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In the modern workplace, open-plan offices reign supreme. But this layout brings with it a host of acoustic challenges.
Today, soundproof booths offer an effective solution for balancing collaboration and concentration. Discover how these secluded spaces are transforming modern workplaces.
Noise in open-plan offices directly affects productivity and well-being. Phone conversations, impromptu chats, and general hubbub create constant noise pollution that damages concentration.
A typical open-plan office generates between 60 and 70 decibels, well above the 45–50 decibels recommended for concentration. This noise pollution significantly reduces productivity on complex tasks and creates measurable chronic stress.
Repeated sound interruptions block access to the deep concentration states needed for complex tasks. Over the long term, this continuous exposure to noise contributes to burnout and absenteeism.
Installing acoustic pods radically transforms the work experience. These dedicated spaces reduce interruptions and allow for optimal concentration. The acoustic privacy they provide becomes essential for professional calls and sensitive meetings.
Beyond productivity, these pods significantly improve well-being. Equipped businesses report a notable improvement in job satisfaction and fewer noise-related complaints. These "cognitive sanctuaries" also foster creativity and innovation by enabling the deep-focus moments essential to complex work.
For your calls and moments of concentration, in complete privacy.
Your own closed office to work in peace and quiet, seated and fully equipped.
The ideal space for your two-person meetings and video calls.
The compact meeting room for your small-group discussions.
Le marché propose aujourd'hui une grande diversité de solutions, du simple espace téléphonique à la véritable salle de réunion modulaire.
Individual pods, often called "phone booths," are the ideal solution for short calls and video conferences. Compact and effective, they take up less than 1.2 m² of floor space while still offering a comfortable interior.
These pods incorporate high-performance sound-insulation systems that significantly reduce sound transmission. Work With Island's Island Solo offers 30.2 dB of noise reduction (Class A under ISO 23351-1), allowing normal conversations without disturbing those nearby.
They're generally equipped with LED lighting with a presence sensor, effective ventilation, and essential connectivity (220V outlet, USB-A, USB-C). Some models offer options like a comfortable stool (+£190).
For group discussions, meeting acoustic pods accommodate 2 to 4 people depending on the model. These solutions create genuine meeting rooms without the constraints of permanent construction.
The Island Desk keeps compact outer dimensions while optimizing the interior layout with a comfortable seat and a premium work surface built in by default. Ideal for interviews, mentoring sessions, or extended work requiring concentration.
The Island Duo comfortably seats two people for confidential meetings or collaborative work, with 28.7 dB of acoustic performance and 800 m³/h of ventilation. A work surface is also built in by default.
The Island Quattro offers enough space for genuine 4-person team meetings, with a built-in work surface by default. It includes comfortable benches and full connectivity.
Connectivity is more extensive in these collaborative models:
The primary quality of an acoustic pod lies in its ability to block out noise. Understanding sound-insulation metrics will help you make an informed choice.
Acoustic insulation is measured using several technical indices. The Rw (Weighted Sound Reduction Index) expresses in decibels the ability to reduce sound transmission. The higher this value, the better the insulation.
The ISO 23351-1 standard specifically evaluates the acoustic performance of office pods according to these categories:
For standard phone calls, a 25 dB reduction is usually enough. For confidential discussions, aim for at least 30 dB. Remember that the decibel scale is logarithmic, so a 3 dB increase represents a doubling of sound intensity.
A pod's acoustic effectiveness relies on the intelligent combination of different materials:
Quality acoustic panels often combine natural fibers, mineral wool, polyester felt, or open-cell foam. These materials absorb sound waves across different frequency ranges.
Acoustic sealing is a crucial point that's often overlooked. Seal and closure systems need to eliminate any acoustic bridge. Quality manufacturers like Work With Island pay particular attention to doors, with progressive closing systems and compressible perimeter seals.
One of the main advantages of acoustic pods lies in how easy they are to install and how flexible they are — perfectly suited to evolving work environments.
Unlike fixed partitions, acoustic pods install quickly with no structural changes. Most models are delivered as a kit and assemble in a few hours. The Island Solo or Island Desk installs in around 30 minutes with two people, with no specialized tools.
The typical installation process has 4 simple steps:
This ease of installation comes with great flexibility. Pods can be relocated as needs evolve or during a move — a considerable economic advantage compared to fixed fit-outs.
The only technical requirement is a power supply (standard 220V outlet). No connection to the building's ventilation system is needed.
Visually integrating pods into the existing space is an important consideration. Manufacturers today offer a wide range of finishes and designs that blend with any type of professional environment.
Strategic placement significantly influences use and the impact on the space's dynamics. Ideally, pods should be easily accessible without being in the middle of high-traffic zones, offering a natural transition between collaborative space and concentration zones.
