Personio, Europe’s most successful HR technology company, has transformed the operations of over 10,000 teams across the continent. By automating recruiting, payroll, people management, and other administrative HR tasks, Personio enables businesses to focus on their strategic goals.
Headquartered in Munich, Germany, Personio champions a transparent, open-space office culture. While employees appreciate the airy, modern atmosphere, the constant need for privacy and frequent interruptions have posed significant productivity challenges. To tackle these issues, Personio has teamed up with Persy Booths to reimagine its dynamic open-floor office into a more functional and efficient workspace.
1:6 - the ideal desk-to-booth ratio
Personio is a young, dynamic company. The bustling office is filled with energy—people on the move, dogs trotting around, and a constant hum of activity. In such a lively environment, soundproof booths are essential, offering much-needed quiet spaces where employees can focus and find a moment of calm amidst the buzz.
"We have hundreds of thousands of calls per year. The numbers are crazy. Booths are super important to our offices – and we have them in all sizes," says Cornelius Fahl, Workplace Services Manager at Personio.
Finding the right balance between private and open spaces in the office isn’t easy. However, Personio’s meticulous analysis led them to a 1:6 desk-to-booth ratio, ensuring that employees have adequate access to private spaces, enhancing overall productivity and workplace satisfaction
"Our mission is to purchase products that allow employees to focus and do their best work," explains Fahl, who also describes the company’s well-established call and meeting etiquette: “The rules are simple: if you have a meeting or need to talk a lot, you should use a booth to avoid disturbing your desk neighbours. Exceptions are made for sales areas, of course, where making calls at desks is a common practice.”
To say that Personio cares about choosing the best booths for the office would be an understatement. So, what brought them to Persy Booths?
Soud Isolation and Ventilation: Core Requirements
Personio’s encounter with Persy Booths was serendipitous. A few years ago, the company inherited a couple of Persy Booths after acquiring a small Berlin-based startup.
“It was a super tiny office with three booths, and we have never had any complaints about the product,” remembers Cornelius. “In workplace management, no feedback is always good feedback.”
When Personio decided to order more booths for their Munich office, they used one large room as a ‘showroom’ to test the three booth brands they had shortlisted. Leaving nothing to subjectivity, the workplace team surveyed all employees, requesting feedback on two core criteria: sound isolation and ventilation. In the survey, Persy Booths scored top marks.
"In its price range, Persy Booths delivered the best sound isolation of the three booths evaluated, which is very important to us," said Cornelius. "Most booths offer good ergonomics these days, so it wasn’t our top criterion. But we needed the booths to perform in terms of ventilation and soundproofing."
Today, Personio boasts 19 Persy Booths in its offices. Cornelius explains that employees use these quiet sanctuaries for daily activities, from phone calls to Zoom meetings to catch-ups with managers or peers.
"One of the core requirements for office pods is to help protect privacy – be it conversations with customers or leaders talking to team members, it’s crucial those conversations remain confidential," adds Fahl.
Treating Office Booths as a Business Investment
Soundproof booths have become a modern workplace essential, right there beside a good coffee machine and a drinks fridge. Although considered an investment, they are still significantly cheaper than office remodelling or, let alone, lost employee productivity.
But there are dozens, if not hundreds, of booth suppliers in Europe – so why Persy Booths?
Personio’s Workplace Services Manager, Cornelius, explains: "There are a bunch of booths on the market selling at a similar price point as Persy Booths but with way lower-quality soundproofing and overall ergonomics. Persy offers great quality at affordable prices, and that’s what our workplace needs.”
While every business looks for best-in-class products, Cornelius highlights a common mistake first-time buyers make – not considering diminishing returns.
"When a booth meets the main user requirements – it’s soundproof, provides great light and ventilation – employees can’t tell the difference," shares Cornelius. “There are some super-premium, high-end products out there, but it doesn’t make much economic sense. Will our salespeople triple their sales if they work from a booth that costs three times as much? Definitely not. However, if you have poor-quality booths, it will really disrupt your business."
Personio’s experience with Persy Booths is a testament to the power of smart office design. By choosing booths that balance quality, functionality, and affordability, they’ve created a workspace that fosters privacy and productivity while keeping their CFO happy!
