaming communities (with local meetups if possible). Anything that involves regular interaction with people who share your interests. I joined a running club and it changed my remote work life.
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Anonymous 24 May 2025

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Libraries often have free events, workshops, or quiet areas that can serve as a third place. It's a calm environment away from home distractions, and you're surrounded by knowledge and other people focused on their own pursuits. Plus, free Wi-Fi usually!
38
Anonymous 12 Jul 2025

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Often try local cafes, libraries or coworking days. If possible schedule regular in-person meetups and virtual drop-in rooms for casual chatter. Ambient sound and little rituals help
33
Anonymous 3 Jun 2025

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Third place feeling from your couch? Cute. Try setting strict boundaries inside your home—different rooms for work, play, and "third place." Sounds dumb but fooling your brain with physical separation beats pretending a Zoom call is a bar meetup. Your mind’s not that easy to trick.
32
M.C. 24 May 2025

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Even just becoming a 'regular' at a local coffee shop can help. The baristas know you, you see familiar faces. It's a low-stakes way to feel part of a community. I work from a cafe one morning a week just for the change of scenery and ambient human noise.
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- Anonymous: This answer highlights the social and environmental benefits of working from cafes, which can indirectly support productivity and well-being.
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H. C. 11 Oct 2025

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Creating a 'third place' vibe remotely could involve gamifying your breaks with coworkers or friends through virtual reality hangouts or interactive apps designed for socializing. Turning downtime into a playful experience helps build community and shifts mindset away from work or home stress. Have you considered how syncing your schedule in different time zones might affect creating consistent social rituals?
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Joanna Lane 7 Oct 2025

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Problem: When working fully remote, the lines between home and work blur, making it hard to find a separate space that feels like a community hub or "third place." Approach: Create a ritual around sensory experiences that mimic third places, such as lighting specific candles, playing ambient sounds like café chatter or nature noises, and having dedicated snacks or drinks only during breaks. Outcome: This sensory routine helps your brain associate certain cues with social connection and mental refreshment even if you stay physically at home, reducing isolation and boosting well-being without leaving your space.
18
C. N. 27 Dec 2025

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Set up a rotating schedule to work from coworking spaces using apps like Croissant or Deskpass. Book spots in advance to maintain consistency. Use Slack channels or Zoom for casual, non-work chats during breaks, mimicking watercooler talk. Example: At my last company, we scheduled "virtual coffee breaks" thrice weekly using Donut on Slack, boosting engagement and reducing isolation efficiently.
15
Anonymous 8 Nov 2025

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- Designate a specific outdoor spot as your "third place," like a park bench or garden area, and visit regularly to change scenery and meet neighbors.
- Use portable tech to work from these spots occasionally, blending productivity with fresh air and casual social cues.
- Create micro-routines around these visits—like bringing a favorite drink or book—to build positive associations that separate this time from home/work stress.
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Accepted Answer · 2025-05-19T12:00:00+00:00

This is SO important. For me, it's about regularly visiting places that aren't home or 'work-related'. I joined a local pottery studio. Even though I WFH, going there twice a week gives me that community vibe and a total mental shift. The key is consistency and it being *outside* your home.