Éclairage LED avec détecteur de présence, prises 220V, ports USB-A et USB-C. Tout est pensé pour que vos collaborateurs s'installent et soient opérationnels immédiatement.
While sound insulation is the primary function of acoustic pods, overall user comfort depends on many other equally essential factors.
In an enclosed space, air renewal is a crucial issue. Quality acoustic pods include high-performance ventilation systems that provide a constant supply of fresh air without compromising sound insulation.
Work With Island models like the Island Solo or Island Desk have a ventilation system providing 400 m³/h of airflow, more than enough for individual use. The Island Duo and Island Quattro double that capacity (800 m³/h) to maintain optimal air quality even during extended meetings.
These systems run silently and activate automatically thanks to presence sensors, optimizing energy consumption.
Lighting plays a decisive role in user comfort. Poor lighting can cause eye strain, headaches, and reduced productivity, canceling out the benefits of sound insulation.
Modern pods include LED lighting systems optimized for work, offering sufficient brightness (300–500 lux), no direct glare, and evenly distributed light.
For workspaces, neutral white light (around 3500K) is generally recommended, offering a good balance between energy and visual comfort.
Given today's environmental challenges, sustainability is becoming an important selection criterion. Manufacturers are gradually building this dimension into their products.
The materials used are shifting toward more environmentally friendly solutions. Many manufacturers now favor recycled materials, natural fibers (cork, wool, bio-based textiles), and wood from sustainably managed forests.
Work With Island manufactures its pods in Europe using eco-responsible materials, reducing the carbon footprint linked to transport and ensuring compliance with strict European environmental standards.
The energy consumption of acoustic pods stays modest thanks to low-consumption LED systems and presence sensors that only activate equipment when the pod is occupied.
Presence sensors optimize this consumption by activating systems only when the pod is in use. With the ability to be relocated or reconfigured, these pods represent a genuinely sustainable investment.
Investing in acoustic pods is a significant financial decision that deserves a thorough analysis of expected costs and benefits.
Price varies considerably depending on the type, dimensions, and built-in equipment.
The ROI of acoustic pods is measured mainly through productivity gains and improved well-being. Pods recover a significant amount of productive work time by eliminating sound interruptions.
Beyond direct productivity gains, also consider:
From £93/month over 24 to 60 months, turn your investment into an operating expense. £1 purchase option at the end of the contract.
Given the range of offers available, choosing the right acoustic pod calls for a structured approach.
Start by carrying out an acoustic and functional audit of your space. Identify particularly noisy areas, activities that require concentration or privacy, and traffic flow within the space.
Watch for telling behaviors: employees isolating themselves to take calls, use of noise-canceling headphones, recurring complaints about noise.
To size your pod fleet, a ratio of one pod per 15–20 employees is a reasonable baseline. Adjust based on the nature of the activities: sales or customer support teams will need more pods than those working mainly on collaborative projects.
Prioritize these essential technical criteria:
For meeting pods, also consider audiovisual equipment for video conferencing, essential in a hybrid work context.
Among individual pods, the Island Solo stands out for its excellent value for money and Class A acoustic performance (30.2 dB). Its fast installation (~30 minutes) and low energy consumption make it a particularly efficient solution.
Work With Island offers a 100-day trial period to test the solution under real conditions, along with a 5-year warranty. Pods are manufactured in Europe using eco-responsible materials and delivered in under 8 weeks anywhere in Europe.
Acoustic pods today represent an essential solution for reconciling the benefits of open-plan offices with the need for concentration. Their simple installation, flexibility, and acoustic performance make them a compelling alternative to traditional construction.
The investment is fully justified by the productivity and well-being gains they generate, creating more effective and more pleasant work environments. With flexible purchase and leasing options, these solutions adapt to any budget and any company setup.
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A Class A pod like the Island Solo (30.2 dB) guarantees optimal privacy for professional calls and video conferences, while a Category C pod suits more informal conversations and focused work where privacy isn't a concern.
A recommended baseline is one pod per 15–20 employees. Adjust based on your specific needs: sales teams, customer support, or managers need more pods (a 1:10–12 ratio). For a 50-person open-plan office, plan for 3–4 individual pods and 1–2 meeting pods for optimal coverage.
No, that's precisely their big advantage. Work With Island pods install in around 30 minutes with no structural work. All you need is a standard 220V outlet. The pods are modular and can easily be relocated during a refit or a move, protecting your investment.
Consumption stays very modest. Low-consumption LED systems and presence sensors only activate lighting and ventilation when the pod is occupied, minimizing energy use.
Yes, customization options are available: adding an ergonomic stool (+£190), a built-in screen (pricing depends on the model). Some manufacturers also offer aesthetic customization (colors, finishes) to match the pods to your visual identity. Work With Island offers advisory support to help optimize the configuration for your needs.