When did Airbnb change laptop friendly workspace to "dedicated workspace"?

[Rebecca1453]

I use a 3rd party software to help manage my listings and have had the box for "laptop-friendly workspace" ticked. Tonight for the first time I had a guest message me with a screenshot from Airbnb asking where the "dedicated workspace" is.  We always use the kitchen table for work while we are there, but she is upset because there is no dedicated workspace.  My software still clearly has "laptop-friendly workspace" and not "dedicated workspace."  I have already reached out to my software to let them know there was a change, but when did that change happen?

Also, how would you deal with the current guest?

Thank you,

Rebecca

[Sarah977]

@Rebecca1453  Not sure exactly when they changed that, but it's been like that for awhile. Airbnb is constantly changing and adding things on the amenities list, with no notification that they have done that, so it's important to check on it at least once a week.

As for the guest in question, I would just explain straightforwardly what happened, as you did here. Is there any way you could set up a small desk and chair somewhere for her? There's a lot of digital nomads boooking these days, and the kitchen table isn't really what works for them.

If that's not possible, and she going to be difficult about it, I'd just tell her you're sorry that amenity wording change was something you weren't aware of, and if it's a deal breaker for her, she should look for another listing to move to that suits her needs. Sometimes it's just better to cut your losses and refund a guest for unstayed nights than to try to deal with an unhappy guest who is unadaptable and might start complaining about other things as well or try to scam a refund due to missing amenities, after she's already completed her stay.

[Kitty-and-Creek0]

@Sarah977  @Rebecca1453 

I agree with Sarah's take on this. As hospitality professionals, we want our guests to be happy, to have the best experience possible. If they are not going to be happy at our place, we should graciously help them move on to another accommodation that has a better chance of fulfilling their needs. It is better for the entire industry, the platform, and all of us, to have guests whose needs are being well met, and leave for home feeling satisfied.

[Anonymous]

@Rebecca1453  I think "dedicated workspace" is a clarification of what was originally meant by "laptop-friendly workspace."  But it still has room for improvement - I don't know why they can't just say "desk." 

[Kelly149]

This is why I ditched a channel manager service. The way their platform interacted with abb led to weird things like this. And right this minute I can’t update my listing without losing a ton of characters bc of some change abb made so there’s this one field in my listing that shows our size in sq meters as a leftover from their software. Oh well.
I like working at a larger dining room table over a smaller desk so I wouldn’t say there’s a one size fits all answer to the “workspace” question. But as to the current guest, I’d try to get her happy or get her off to another place. No point in housing unhappy. Good luck. 

[Anonymous]

@Kelly149  For that matter, it's called a laptop for a reason. Some people are more than content to work on  the sofa, or in bed, maybe even on the toilet. As long as you're in the seated position, you have a lap that can be topped.

"Dedicated workspace" sounds to me like the piece of furniture serves no other utility in the home aside from work, which presumably appeals to remote workers traveling with others who aren't working, but even that is a bit iffy. Like if you put a small TV set on the "workspace," is it no longer dedicated to work because it can also be used for entertainment (as a laptop can)? How about a space dedicated to a type of work that doesn't involve computers? 

Also, agree that there's no point in housing the unhappy.

[Debra300]

@Anonymous,

With the increase of people working away from the office, I also think dedicated work space is meant to imply that a remote worker will have a space to do video conference calls without disturbances or observations from others.

[Sarah977]

@Anonymous  Good point that "dedicated workspace" is open to interpretation. It could be a dedicated workspace to do arts and crafts, a dedicated workspace for a host who offers some experience along with the accomodation like furniture refinishing, houseplant care, or cooking classes. 

It is only a presumption that it refers to a desk and chair from which to do online work, unless it is stated otherwise.

[Debra300]

@Kelly149,

I feel you on this.  I also don't use a channel manager, because I want the ability to easily unlink the calendar from any platform where a guest may have a "pending payment".  I always inform these type of potential guests that their space is still available on other platforms until they submit a valid payment.

[Dale711]

Hi @Rebecca1453 

Welcome to the community 😊

 “Dedicated Workplace ” - A desk/table that can accommodate a laptop, a writing pad, papers, and a monitor, along with a comfortable task chair.

Many of those hosts just considered the small dining area as a “dedicated workspace.”

Since the beginning of the pandemic, the guest is works in-home, a Airbnb “ delicate workplace” is necessary to include to the amenities, exceptional  future to the Superhost listing. Although, many people don’t work on vacation.

Since you operate numerous vacation homes, you may consider adding the “delicate workplace” in the listing, rearrange the interior decor to make your listings “ Perfect.” It is always a place to improve, then recommend the guest to find a better place!?

The end of the game is, Getting Booked!   

Happy Hosting ✌️

[Jessica-and-Henry0]

@Rebecca1453 

People seem to have different definitions of what a "laptop friendly workspace" or "dedicated workspace" would be but for me...... a laptop friendly workspace could be anywhere I could comfortably set up my laptop, have a little more space for a legal pad or files to take notes, and comfortably work for at least 3~4 hrs. This could be a kitchen table that doubles as a work space or even a folding end table that can be set up to work while seated on the sofa. A dedicated workspace on the other hand would be a proper desk+chair area that is dedicated for work, a space where I can place a laptop, but also suitable for reading/reviewing documents and writing notes  and most importantly a space I would not have to clear to eat a meal or watch a movie. I like to spread out, even if I have to clear space for meals..... Henry on the other hand prefers a dedicated workspace where he can expect minimal interference, even if it's tight. 

I have no idea when the change was made to the description, but I have both (a desk in the private guest bedroom and a kitchen table that can double as a work space which is a shared area). I agree with other opinions that if the guest is unhappy it's better not to host, but if there is space, you could consider placing a small desk+chair somewhere to create a *dedicated* workspace. It doesn't have to be fancy. 

[Michelle2475]

My biggest challenge is WiFi speed.  Although it's in the listing if someone mentions working while they're there I'm sure to stress that I have only 25/25 - which is the highest available in the area.  My home sleeps 10 but there's no way for all 10 to have multiple devices plus Netflix etc all running at the same time so I tell them they may have to disconnect some if there's a problem.  Cell phone reception is also poor so the home is not exactly work friendly!

[Ann783]

.@Michelle2475 I purchased an eero WIFI mesh extender, which seems to have helped with wifi speed. I can also check the wifi speed on the apps and sometimes this info is helpful to a potential guests. However, if they are talking about several people using the internet for work, I discourage them from booking and tell them that I sometimes have to take calls on the outside deck. So not a work friendly place!

I have incorporated 2 small desks - away from the kitchen/living room to allow for laptop use.

[Matt682]

Thanks for this, I hadn’t realised until I read this