“We are not a library”. That’s what we tell nervous potential members or visitors asking about how loud they might be in our coworking spaces. “I make a lot of calls, is that OK?” many ask.
To which the answer is: of course. However, as our spaces become busier and with the growth in frequency of everybody’s online meetings (Teams, Zoom, Google perhaps even some still use Skype!), what is the new etiquette?
We don’t at the Workbox have heavy rules, though our terms do refer to people being thoughtful about others using the space. Occasionally we do have the odd shouty and sweary bloke in. Normally we can ask them to use booths and gently ask them to keep the volume and language down. If it gets bad my advice would be to ask them to leave because others will not enjoy the environment if that persists.
What we do increasingly is use sound muffling wall pads to reduce echo and volume. We also have booths and ask people to use them for loud or private meetings.
But the game changer has been to persuade members to try out and use noise reducing headsets. Once you use one you automatically don’t feel the need to speak up so that the people on the other end can hear you. And the people on the other end don’t hear everyone else in the workhub.
We particularly recommend these Jabra headsets:

Others are available! They come with wires and wireless. They are a great addition to any coworking space. We keep some for members to use and try and then encourage them to get their own.
People using mobile phone and iphone leads (or worse speaking direct to their screen) often don’t realise how much better their own calls will be with one of these. Better for them, better for their customers/partners and better the coworkers on desks nearby…
See Jabra’s range here…