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Phone booth: the solution for more productive offices
In today's open-plan offices, finding a quiet spot for a confidential call or focused work is a daily challenge. The phone booth is now a practical answer to these workplace acoustics issues. This guide covers everything you need to know about phone booths: types, technical specifications, benefits and selection criteria to transform your workspace. Drawing on our experience fitting out more than 4,000 European companies, we give you the keys to choosing the right solution for your needs.
The phone booth blocks noise both ways: you don't hear the open-plan office, and it doesn't hear you. Confidentiality guaranteed.
3 formats, 1 solution
Individual (1 m²), Duo (2 m²) or collaborative (2.5 m²+). 60% of requests are for individual pods, with the rest split between Duo and team-meeting models.
Plug and play
One 220V outlet, around 30 minutes to assemble, no construction work. The pod is ready to use the same day and can be moved as your needs change.
Automatic ventilation
400 to 800 m³/h with presence detection. Ventilation noise stays under 35 dB so it never disturbs the user.
Measurable productivity
+15% productivity with access to quiet spaces (Microsoft study, 2023). An average 18-month ROI, based on 4,000 installations.
What is a phone booth, and why install one?
A phone booth is a standalone soundproof space that offers two-way acoustic insulation with no construction work required. This plug-and-play solution instantly turns any noisy environment into a quiet, confidential workspace.
It works through multi-layer panels and laminated glass that create an effective sound barrier. A phone booth cuts ambient noise by 25 to 35 dB, turning a 65 dB open-plan office into a quiet 30-40 dB space. This performance meets the ISO 23351-1 Class A acoustic standard for office spaces.
The way workspaces have evolved explains the rise of these solutions. 78% of French companies have adopted open-plan offices, creating a growing need for on-demand private spaces. Hybrid remote work and new ways of collaborating are driving demand for flexible spaces for:
Professional phone calls
Video calls without interruptions
Intense focus sessions
Confidential conversations
Soundproof pods answer these varied needs while keeping the flexibility of open spaces. They make it possible to balance collaboration with the need for privacy in the same workspace.
The different types of phone booths
The market offers three main types of acoustic pods, each suited to specific uses depending on the number of users and the type of activity.
Individual pods (1 person)
Phone boxes are the most compact solution, with an average footprint of 1 m². Designed for phone calls and short video calls, they typically offer around -28 dB of noise reduction. These office phone booths fit easily into any space.
Work With Island's Island Solo is a perfect example of this category, with a footprint of around 1 m². It gives a standing user enough room, with a built-in tablet, 400 m³/h automatic ventilation and full connectivity. The Island Desk is the seated version of the individual pod, designed for longer work sessions. With its comfortable built-in bench seat, you can work seated for several hours without discomfort. Ideal for focused work, writing documents or online training, the Island Desk (€4,790 excl. VAT) offers the same level of sound insulation as the Solo (-28 dB), with comfort optimised for longer sessions.
Duo pods (2 people)
2-person pods take up around 2 m² and are built for HR interviews, confidential meetings and pair work. They come with comfortable seating and multiple connectivity points for small-group collaboration.
These spaces allow confidential conversations without disturbing the wider workspace. Reinforced ventilation (800 m³/h) keeps things comfortable even during longer use.
Collaborative pods (4 people)
Acoustic pods of 2.5 m² and up are built for team meetings, brainstorming sessions and training. They come with reinforced ventilation, suitable lighting and advanced technology to support collaborative use.
Across our 15,000 installations, 60% of requests are for individual pods, 25% for Duo pods and 15% for collaborative models.
Format
Individual
Duo
Collaborative
Footprint
1 m²
2 m²
2.5 m²+
Capacity
1 person
2 people
4 people
Main use
Calls, focus work
Interviews, meetings
Team meetings
Indicative price
€3,990 excl. VAT
€7,990 excl. VAT
€9,990 excl. VAT
Key technical specifications
Acoustic insulation performance
An acoustic pod's performance is measured in decibels (dB) of noise reduction. The materials used, multi-layer panels and laminated glass, determine this performance. The ISO 23351-1 standard for office pods sets the quality benchmarks.
