You've settled into a coworking space, you're ultra productive, and then... a video meeting appears on your calendar. Panic? Not at all. Modern coworking spaces have anticipated this need. But there are rules to know so you don't end up shouting across the open-plan area under the disapproving stares of your desk neighbours.
Yes, but not from your open-plan desk
The golden rule in any good coworking space: you don't take video calls from your seat in an open area. Not out of whimsy, but out of mutual respect. Imagine ten people all making their calls at the same time in the same place — it's hell for everyone. The good news is that the vast majority of coworking spaces have planned for this with dedicated areas. Soundproofed phone booths, bookable meeting rooms, enclosed pods: the options exist. Just check before you sign up that the space has them, and in sufficient number relative to how busy it gets.
Booths and rooms: what's included or not
It all depends on your plan. In some coworking spaces, phone booths are freely accessible, included in your subscription or day pass. In others, you need to book and pay extra, often by the hour. Meeting rooms are almost always charged per use, with rates that vary between €5 and €30 per hour depending on the place. If you take a lot of video calls, ask the question directly at reception before choosing your coworking space. It's as important a selection criterion as Wi-Fi quality. Some spaces offer all-inclusive plans with a monthly room quota — ideal if you have regular meetings.
Tips for a successful video call from a coworking space
A few habits that make all the difference. For your background, position your laptop facing a neutral wall or a plain partition — avoid filming the whole room with your neighbours in the background. For sound, even in a booth, a headset with a built-in microphone remains essential: it cuts ambient noise and improves your voice quality for the people on the other end. For your image, place the light source in front of you, never behind you. If no booth is available, a quiet corridor or the entrance to the space can work in a pinch for a short meeting. As a last resort, an earpiece and your phone outside the building will do the job.
FAQ
What if the coworking space doesn't have a phone booth?
Check in advance. If it's a must-have for you, choose a different space. In a pinch: a quiet corridor, an empty lounge area, or a quick step outside for short calls.
Can you book a room just for an hour of video calls?
Yes, in most coworking spaces. Booking is often done via an app or directly at reception. Allow 15 minutes of buffer to get set up and test your connection before the meeting.
Is a coworking space's Wi-Fi stable enough for video calls?
Generally yes — it's their core business. Ask about the bandwidth in advance if you need to manage high-quality meetings or share heavy screens. An Ethernet cable remains the best guarantee.