Open offices are noisy. See how office pods create quiet, private workspaces that increase focus and productivity.
Open offices were once hailed as the future of workplace design. By tearing down walls, companies hoped to create a culture of transparency, collaboration, and community. But over the past decade, studies and employee feedback have revealed a hidden cost: productivity plummets in open-plan offices.
The solution? Office pods. These modular, soundproof enclosures provide employees with a much-needed escape from distractions, offering privacy and focus without requiring expensive renovations.
In this guide, we’ll explore exactly how office pods improve productivity in open offices, backed by research, case studies, and real-world use cases.
Explore our full Office Pods Collection to see how different sizes fit into your office layout.
1. The Open Office Productivity Problem
While open offices foster collaboration, they also create constant interruptions:
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Noise pollution: Conversations, phone calls, and background noise.
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Visual distractions: Movement from coworkers breaks concentration.
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Lack of privacy: Sensitive calls or focused work become stressful.
According to research by the University of Sydney, nearly 50% of employees in open offices report being dissatisfied with noise levels. And a study by the Journal of Environmental Psychology found that workers lose up to 86 minutes of productivity per day due to distractions.
Simply put: open offices create more interruptions than efficiencies.
2. What Are Office Pods?
Office pods are modular, enclosed units designed to provide quiet, private spaces inside busy offices. Unlike traditional construction, pods are movable, scalable, and flexible.
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Acoustic design keeps noise out (and in).
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Ventilation systems ensure fresh air circulation.
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Power outlets & USB ports support laptops, monitors, and devices.
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Available in sizes ranging from 1-person phone booths to 6-person meeting pods.
Example: The Small Office Pod is ideal for quick calls, while Large Meeting Pods create private conference rooms without building walls.
3. How Office Pods Boost Productivity
🔹 Noise Reduction = More Focus
Noise is the #1 complaint in open offices. Pods solve this by using acoustic insulation, soundproof seals, and dampened airflow systems. Employees can take calls or focus on deep work without being disturbed.
Result: Longer periods of flow state → higher output.
🔹 Dedicated Focus Spaces
When employees step into a pod, there’s an unspoken signal: “Do not disturb.” This creates a culture where pods become focus zones, reducing casual interruptions.
Result: Workers report fewer distractions and higher satisfaction.
🔹 Flexible Collaboration
Office pods aren’t just for solo work. Medium and large pods allow 2–6 people to collaborate privately, away from the chaos of the main office.
Result: Teams brainstorm and problem-solve faster, without booking conference rooms.
🔹 Better Meetings
In open offices, impromptu meetings often disrupt everyone else. With pods, meetings move inside soundproof enclosures, keeping the main floor quiet.
Result: Better communication inside the pod, and uninterrupted work outside it.
🔹 Reduced Stress & Burnout
Constant noise and interruptions increase cortisol (the stress hormone). Pods give employees control over their environment, reducing stress and improving well-being.
Result: Less turnover and absenteeism → long-term productivity gains.
4. Case Studies
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Tech Startup in San Francisco
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Added 4 pods to an open loft office.
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Employees reported a 32% increase in focus time.
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Noise complaints dropped by half.
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Coworking Space in New York
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Installed phone booths and meeting pods.
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Pod usage averaged 5.3 hours per day per unit.
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Members cited pods as the #1 reason they renewed membership.
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Corporate HQ in London
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Integrated 12 pods across multiple departments.
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Teams scheduled fewer large conference rooms because pods absorbed small meetings.
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ROI achieved within 9 months due to higher productivity and reduced real estate strain.
5. Pod Options for Productivity
Not all pods are the same. Different sizes support different productivity needs:
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Small Pods (1 person): Phone calls, Zoom meetings, focused work.
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Working Pods (1–2 people): Paired collaboration, interviews, private discussions.
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Medium Pods (2–4 people): Team brainstorming, project work.
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Large Pods (4–6 people): Alternative to conference rooms, presentations.
👉 Browse Office Pod Sizes to match pods to your office needs.
6. Implementation Tips
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Distribute pods strategically: Place near noisy zones (sales, customer support).
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Mix pod sizes: Solo booths + team pods create balance.
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Promote usage: Encourage employees to use pods for focus or private conversations.
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Track utilization: Many companies find pods are occupied 50–70% of the day once employees discover them.
7. Cost vs. Productivity ROI
While pods are an investment, the ROI is clear:
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Less wasted time: Recover 1+ hour of lost focus per employee daily.
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Reduced attrition: Happier employees stay longer.
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Cheaper than renovations: Pods cost less than building walls or private offices.
Scalable: Add more pods as the company grows.
Conclusion
Open offices aren’t going away—but the productivity problems they create can’t be ignored. Office pods offer a scalable, flexible, and proven solution. By reducing noise, improving focus, and creating private spaces, pods transform open offices from chaotic to productive.
👉 See how Office Pods by Uncaged Ergonomics can help your team focus, collaborate, and thrive.