A 28 dB reduction turns a 70 dB environment (a noisy open-plan office) into 42 dB (equivalent to a quiet library). This sound insulation allows for better focus and clearer conversations.
Soundproofing works both ways: it protects the user from outside noise while keeping conversations inside confidential.
Ventilation and comfort
Air renewal ranges from 400 to 800 m³/h depending on the pod's capacity. This automatic ventilation, with presence detection, keeps air quality at its best. Ventilation noise stays below 35 dB so it never disturbs the user.
Modern pods include automatic regulation systems that switch on when someone enters and off afterwards, optimising energy use.
Connectivity and equipment
Standard equipment includes 220V outlets and USB-A and USB-C ports. LED lighting with motion detection adjusts automatically to presence.
Advanced options include built-in screens and video-conferencing systems for intensive professional use.
The 5 priority technical criteria are:
Acoustic insulation performance (≥25 dB)
Ventilation quality (≥400 m³/h)
Full connectivity (power, USB)
Automatic lighting
Easy installation (≈30 min)
Try before you buy
Work With Island lets you check the quality of our pods for yourself in one of our showrooms across Europe (9 in France, 6 in Spain, 2 in the UK, 1 in Belgium and 1 in Luxembourg). And to make sure you're fully satisfied, we offer a 100-day trial with no commitment, so you can confirm the pod fits your real day-to-day needs.
Phone booths drastically cut interruptions and help employees focus. Confidentiality makes sensitive conversations easier, with no risk of being overheard.
A 2023 Microsoft study shows a 15% increase in productivity with access to quiet spaces. This translates into better-quality work and less noise-related stress in open-plan offices.
Employee wellbeing
Reducing noise-related stress significantly improves wellbeing at work. Pods offer a space to decompress between tasks. This flexibility meets each person's individual needs.
An INRS study on the impact of workplace noise confirms how important these spaces are for employees' mental health.
Installation and everyday use
Installation process
Assembling a phone booth takes only around 30 minutes, with no major construction work needed. All it requires is a connection to a standard power supply. This simple installation avoids disruption and refurbishment costs.
A pod weighs around 300 kg and is assembled in about 30 minutes thanks to an optimised assembly system. The space required matches its exact footprint, with no particular technical constraints.
Fitting it into the space
The best placement respects natural foot traffic and keeps access to natural light. Recommended distance from workstations avoids visual clutter while keeping the pod accessible.
The clean design of modern pods fits naturally into any office setting, from industrial to contemporary.
Maintenance and upkeep
Simple cleaning with standard products is enough to keep the pod hygienic. Durable materials mean it lasts for years.
Checklist for a smooth installation:
Check for 220V electrical access
Keep clearance for foot traffic (80 cm minimum)
Preserve access to natural light
Plan for packaging disposal
Schedule user training
Over the long term, pods are also a better investment: they can be taken apart and reassembled, so they move with you.
Phone booth costs range from €4,000 to €10,000 excl. VAT depending on the format. This budget covers standard equipment and the manufacturer's warranty. Custom options affect the final price based on specific needs.
Work With Island's pricing reflects this range: the 1-person Island Solo at €3,990 excl. VAT, and the 4-person Island Quattro at €9,990 excl. VAT. This investment is justified by measurable productivity gains.
Financing options
Buying outright allows accounting depreciation over 5 years. Leasing makes acquisition easier, with monthly payments that fit your budget. Long-term rental offers maximum flexibility for temporary needs.
Tax benefits include declining-balance depreciation and the innovation tax credit for eligible companies. Leasing from €171/month for a 4-person pod makes the investment accessible.
Interested in our leasing option?
Equipping your office has never been simpler.
Our pods are available on a leasing contract for a minimum of 24 months and up to 60 months.
