Are acoustic booths a good solution for smaller offices?

Acoustic booths for smaller offices – tl:dr

• Acoustic office booths are an excellent solution for smaller workspaces. They are self-contained, user-friendly, mobile, multifunctional, and customisable. What’s more, they are perfect for tight, activity-based zones, because each pod can be used for specific tasks, simultaneously enhancing the office’s soundscape by blocking out noise.

• How to solve the noise problem in a small office? Plan the layout to include quiet areas. Minimise noise transfer between areas by introducing work and meeting pods in the workspace. Block sound at the source, using noise-cancelling acoustic treatments, such as ceiling baffles, rugs, or soundproof partitions. Finally, try to reduce noise by providing workers with headphones and introducing sound-masking systems.

• The popularity of pods and booths is on the increase in many industries. In the financial and banking sectors, teams use booths for guaranteed privacy. The legal sector appreciates the discretion of private work booths. For HR workers the quiet, private environment of a booth makes a perfect setting for sensitive discussions with employees. And creative teams appreciate booths, because they offer workers the space for sharing their ideas openly.

Small office, big noise – the difficulties inherent in small workspaces

There are a number of noise-related challenges typical of small offices, for example, sensory overload, clashing sounds, speech intelligibility, or limited speech privacy. In general, sound is a sensitive matter: both too much and too little of it is detrimental to employee well-being. The optimal level is approximately 50 dB: rain or birdsong.

Limited space forces the close proximity of different office areas.

As a result, conversations and various activities may form a cacophony of noises. Where every inch matters, it is a real challenge to balance the need for collaborative zones on one hand and focus zones on the other. Using partitions or providing “spaces within a space” can be a spot-on solution. Check Hushoffice pods to learn more.

How to address noise issues in compact workspaces?

You can adopt a couple of simple solutions to enhance the soundscape in your small office. And these simple adjustments may significantly improve the concentration and wellness of your employees.

• Clever layout design. Arrange collaborative areas and workstations to create barriers between dynamic and quiet working zones, minimising sound transmission. Provide private areas for focused work and concentrative tasks that are free from office noise. Invest in acoustic booths or pods for private conversations, phone calls, or focused work. Encourage your employees to hold meetings in booths in order to prevent noise from spreading throughout the workspace.

• Absorbing sound at the source. Invest in sound-absorbing panels on walls, and ceiling partitions to block out noise and minimise echoes. Install desk dividers or privacy partitions made of noise-reducing materials to create quiet, personal workstations for your employees. Use rugs or carpets to dampen the reverb of footsteps and similar office-related sounds.

• Muffle noise. Distribute noise-reducing headphones among your employees to help them concentrate on their activities without being distracted by the background office noise. Additionally, you can encourage the use of a do-not-disturb signal. Allow your workers to listen to music or use white noise applications to sound mask background hubbub. Consider using white noise generators or systems for constant background noise that mask sudden increases in noise levels in the office.

When it comes to tight spaces, storage matters.

In tight workspaces, storage can be a constant struggle. Ensuring a sufficient number of cabinets and shelving items is indeed quite challenging. To create an optimal workspace for employee productivity and well-being, functionality and aesthetics must be balanced. The main objective is to provide easy access without impeding movement within the workspace. What’s more, in today’s working world, the majority of employees prefer flexible and multifunctional solutions that they can adjust to their diverse needs. At this point, we are pleased to present our hushLock customisable, modular storage cabinet – the solution meeting all the above-mentioned expectations, substantially contributing to the functionality, aesthetics, and workflow of tight workspaces

– says Eliza Donek, Product Manager, Hushoffice.

Effective storage systems may help solve the noise issue in tight workspaces.

In disorganised workspaces workers often frantically look for items unable to find them. In well-optimised workplaces, employees can navigate gracefully through the office space, effortlessly retrieving the items they need.

Rummaging can be a really loud activity! Effective storage introduces order, and order fosters better workflow.

Employees shuffling items in search of what they need create a lot of rustling. Multifunctional storage systems, such as hushLock reduce such annoying sounds by providing enough space for all things. Additionally, tall storage units function as sound-blocking dividers, ensuring both visual and auditory separation where necessary.

Benefits of using acoustic booths in tight workspaces

There are a number of benefits that Hushoffice pods bring, which makes them particularly effective in tight workspaces. They help make efficient use of every square foot of available space, functioning as a private, self-contained area for focused work or confidential discussions. Finished with noise-reducing carpeting and upholstery, they provide acoustic isolations. They function as a shield, protecting from the lively hubbub in the workspace. With their flexibility, mobile pods can easily adapt to fast-changing working patterns and a variety of tasks. In practice, it means that the layout can be easily adjusted to accommodate new needs, and remains fully functional and up-to-date

– adds Eliza Donek, Product Manager, Hushoffice.

1.    Easy to install

Pods are a ready-made solution. Their installation takes just a couple of hours, and, unlike construction, does not generate any mess, so it does not impede the workflow in the office. It’s a considerable advantage for smaller businesses that can’t afford to waste a day’s work.

2.    Easily mobile

With smooth-rolling, lockable castors and robust levelling feet, pods improve the flexibility of tight workspaces. Unlike built infrastructure that requires a more fixed layout, pods unlock the potential of the floor, turning the office into an adaptable workspace responsive to workers’ needs.

3.    Multifunctional

Pods address employee needs for privacy, peace and quiet, flexibility, and collaborative workflow within tight office spaces. To cover a variety of needs, they are available in different sizes, from a 1-person work pod, such as hushHybrid, to a 4-8 person meeting booth, such as hushMeet.L.

