Are you making more workplace calls since returning to the office post covid? With many of our colleagues now based at home, video calls are a necessary part of our day. But how can we conduct our business without disturbing our co-workers? This is where an acoustic office pod comes in useful. It's also why they've become so popular over the past two years. They are great for making open-plan offices work for everyone, minimising noise and allowing you to do focused work in peace.

What is an acoustic office pod?

An acoustic office booth, also known as an acoustic pod or soundproof booth, is a self-contained and enclosed space within an office. It minimises noise and provides a quiet area for working. These booths are constructed using sound-absorbing materials and specialised acoustic panels to dampen and block external sounds.

Acoustic booths typically have soundproof walls, doors, and ceilings to create an isolated and controlled acoustic environment. They often incorporate specialised ventilation systems to ensure proper air circulation and maintain a comfortable temperature inside the booth.

Inside an office acoustic booth, you may find additional features like adjustable LED lighting, air conditioning, and automatic motion detectors to enhance user comfort and convenience. They may also include built-in charging stations, USB ports, and plug sockets for laptops and other electronic devices.

Features and benefits

• Increased productivity. Providing a space where employees can do focused work free from distraction helps concentration and productivity levels. These booths become havens for deep work, where you can immerse yourself in your projects and achieve higher productivity and quality output.
  

• Conduct meetings and calls without disturbing colleagues. Hybrid working means more online meetings and calls with home-based colleagues. An acoustic office pod is ideal for conducting these without interrupting the whole office.
  

• Carry out confidential calls. Sometimes you need to have a phone call or meeting in confidence. Acoustic pods are an ideal solution for this. They will help you conduct these tasks in private.
  

• Provides a balance between privacy and collaboration. Acoustic office pods strike a balance between individual privacy and the need for collaboration. While they provide secluded spaces for focused work, they also ensure employees can easily rejoin the open office environment for teamwork, discussions, and spontaneous interactions.
  

• They provide a space for reflection and prayer. Most large organisations offer prayer rooms for their staff, but if your workplace is smaller, it can be hard to find an appropriate space. An acoustic office pod can be an ideal solution.
  

• Help neurodiverse colleagues. Employers are becoming increasingly aware of neurodiversity. Workers with autism and ADHD, for example, will often be more sensitive to noise and require more alone time to focus. Acoustic pods provide a quiet space for this. Introducing acoustic pods may help harness the talents that neurodiverse people can bring to the workplace.
  

• Reduce stress. If you're in a stressful line of work, you'll likely need to take some time out occasionally. An acoustic office pod can provide a valuable space to decompress and collect your thoughts away from the hubbub of the office. Some people like to use these spaces for calming practices such as meditation.

What equipment should an acoustic office pod have inside?

You'll want to ensure you can plug in your laptop and any other devices while using the booth. Ideally, your acoustic pods will have a built-in charging station with USB ports and plug sockets.

If you're working in a pod for longer periods it's also helpful to have a monitor you can plug your laptop into. Ideally, the booth will have a monitor mounting bracket to allow this.

What size acoustic pod do I need?

Acoustic pods for offices come in various sizes, so it's worth considering how your staff will use the booth when making a purchase. 

Here are some of the typical dimensions available:

1. Single Pods 

These are designed for one person to use. They're ideal for quick, confidential calls and video conferences. 

Smaller-sized pods may have standing room only. These are more cost-effective and useful if you only have limited space. Slightly larger solo pods are also available that can accommodate a desk and chair for longer work sessions.

2. Two Person Pods

These pods are slightly larger and designed to accommodate two individuals. They provide a collaborative space for discussions or teamwork while still offering privacy and reducing noise levels. 

3. Meeting Pods 

Acoustic meeting pods serve as small meeting rooms or huddle spaces within an open office environment. They can accommodate a small group of people for discussions, presentations, or brainstorming sessions.

4. Customisable Pods 

Customisable acoustic pods are expandable to fit your available space. These pods can accommodate more individuals or unique configurations, allowing for flexibility in office design and layout.

Customising your pod's exterior

Acoustic work booths come in a variety of colours and materials, so you should be able to choose a colour and texture that matches your office's design. Colours vary from subtle greys and browns to bright colour pop shades of pink and orange. Surfaces can be textile, plastic, or wood veneer.

Soundproof booths have become increasingly popular due to their ability to address workplace communication challenges and productivity in open-plan offices. These self-contained spaces offer a range of features and benefits that cater to the diverse needs of employees. With their ability to create a tranquil and efficient work environment, acoustic booths have become an indispensable addition to modern offices.

Are you seeking the perfect acoustic office pod for your workplace? Technology Desking are collaborating with Koplus to provide a range of acoustic booths that will bring function and style to your office. Take a look at their products here.