Dr. Gleb Tsipursky – The Office Whisperer
Nirit Cohen – WorkFutures
Angela Howard – Culture Expert
Drew Jones – Design & Innovation
Jonathan Price – CRE & Flex Expert
This article was written by Michelle Weiss for Work Design Magazine.
The world of workplace pods is vast — from ultra-acoustic focus booths to agile phone units that move as fast as teams do. Before jumping into specs or purchases, it’s crucial to understand what your client or your coworking space really needs from these flexible, enclosed spaces.
Below are five expert-level considerations that ensure you’re recommending the right pod — one that aligns with the project’s goals, budget, and brand story.
Plus we share some of our favorite pods on the market from: 
1. Mind the Airflow
Pods can feel stuffy fast. Confirm whether ventilation is active (fans) or passive (vents), and align with HVAC teams to maintain comfort standards.
2. Check the Decibel Data
Go beyond “soundproof” labels. On certified acoustic reports, look for dB(A) reduction ratings.
3. Don’t Forget ADA & Clearance Requirements
Ensure door widths, turning radii, and threshold heights meet code before finalizing layouts and purchases.
4. Finish Coordination Matters
Select finishes that complement your palette; pods should integrate seamlessly, not stand apart.
5. Think Beyond Installation Day
Clarify maintenance, warranty, and tech servicing responsibilities and resources upfront – especially for pods with lighting or ventilation systems.
Leading Pods in the Market
ROOM Phone Booth by ROOM
The ROOM Phone Booth, along with the full suite of ROOM’s modular office products, has received a certified autism resource badge from the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES) supporting neurodiversity in the workspace.
The Phone Booth is designed to reduce sensory overload, providing a calm, controlled environment perfect for neurodiverse individuals, facilitating concentration and reducing stress in dynamic workplace settings.
Sustainability Highlights
All ROOM products are built out of recycled materials and replace multiple cycles of construction. We’ve saved tens of millions of plastic bottles from reaching a landfill. By thinking cyclically, we’re helping to reduce the near 600 million tons of construction and demolition waste created each year. Plus, our products have been tested for over 10k chemicals, and have met rigorous low-emissions standards supporting healthy office environments.
Key Features
- Exterior Dimensions: W 41.5” x D 43.8” x H 88.8”
- Installation time: 60 minutes or less. One tool. Two team members.
- Acoustic rating in dB: Three layers of sound insulation made from recycled materials, including 100% natural breathable wool and no-dye-added acoustic felt, reduce noise by 30 decibels.
- Lighting details: An overhead LED light strip powered by a motion-activated smart sensor ensures bright ideas don’t stay in the dark.
- Air ventilation details: Each booth comes equipped with two ultra-quiet fans that wholly replenish air every 60 seconds. Discreet airflow inlet constantly pulls in fresh air while two ceiling fans push warm air out, keeping the air inside fresh at all times.
Top 3 Customizable Options
- Choice of a crisp White Phone Booth exterior with an off-white powder coated metal or sleek Black Grey powder coated metal exterior. Both “Light” and “Dark” Phone Booths come with oak accents.
- Each Phone Booth is flat-packed for seamless delivery and assembly. Your choice of DIY or professional assembly available. No hardwiring required. All it takes is one tool, one hour, and two team members.
- Available with Expedited Delivery options for quick shipping.
*Pricing depends on location. Contact ROOM for pricing.
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hushFree.S.Hybrid Pod by Hushoffice
The hushFree.S.Hybrid acoustic pod is designed for longer video conferences, meetings and online presentations. The booth comes standard with a comfortable free-standing sofa and ergonomic desk. It allows for longer individual work or video meetings. The aesthetically designed LED side lighting of the user’s face ensures that he or she is even more visible during video meetings. HushAssistant – a touchscreen module for changing the color and intensity of the light (2200-6500 K), the speed of the fans, and gives the possibility to manage the reservations.
Sustainability Highlights
Lightweight cardboard boxes that can be easily recycled; environmentally conscious component suppliers; wood-based components with an Environmental Product Declaration (ISO 14025), PEFC Certified (PEFC/04-31-2920).
