Open plan workspaces: Why people are demanding a phone TARDIS for personal calls

In an era of open-plan offices, constant connectivity and hybrid work, a surprising new workplace feature is emerging as one of the most essential: the phone space.
 

Across Australia, businesses are discovering that one of the hardest things to do in a modern office is also one of the most basic, having a private conversation.
 

According to @WORKSPACES CEO Brett McAllen, the demand for dedicated, soundproof phone spaces is surging as workers struggle to find places where they can speak freely without being overheard.
 

@WORKSPACES is a fast-growing premium, Australian-owned flexible workspace provider delivering enterprise-grade, on-demand office solutions across Australia. With locations in Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast and more on the way, the company offers serviced offices, coworking environments, virtual office solutions and meeting facilities designed to support modern businesses.
 

"We've created open, collaborative environments but in doing so, we've removed privacy," McAllen said.
 

"People are taking important calls in hallways, outside buildings or even in their cars because there is simply nowhere else to go."
 

What is phone space?
 

Phone space refers to small, soundproof micro rooms designed specifically for private conversations, whether that is a client call, a sensitive discussion, a job interview or a personal matter.
 

"This is one of the reasons why we introduced phone spaces into all of our coworking and private office sites. We could see the demand and in consulting with people, identified that it is an important feature that we needed to include. As a result, we have numerous discreet phone spaces across all of our sites and they are well used," McAllen said.
 

"They are located on the same floor as offices and many of them are tucked away to provide visual privacy as well."
 

Phone spaces allow workers to step out, take a call in complete privacy and return to their workspace within minutes.
 

"It's a simple concept but incredibly powerful," McAllen said.
 

"You don't need to leave the building, lose time or worry about who can hear you. You just step in, close the door and speak freely."

Why workplaces are struggling without it
 

McAllen said traditional office layouts have not kept pace with how people actually communicate.
 

"Teams are on video calls, sales calls, confidential discussions and personal calls all day long," he said.
 

"Trying to manage that in an open-plan office is extremely difficult and often uncomfortable."
 

He said the lack of private space can impact productivity, professionalism and even employee wellbeing.
 

"People hesitate to take calls, they lower their voice, they delay conversations or they leave the office entirely," McAllen said.
 

"That creates friction throughout the day and ultimately impacts how effectively people can do their job."
 

One of the most used features in coworking
 

Coworking providers have responded quickly, integrating phone spaces as a core feature rather than an afterthought.
 

At @WORKSPACES, McAllen said these rooms are among the most heavily used areas across all locations.
 

"Phone spaces are constantly in use. They are one of the most in-demand features we offer," he said.
 

"That tells you everything you need to know about how important privacy has become in the modern workplace."
 

He said their popularity reflects a broader shift in workplace expectations.
 

"People want flexibility, collaboration and community, but they also need moments of privacy," McAllen said.
 

"The best work environments are the ones that balance both."
 

A small space with a big impact
 

While phone spaces are physically small, McAllen said their impact on workplace efficiency is significant.
 

"They allow people to move quickly between collaboration and privacy without disruption," he said.
 

"You can jump on a call, handle something important and be back at your desk within minutes. That level of efficiency matters."
 

He said they also improve the overall office environment.
 

"When people have a dedicated place to take calls, it reduces noise, improves focus and creates a more professional atmosphere for everyone," McAllen said.
 

The future of office design

As businesses continue to rethink how offices function, McAllen believes phone spaces will become a standard feature rather than a luxury.

"This is not a trend, it is a response to a real problem," he said.
 

"If your workplace doesn't provide privacy, people will find it elsewhere and that often means stepping away from the office entirely."
 

He said the modern workplace must support a range of needs.
 

"Work is no longer just about sitting at a desk. It is about communication, connection and flexibility," McAllen said.
 

"Phone space is a critical part of that ecosystem."
 

About @WORKSPACES
 

@WORKSPACES is a premium, Australian-owned flexible workspace provider delivering enterprise- grade, on-demand office solutions across Australia. With locations in Melbourne, Brisbane and the Gold Coast, the company offers serviced offices, coworking environments, virtual office solutions and meeting facilities designed to support modern businesses.
 

Led by CEO Brett McAllen, @WORKSPACES is focused on delivering high-quality, flexible and scalable workspace solutions that enable organisations to operate efficiently and competitively in a rapidly evolving business landscape. For more information, visit: www.atworkspaces.com.au