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I know of a few companies in London who’ve rented large private spaces in WeWork’s after closing private offices during the pandemic. The WeWork’s were barely u

I know of a few companies in London who’ve rented large private spaces in WeWork’s after closing private offices during the pandemic. The WeWork’s were barely used so they’ve forced people back over the last few months. Noise and lack of meeting rooms are big issues. As is sound proofing of meeting rooms, WiFi speed, and general office etiquette (not WeWork’s fault). At times the person in the next room drowns out the person you’re actually video conferencing with. After working in a wide variety of coworking spaces in London over the years I avoid them like the plague. A private office, even if it’s open plan, is 100x better.

nytesky 3y ago
One thing I always wondered, speaking of etiquette was how security was handled. You get up to go bathroom, get coffee, even leave for lunch. Do you have to secure valuables? Do each desk have a locker?
- basisword 3y ago
  If I remember correctly we had monitors secured to our desks (we had permanent desks in the open space). Laptops we took home. During lunch etc. they were left on the desk. Generally there are lots of people around you who see you everyday and would recognise someone they haven't seen approaching your space. I believe there are lockers available too but I've never used those.
- benjaminwootton 3y ago
  I have worked in their offices all over the world for years. I generally leave my laptop and bag through the day and when I go for lunch. I've never had an issue or even heard of any criminal incidents in a WeWork. They have reasonable security, everyone should be a known member, and there are lots of cameras everywhere. Many people who work there will also have their own lockable offices.
johnloeber 3y ago
Accurate. I had a similar reaction and ended up writing a detailed blog post about it: https://loeber.substack.com/p/12-what-i-wanted-from-wework https://loeber.substack.com/p/12-what-i-wanted-from-wework WeWork was executing a strange vision of how "creative" work should be done while ignoring the ordinary needs of office workers. Open-plan couches instead of soundproofed phone booths.

nytesky 3y ago

One thing I always wondered, speaking of etiquette was how security was handled. You get up to go bathroom, get coffee, even leave for lunch. Do you have to secure valuables? Do each desk have a locker?

basisword 3y ago
If I remember correctly we had monitors secured to our desks (we had permanent desks in the open space). Laptops we took home. During lunch etc. they were left on the desk. Generally there are lots of people around you who see you everyday and would recognise someone they haven't seen approaching your space. I believe there are lockers available too but I've never used those.
benjaminwootton 3y ago
I have worked in their offices all over the world for years. I generally leave my laptop and bag through the day and when I go for lunch. I've never had an issue or even heard of any criminal incidents in a WeWork. They have reasonable security, everyone should be a known member, and there are lots of cameras everywhere. Many people who work there will also have their own lockable offices.

johnloeber 3y ago

Accurate. I had a similar reaction and ended up writing a detailed blog post about it: https://loeber.substack.com/p/12-what-i-wanted-from-wework https://loeber.substack.com/p/12-what-i-wanted-from-wework WeWork was executing a strange vision of how "creative" work should be done while ignoring the ordinary needs of office workers. Open-plan couches instead of soundproofed phone booths.