The number of users determines the right format, as a rule of thumb: 1 individual pod per 15-20 people in an open-plan office. How often it will be used shapes the level of equipment needed. The type of activity points to the technology options required.
This upfront analysis avoids under-sizing, the main cause of dissatisfaction in our experience.
Key selection criteria
Acoustic performance is the fundamental criterion, with a minimum of 25 dB of noise reduction. Ventilation quality ensures comfort during extended use. Robust materials protect the durability of your investment.
The design should fit with the existing environment. Certifications to check include Origine France Garantie, ISO standards and environmental labels, all markers of a consistent CSR approach.
How to confirm your choice before buying
Before finalising your decision, take the time to check a few key points:
1. Check the certifications
Make sure the pod is certified under the ISO 23351-1 standard to guarantee the advertised acoustic performance. Favour manufacturers certified (Origine France Garantie, B Corp) as proof of a genuine, responsible quality commitment.
2. Test it in real conditions
Visit a showroom to try the pod for yourself. Make a phone call to check the real sound insulation. Spend a few minutes inside to check that ventilation and lighting are comfortable. Work With Island has showrooms across Europe where you can try our pods.
3. Take advantage of trial periods
Choose manufacturers that offer a trial period (100 days at Work With Island). This guarantee lets you confirm the pod fits your real day-to-day needs.
Ask for feedback from companies in your sector that have already installed pods. Genuine client testimonials are the best sign of satisfaction.
Responsiveness
Free quote within 24 hours. A team is available by phone to answer your questions and tailor the offer to your setup.
Simplicity
One 220V outlet, around 30 minutes to assemble, zero construction work. Your pod is ready to use the same day.
Quality
Made in France, PEFC-certified materials, Class A ISO 23351-1 insulation. 5-year warranty.
Effectiveness
Up to 31 dB of noise reduction. Your teams get their focus and privacy back straight away.
Work With Island supports your project
Work With Island offers a full range of acoustic pods made in France, from the 1-person Island Solo to the 4-person collaborative Island Quattro. Our pods offer noise reduction of 28 to 31 dB (Class A ISO 23351-1), with silent automatic ventilation and full connectivity.
Why choose us:
• Certified French manufacturing: Origine France Garantie and B Corp 2025 certification, eco-responsible production with PEFC wood
• Proven expertise: More than 15,000 installations since 2018 for 4,000 European companies, including Engie, Decathlon, LVMH and SNCF
• Full service: Installation in around 30 minutes, a 100-day trial, 5-year warranty, delivery in under 8 weeks
“The feedback from our teams was clear: noise is exhausting. They need moments to recharge, to slow down and step away. The pod lets them fully isolate themselves and enjoy a zero-distraction atmosphere.”
Jérôme Bourdon
Co-founder of WiiSmile
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FAQs about phone booths
How many people can a phone booth typically fit?
Acoustic pods come in several formats: 1 person (phone box), 2 people (Duo) and 4+ people (collaborative). The right choice depends on how it will be used: individual calls, confidential conversations or team meetings.
Are the pods fitted with a ventilation system?
Yes, all our professional pods include silent automatic ventilation. Air flow ranges from 400 m³/h for individual pods to 800 m³/h for collaborative models, with presence detection to optimise energy use.
How do I install an acoustic pod in an open-plan office?
Installation needs no construction work: assembly takes around 30 minutes, with a simple 220V electrical connection. Position the pod away from workstations to avoid visual clutter, while keeping foot traffic and natural light flowing.
How much does a phone booth cost?
Prices range from €3,990 excl. VAT (1-person pod) to €9,990 excl. VAT (4-person pod), options included. Leasing is available from €171/month. How long does delivery take? The standard lead time is under 8 weeks, installation included. Work With Island produces more than 500 pods a month in its French workshops, so stock stays available even during periods of high demand.
Can I try a pod before buying?
Yes, Work With Island offers a 100-day trial with no commitment, return costs included. Out of more than 15,000 pods installed, only 12 have been returned, a sign of exceptional client satisfaction.
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