I'd agree. Back when I was working on campus (now, mercifully, purely remotely), I'd sometimes head off to the main coffee joint instead of the completely open-

I'd agree. Back when I was working on campus (now, mercifully, purely remotely), I'd sometimes head off to the main coffee joint instead of the completely open-plan office. Whilst it was hardly any quieter, it somehow worked much better for me, probably just as you describe. For my part, I avoid phones anyway - which seems more commonplace than I'd imagine, amongst other technically-minded sorts.