Key Features
- Exterior Dimensions (W x D x H): 48.97 x 35.43 x 90.53 in
- Installation time: about 2 hours by two persons
- Acoustic rating in dB: 30,2 dB according to ISO 23351-1:2020
- Lighting details: LED ceiling light 20W / 4000 K, lm – 2300; lux – min. 300 / medium 500 / max. 700. Adjusted in the range of 2200 – 6500K. Integrated 3.5W LED strips x2 (adjustable, 4000k).
- Air ventilation details: 2 fans x 80 m3/h with a maximum airflow 94 CFM. Total air exchange 39 seconds, 92 l/s.
Top 3 Customizable Options
- Inside panels available in 8 timeless colors, and body color available in two options
- Screen brackets
- Occupancy sign
*Pricing is individualized and depends on region and product configuration.
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CALL-1 by JUUNOO
Whether you need privacy for a call, a quick recharge, the Call 1 booth offers a secure space for crystal-clear calls or video conferences without interruptions. JUUNOO Pods feature a streamlined design and minimal silhouette to blend in seamlessly with any decor. Custom finishes are available by request.
Our phonebooth feels like a natural part of the interior, blending seamlessly into the workspace instead of standing out as an add-on. Beautiful, quiet, and thoughtfully integrated.
Sustainability Highlights
Sustainability by design: every booth is built to be reused or reconfigured. Closing the loop for a truly circular workspace solution.
Key Features
- Exterior Dimensions (W x D x H): 44” x 43 3/4” x 89 3/8″
- Installation time: 45 min
- Acoustic rating: 30db
- Lighting details: Adjustable light dimmer up to 700 lm
- Air ventilation details: Multiple fans refresh air every 60 seconds
Top Customizable Options
Together with each client, we can customize every detail: from color and size to finish and functionality to perfectly match their space and brand identity.
*Starting Price: $5,495 USD
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Om Pod by National
Open office environments can increase team productivity and collaboration, but only if the layout includes a designated space for privacy. The Om Pod is designed to maximize your open office, providing a quiet haven for privacy. Om Sit easily accommodates extended private work, while Om Stand is ideal for a quick phone call or video chat. Every Om Pod is equipped with easy-to-use rollers, so you can move them anywhere in your office, even after installation.
Sustainability Highlights
SCS Indoor Advantage Gold Certified
Key Features
- Exterior Dimensions: Om Sit – 47.25″W x 32.5″D x 78″H | Om Stand – 39 .5″W x 35″D x 83.5″H
- Installation time: 2 people recommended, 1 hour to assemble
- Acoustic rating: ISO 23351-1 Class A Certified 32dB
- Lighting details: Dimmable, motion-activated LED light
- Air ventilation details: Motion-activated fans refresh air in less than 2 minutes
Top 3 Customizable Options
- Occupancy light
- Locking door handle
- Standard decal for visual privacy or custom decals to showcase brand identity
*Starting Price: $19,052
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Kolo 1 Pod by National
Designed to offer a choice for privacy in open settings, Kolo Pods are an ideal solution for working, learning, and healing spaces. Employees and guests appreciate spaces that can flex to support focus as well as collaboration. Kolo Pods give your team control over their environment, with no contractor required.
Every pod (except our ADA-compliant model) is equipped with easy-to-use rollers, so you can move them anywhere in your office, even after installation.
Sustainability Highlights
SCS Indoor Advantage Gold Certified
Key Features
- Exterior Dimensions: Kolo 1 – 42″W x 42.25″D x 89.5″H
- Installation time: 3-4 people recommended, 2.5 hours to assemble
- Acoustic rating: ISO 23351-1 Class A Certified 33dB
- Lighting details: Dimmable, motion-activated LED light
- Air ventilation details: Motion-activated fans refresh the air in less than 3 minutes
Top Customizable Options
- Add Fringe 3.0 Lounge in Kolo 1 Plus and larger pods.
- Standard decal for visual privacy or custom decals to showcase brand identity
*Starting Price $26,197
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Closing Thoughts
As offices evolve into ecosystems of focus, collaboration, and choice, pods are becoming an essential design tool — but not all pods are created equal. Taking into account the right considerations upfront ensures that your solution delivers on comfort, compliance, and culture — not just square footage.
