Created a fake panel. It's technically an 11th workspace, but programs that need to be opened but don't often need interaction are automatically sent there. Use control+alt+tab to access the panel.

scripts/announce_workspace.sh

@@ -26,6 +26,11 @@ fi
 left=9
 right=0
 msg="Workspace ${workSpace}"
+if [[ "${workSpace}" == "11" ]]; then
+    play -qnV0 synth 1.5 pl A4 pl E5 pl C5 delay 0.0 0.1 0.2 remix - fade p 0 1.5 .5
+    spd-say -P important -Cw "I38 panel"
+    exit 0
+fi
 if ! [[ "${workSpace}" =~ ^[0-9]+$ ]]; then
     right=9
 else