4.    Customisable to adapt to current trends

In our complex world, warm, minimalistic designs are universally appealing. Clean lines, quality colours, and overall simplicity contribute to calmness and focus, and work best. That’s why our pods are designed with simplicity in mind.

Are you familiar with the concept of kawaii – the cult of cuteness? Learn more about it and make your office cosier: 3 pointers: tastefully bringing kawaii style to open-plan offices.

Activity-based design using pods is a great solution for tight workspaces as it concentrates on efficiency.

If your workspace is really limited, try following an ABW design approach. With each zone dedicated to a specific set of tasks, you optimise the use of the office floor, ensuring that no space is wasted, and every inch serves a purpose.

Theoretically, a chaotic office setup may be converted into a coherent activity-based layout by dedicating a number of pods to meet the team’s specific working needs. The best solution for meetings is hushMeet, for phone calls or standing work arrangement – hushPhone, for having a short break – hushMeet.L. All the pods are compact, multifunctional, self-contained, made-to-order structures, designed and adjustable to serve specific purposes. Together, a carefully-selected set of pods can accommodate the exact tasks your team completes every day. Simultaneously, they help divide the office floor in a way that makes moving around the office much more intuitive. ABW design emphasises a strong link between functionality and physical layout. Pods, like the ones in our Hushoffice collection, are designed with functionality and efficiency in mind, making them an ideal solution

– says Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

Acoustic office booths join privacy and professionalism.

Premium pods look professional, which makes a positive impression on visitors.

An office offering such self-contained sanctuaries fosters productive, meaningful interactions, and supports privacy and discretion.

Employees from the financial and banking sectors need the privacy that booths offer.

Making private calls and educating clients should happen in contained spaces, such as booths. Only then can confidential or sensitive issues be well-protected during key conversations. Booths create a professional environment where confidentiality is maintained.

Pods and booths are an ideal solution for the legal industry as they offer discretion.

Whether doing legal research, reviewing documentation, holding online hearings, or consulting clients, phone booths, such as hushPhone, make a great solution in any law firm. Additionally, office pods may be used for conducting depositions, interviewing witnesses, or making pre-trial preparations.

HR staff appreciates the comfort and functionality of small office pods.

A 2-person pod, such as hushMeet.S is a quiet space ideal for employee evaluation, conflict resolution, or discussing personal issues. It enables HR managers to talk about different matters openly, earning trust. Additionally, the pod insulates speech, fostering openness and honesty among teammates. 

Creativity without noisy chaos? Marketing and advertising businesses benefit from booths, too.

Stillness is needed to think out of the box. A quiet workspace fosters introspection, enabling workers to explore new ideas, connect various concepts, and come up with novel solutions. HushMeet.L is a large acoustic booth where a small team can collaborate and express their ideas freely.

For start-ups, booths offer space for serious brainstorming.

Intellectual workers need some moments of focused effort for drafting proposals, checking financial reports, or coding complex software. Work booths, such as hushWork, offer a refuge from distracting open-space noise, allowing you to fully concentrate on your task.

How can acoustic booths adjust to future requirements?

You can relocate them if new working patterns evolve. While offices undergo a variety of dynamic changes, booths stand firm, undisturbed by surrounding noise.  What’s more, they can adapt to new needs without impeding productivity in the office.

So, are acoustic office pods suitable for tight workspace?

Of course! With their compact design, Hushoffice pods work especially well for tight office layouts, providing all the amenities necessary for productive work and meetings. Mobile, easy to install, and adjustable to modern trends, pods contribute to increased productivity and efficiency in the office.

Acoustic booths for smaller offices – summary

• Acoustic office booths are an excellent solution for smaller workspaces. They are self-contained, user-friendly, mobile, multifunctional, and customisable. What’s more, they are perfect for tight, activity-based zones, because each pod can be used for specific tasks, simultaneously enhancing the office’s soundscape by blocking out noise.

• How to solve the noise problem in a small office? Plan the layout to include quiet areas. Minimise noise transfer between areas by introducing work and meeting pods in the workspace. Block sound at the source, using noise-cancelling acoustic treatments, such as ceiling baffles, rugs, or soundproof partitions. Finally, try to reduce noise by providing workers with headphones and introducing sound-masking systems.

• The popularity of pods and booths is on the increase in many industries. In the financial and banking sectors, teams use booths for guaranteed privacy. The legal sector appreciates the discretion of private work booths. For HR workers the quiet, private environment of a booth makes a perfect setting for sensitive discussions with employees. And creative teams appreciate booths, because they offer workers the space for sharing their ideas openly.

Acoustic booths for smaller offices – frequently asked questions

How much space do I need for an office pod?

Office booths are available in different sizes, from 1-person phone pods, such as hushPhone, which is 1000mm (41.3in) wide by 900mm (35,4in) deep to 4-person meeting booths, such as hushMeet which is 2150mm (84,6in) wide and 1390mm (54.7in) deep.

Are work and meeting booths a good solution for small workspaces?

Of course! Their installation is quick (takes just a couple of hours), and creates no mess. It’s a considerable advantage for smaller teams that can’t afford to waste a day’s work. Additionally, they are compact and mobile, taking up minimal working space, while allowing teams to adjust the layout efficiently and functionally.

How are phone booths, work booths, and meeting booths different?

They differ in size and features. While phone booths and work booths are mostly designed for one person, meeting booths can accommodate 2-8 people. For more information, check our Hushoffice collection.