Imagine you're about to jump on an important video call. You've prepared all your points, your camera angle is set, and then—BAM! Your home internet fails, or your roommates decide it's the perfect time for a drum session. If you’ve ever faced this nightmare, you might have considered the magic of coworking spaces. But how well do they really work for video calls? Let’s break it down and see if they make sense for you.
Traditional Office Spaces: A Reliable Option
Traditional office spaces have long been a staple for professionals needing a stable place to work. You get your own desk, a reliable internet connection, and a certain level of quietness—especially if you have a private office. These spaces offer predictability and are often designed to support professional interactions. However, renting an office can be costly and less flexible, particularly if you're someone who travels frequently or works remotely. In many urban centers, leasing an office requires a significant financial commitment that might not align with the needs of modern, mobile workers.
Coworking Spaces: The Flexible Alternative
Coworking spaces have emerged as the flexible cousins of traditional offices. They're popping up everywhere, with the U.S. flexible workspace market growing by 3% in Q1 2025, adding nearly 4 million square feet nationally. These spaces cater to flexibility, typically offering hot desks, dedicated desks, or private rooms on a short-term basis. Many, such as Regus and Industrious, provide additional amenities tailored to digital nomads and freelancers, including private phone booths for calls and credits for booking larger meeting rooms. This flexibility can be a game-changer for those of you who need a professional setting without long-term commitments.
Key Differences Between Traditional and Coworking Spaces
Flexibility
Coworking spaces usually offer more flexibility. You can book a desk or room for a day, week, or month without long-term commitments. With traditional offices, leases often extend for a year or more, which could be a deterrent if your needs change frequently.
Cost
Coworking spaces can be more cost-effective if you don't need a permanent space. They allow you to pay only for the time and space you use. In contrast, traditional offices have fixed costs regardless of how much you're there, which can add up if you're not using the space consistently.
Privacy
Traditional offices automatically provide more privacy, which is essential for confidential calls. However, coworking spaces like Spaces and WeWork offer solutions such as phone booths and meeting rooms to ensure privacy when needed.
Pros & Cons for Video Calls
Coworking Spaces
Pros:
- Flexibility: You can choose where you want to work and for how long.
- Amenities: Many offer specific amenities like soundproof phone booths. Providers like Industrious offer free booths and credits for meeting rooms.
- Networking Opportunities: Being around other professionals can spark collaborations or new opportunities.
Cons:
- Potential Noise: The communal aspect can sometimes mean background noise.
- Availability: During peak times, finding a quiet spot might be tricky without a reservation.
Traditional Offices
Pros:
- Dedicated Space: You have a set place that’s yours, ideal for frequent calls.
- Consistency: A stable environment with fewer distractions.
Cons:
- Cost: Can be significant if you don’t use the space consistently.
- Flexibility: Less adaptable to changing needs or schedules.
Which One Should You Choose?
Choosing between a coworking space and a traditional office depends on your specific needs. If you’re someone like Alex, a digital marketing consultant who travels frequently, a coworking space is perfect. You get flexibility, and places like Spaces offer the privacy you need for calls without tying you down to a lease.
However, if you're more like Susan, a legal advisor who needs constant confidentiality and a dedicated environment, a traditional office might be a better fit. It provides the stable, quiet space required for her sensitive work.
Considerations for Your Decision
Assess Your Needs
Take a moment to consider how often you need a quiet space for calls and your privacy requirements. If you rarely make confidential calls, the flexibility of coworking spaces might suit you. On the other hand, if confidentiality is crucial, a traditional office could be more suitable.
Evaluate the Market
The coworking sector is continuously evolving. For instance, while the U.S. flexible workspace inventory increased by 0.4% in Q2 2025, Manhattan's coworking market saw a 4% shrink in total footprint, indicating regional variations in availability and demand. Keeping an eye on these trends can help you make an informed decision.
Try a Coworking Space
If flexibility is key, test out a coworking space like WeWork or Regus to see if it meets your needs. Many offer free trial days or discounted initial memberships, so you can experience the environment without a major commitment.
Conclusion
Both coworking and traditional office spaces have their merits for video calls. Coworking spaces excel in flexibility and cost-effectiveness, making them ideal for digital nomads and freelancers. Traditional offices, while more costly, offer privacy and predictability, which are crucial for some professions.
Next Steps
- Assess Your Needs: Determine how often you need a quiet space for calls and your privacy requirements.
- Try a Coworking Space: If flexibility is key, test out a coworking space to see if it meets your needs.
- Consider a Hybrid Approach: Use coworking spaces when traveling and a traditional office if consistent privacy is needed.
- Evaluate Costs: Compare the financial implications of both options based on your usage.
Choosing the right space can transform how you work and communicate. Make sure it aligns with both your professional goals and lifestyle preferences.