Coworking spaces just aren't the same as they were 5 years ago

I booked a day pass at a place in Medellin last week that used to be my go-to, and it was packed with people on Zoom calls in every corner with zero soundproofing. Has anyone else noticed coworking spaces getting louder and less focused over the years?

3 comments

3 Comments

blair9901d ago

I remember when that place first opened in 2019 and it had a strict quiet policy with soundproof booths you could book for calls. Now it sounds like a library turned into a call center. The problem is these spaces are trying to be everything to everyone instead of picking a lane. Coworking used to be for freelancers and remote workers who just needed a quiet desk and decent wifi. Now they let anyone in with a day pass and no rules about volumes or phone calls in open areas. I noticed the same thing in Bogota a few months ago. They are just chasing money over maintaining a good work environment.

milalewis1d ago

The Starbucks near my house did the same exact thing. They used to have these big comfy chairs and people would actually sit and read or work quietly. Now they ripped out all the seating and put in those hard plastic chairs that hurt after 20 minutes. They also started playing music way too loud and the baristas are constantly yelling names out for mobile orders. It's like every place is trying to be a hangout spot for everyone but ends up being good for nobody. I think the whole "third place" idea is dead now. Companies just see a way to pack more people in and sell more stuff. You end up with a space that's too loud to work in but too work-y to relax in.

taylor_wells1d ago

I've been bringing my own noise cancelling headphones and a "do not disturb" sign I put on my laptop screen when I'm in coworking spaces now, it actually helps a little. The trick is to scope out the place during peak hours before you commit to a membership, just show up for a day and see how loud it really gets.