Office workers spend a substantial part of their day making and receiving phone calls. Whilst telephone calls are vital for communication in the workspace, it can be difficult to keep calls private and professional with the background noises of the standard open plan office.
A recent study by the Humboldt University in Berlin suggested that following a break in concentration, it might take up to 23 minutes to regain focus, not ideal when trying to have an important phone conversation with a client.
Equally important, is privacy, one of the main victims of the open plan office space, how to keep projects and information confidential in a room full of desks? The answer is simple: the phone booth.
Phone Booths are self-contained rooms to be placed within a larger space, in this case an open plan office. They are very similar in shape and concept to the traditional telephone box but have been optimised to be used in a professional environment. They are an easy way to optimise offices without having to build costly meetings rooms, taking advantage of pre-existing space.
Benefits of installing a phone booth in your office:
- Privacy: Phone booths provide a dedicated space for employees to make phone calls, video conferences, or have confidential conversations. This enhances privacy and prevents sensitive information from being overheard by others in the office.
- Noise reduction: Open office layouts can often be noisy and disruptive, making it difficult for employees to concentrate. Phone booths create a quiet and isolated environment, allowing individuals to focus and be more productive without distractions.
- Communication flexibility: Phone booths enable employees to have private conversations without the need to leave the office or find alternative spaces. This promotes better communication within the workplace, as employees can conveniently make or receive important calls without disruption.
- Improved collaboration: While phone booths provide privacy, they can also serve as collaborative spaces for small groups. Teams can gather inside the booths to discuss projects, brainstorm ideas, or have quick meetings without disturbing others in the office.
- Remote work support: With the rise of remote work, phone booths can be especially beneficial. They allow remote workers to join meetings and collaborate with their colleagues virtually while providing a quiet and professional background for video calls.
- Multifunctional usage: Phone booths can be designed with additional features, such as integrated power outlets, USB ports, or whiteboards, making them versatile spaces that can accommodate different needs. This enhances their usability and ensures they are utilized effectively by employees.
- Design and aesthetics: Modern phone booths come in various styles and designs that can enhance the overall office aesthetics. They can add a touch of sophistication, creativity, and modernity to the workspace, contributing to a more visually appealing environment.All in all, Phone Booths are a great solution to take and make important phone calls in an optimal environment. They also provide a place to work without interruptions and so they can significantly improve any office space.
Drawbacks of installing office phone booths and meeting pods
While acoustic office phone booths offer several benefits, they also have certain drawbacks that should be considered:
- Limited space: Phone booths are typically small enclosed spaces designed for individual or small group use. This limited space may not be suitable for larger meetings or collaborative sessions that require more room to accommodate multiple participants.
- Availability and scheduling: In a busy office environment, phone booths may be in high demand, leading to potential conflicts and challenges in securing a booth when needed. Scheduling conflicts can arise, especially if there are limited acoustic phone booths available compared to the number of employees who require their use.
- Cost: Implementing phone booths in an office space can be a significant investment. The cost of purchasing, installing, and maintaining the booths needs to be considered, especially for smaller businesses or organisations with budget constraints.
- Adaptability to new technologies: As communication technologies evolve, phone booths may become outdated or incompatible with newer equipment. Upgrading or retrofitting your office phone booth to accommodate emerging technologies can be costly and time-consuming.
- Spatial constraints: Phone booths take up physical space in the office, which can be a concern where space is limited. The placement and layout of booths need to be carefully considered to ensure they don’t hinder the flow or functionality of the workspace.
Despite these drawbacks, phone booths can still provide valuable benefits in office environments. Evaluate the specific needs of your business and consider these factors when deciding whether to implement one of our phone booths in your workplace.
How an office phone booth can support the latest trends in the workplace
The rise of hybrid working environment
As more and more employees work from home or in a hybrid work arrangement, there is a growing need for private spaces where they can make phone calls or conduct confidential conversations. Phone booths can provide this space, regardless of where employees are working.
The focus on employee wellness
Employers are increasingly focused on employee wellness, and they recognise that the workplace environment can have a significant impact on employee health and productivity. Phone booths can help to create a more comfortable and productive workplace by providing a private space for employees to relax, take a break, or make a phone call.
The use of technology
Phone booths are becoming increasingly sophisticated, and many now feature built-in technology such as soundproofing, Wi-Fi, and charging ports. This technology can make phone booths even more useful and versatile, and it can help to improve the overall user experience.
What are some alternatives to the traditional meeting rooms
Team meetings are undoubtedly a great way to share and develop ideas within a quiet and private space, however, finding available built-in spaces where to meet can be tricky. Building meeting rooms in an open plan office is costly and highly disruptive to every day work. This is particularly the case with rented spaces, it can be hard to get the right building permits and when moving offices the investment would be lost. However, Office Pods offer a solution to these problems by providing an alternative to the traditional meeting room.
Office pods are four-side structures with floor and ceiling, they are self-contained, they come with lighting and ventilation systems and they can also be fitted with the necessary furniture such as desks and/or seats. They are extremely flexible as they can be made to various different materials and finishes, including easy-clean, wipeable materials and upholstered options for a more formal look.
