With the number of benefits that office pods can present to a workspace, it’s probably of
little surprise to hear that we’re regularly asked for a quote. Many of these enquiries are from
clients that are restructuring their office space, changing location, seeking more flexible ways of working or enticing their workforce back to the office after working remotely for a lengthy period.
While it might seem incredibly efficient to have a generic price range, it isn’t quite that
straightforward, unfortunately. One thing we can tell you, however, is that buying an office
pod is a great investment in the long term.
Most office pod designs carry universal similarities in terms of their office-within-an-office
structure and flexibility, but there are numerous additions that can impact on an overall cost.
These can include acoustics, furniture, compliance, and a whole host of add-ons.
Investing in an office pod is a positive move for both employees and businesses with
benefits including noise reduction, confidentiality, and privacy. You can choose your own
configuration to suit your working space and they can easily relocate with you if you decide
to upgrade to a new office space.
Let’s look at what some of these considerations might be:
Size
The size of your chosen office pod will be determined by your available space and will
impact total cost.
If you have a large busy commercial space, you might want to optimise the space with a
larger pod that can be used for several focussed, or collaborative needs. Large seated
pods that can accommodate 2-4 people for informal meetings or private conversations, with
desk and seating for efficient tasking are becoming ever-more popular additions to larger
plan spaces.
Looking for a bigger option? Flexible meeting rooms can feature up to six people and can
be adapted to suit your personal working needs.
Equally, if your core business involves remote video or conference calling, you may opt
for a solo pod that offers a more compact fit and keeps the cost down.
Solo booths are extremely popular in the current climate, particularly as employees seek a
bit of solitude away from noise disruptions. Standing room phone booths are also gaining
traction as a welcome reprieve from sitting at a desk for seven hours (though there are
seated options for slightly longer working periods).
Acoustics
Acoustic pods are one of the most requested choices from many of our clients. Open plan
offices have made an almighty comeback over the last few years, but so has the noise
pollution that they were renowned for. Office pods and booths have proven to be a saving
grace for employees worldwide looking to escape into a serene space to concentrate or
communicate more effectively. Though enclosed pods tend to be more popular, the use of
soft upholstery and carefully selected fabrics allow even open configurations to absorb
sound efficiently and create mini-escape havens in an otherwise busy office.
Top Tip- Most pods range from 20db to 45dB. A more optimal point lies around the 35dB
mark. This is due to improved concentration levels when an element of background noise is
present- silence tends to make staff feel uncomfortable!
Style
Choosing the style of your next office pod can be the most exciting aspect of the selection
process. An enclosed option tends to be the most expensive due to their superior acoustic
performance and increased quantity of materials. If you’re keen to provide a private space
that is completely free of distractions, this is the best option.
Alternatively, you can choose campers and dens for an in-built environment, open fronted,
or open topped for an all-inclusive mobile workspace, and to add a bit of variety. They’re all
great choices for productive collaboration and employee interaction without impacting on the remaining office.
Furniture
Furniture options will vary for each pod or booth. Certain pods will come with integrated
furniture and can only be customised with finishes. Some have a small table, others have
height-adjustable tables with integrated technology for flexible working. There’s even the
option to buy them empty and choose your own furniture configurations.
There’s really no fixed rule that determines what works best, the key is to ensure that you
pod contains the appropriate furniture and technology to best suit your workplace
requirements.
For a creative agency where collaboration is key, for example, that could mean a
comfortable, open sided booth with effective acoustic properties. For a recruitment firm that
frequently conducts sensitive candidate interviews, an enclosed 4-person pod with
benching and soundproofing may be more suitable.
Optional add-ons
Just as when buying a new car, it’s often the add-ons that provide the boost to the original
price tag! Optional add-ons provide office pods with integrated lighting, temperature
control, power and data points to help facilitate varying working requirements. While these
can prove to be costly, they’re often necessary to accommodate the modern employee with
flexible work patterns.
In summary
Office pods are fast becoming an essential element of the flexible workspace, with options to suit every budget. With a level of customisable options, size and layout possibilities, plus a plethora of additional add-ons, finding the right pod for your space is often as individual as your business.
The most important thing is that your office pods meet the needs of your organisation and
people, making them as productive as possible. With a range of short and long-term
benefits, they’re a great investment for any thriving business.
Office pods from Fluid
Our wide range of office pods are perfect for focus spaces or meeting rooms where
flexibility and privacy are key. Pods and meeting booths are a fantastic way to create spaces where building office partitions would be challenging. From office phone booths for quick calls to acoustic meeting pods with fully integrated technology, we can assist you in
creating an exceptional workspace.
If you’re ready to take the plunge, make sure you speak to the experts first. That way you
can ensure you’re getting the most out of your investment!
And if you’re not ready to invest, why not try out our flexible rental scheme?
As a subscription-based furniture rental scheme, we offer organisations the flexibility to
increase or decrease furniture according to their ever-changing workspace. The added
environmental benefits also give you peace of mind.
Our rental model positively impacts you in a whole host of ways including improved flexibility, short term options, capital release and tax benefits. With minimum rental terms starting from just six months, you can easily afford yourself the gifts of sustainability and flexibility.
Are you keen to find out more about soundproofed office furniture investments and rental?
Get in touch with us today.