Picture this: your office is bursting with activity, and someone’s pacing while on a sales call, their voice carrying across the entire floor. Meanwhile, a team huddles around a laptop trying to brainstorm – but someone walking by interrupts their "meeting" every five minutes. Sound familiar? That’s the reality of most open-space offices.
But there’s a solution: cue telephone boxes and meeting pods. What used to be fancy office add-ons are now essential tools for modern workplaces. And since they come in different shapes and sizes, choosing the right product for your office might seem complicated. But it really isn’t!
Let’s break down the options to find the right fit for your space, budget, and team!
Telephone box vs Meeting pod: What’s the difference?
💡 Pro tip:
When choosing between the two, think of your office as a living system. Telephone boxes are like earbuds – perfect for personal use. Meeting pods are your office’s Bluetooth speakers – designed to bring people together. And sometimes, you need both.
When to choose a telephone box
Phone booths are the Swiss Army knife of modern offices. Compact, private, and easy to install, they’re perfect for spaces where every square meter counts. But how do you know if they’re the right move for your office?
Here’s when a telephone box might be your best purchase this year:
What they’re best for
Phone boxes shine in high-traffic areas. Place one near your sales team, or IT help desk to give these teams a refuge for quick calls. They’re also ideal for open-plan offices where employees constantly jostle for quiet.
Consider this
While they’re great for solo tasks, don’t expect miracles in accommodating two people comfortably or hosting a team brainstorming session. Telephone boxes are built for one-on-one time: just you and your phone, screen, or thoughts.
When to choose a meeting pod
Meeting pods are the all-rounders of modern office design. They’re larger, more versatile, and built to handle everything from quick huddles to creative brainstorming sessions. But are they the right fit for your space?
Here’s when meeting pods should top your wishlist:
What they’re best for
Meeting pods are built for collaboration. Think of them as mini meeting rooms – minus the cost and construction hassle. They’re great for spontaneous discussions, quiet coworking sessions, or even presentations in a pinch.
Consider This
Meeting pods are larger, so you’ll need more space to accommodate them. They’re also pricier than telephone boxes, but the payoff is their versatility. If you’ve got room and budget, they’re worth every penny.
How to decide: meeting pods vs. telephone boxes
Choosing between a meeting pod and a telephone box doesn’t have to feel like picking between your favourite snacks – they both serve unique purposes and can coexist in the same office.
Here’s how to make the right call:
Tips for the perfect office mix
- Assess your team’s needs
Take a hard look at your office’s pain points. If your team complains about noisy sales calls, telephone boxes can be lifesavers. If meeting rooms are overbooked, pods can fill the void.
- Think long-term
Offices evolve, so consider scalability. Meeting pods offer adaptability for future needs, while telephone boxes solve today’s privacy challenges with immediate impact.
- Balance is key
The best offices have a mix of spaces to cater to different work styles. Start small with a couple of booths and one pod, then expand as your needs grow.
💡 Pro tip
Don't wait for complaints to pile up – send out a survey to your team and gather feedback on what they need most. Data-driven decisions make for happier employees.
