Buying and placing an acoustic pod may seem like a no-brainer for some. You choose the product, look for an empty spot at your office, check if a pod fits, and… there you go!

Well, that’s the easy way. But from our experience, if you’re up to making the most of a pod’s capabilities, you should consider taking a more conscious approach to the process. So, let’s dive into some basic rules for choosing and implementing acoustic pods. 

This article is a part of the Acoustic Pods Consumers Guide, which we created to address the most crucial questions about acoustic pods. The guide walks you through how to choose the right pod, place it within your office and introduce it to your team. Download your guide here.

Acoustic Pods: Choosing the right number and types

Fact: Choosing the correct number and type of acoustic pods is crucial to making the most of each. So, what’s the secret? The trick is to find the right balance: you don’t want to see your employees fighting for pod time. On the other hand, putting too many pods in one area will clutter up your workplace. But believe us, the right choice helps you transform your office and enhance your employees’ well-being. Here are two key tips to consider. 

→ In most cases, one pod is not enough:

Believe it or not, one of the classic mistakes our clients make is that they believe one pod will magically solve all their problems. But the truth is that an acoustic pod is not magic. It’s almost impossible to utilize one pod as a soundproof phone booth, a place for focused work, and a meeting room all at once. It just doesn’t work. If you choose too few pods, they will always be occupied (unless you are a super-small business). It can even lead to tension between those who want to use the acoustic office booth for a quick but crucial phone call and those who want to use it for several hours of focused work. Make sure you consider what needs your employees have, what pods can meet those needs, and make your purchasing decisions from there

→ Consider teams’ varying needs and expectations: 

When you’re deciding on how many of which types of pods your office needs, analyze your teams’ expectations and the nature of each team’s work. There are at least four different purposes pods can serve: quick calls, collaboration, meetings, and concentration. Each purpose requires a different approach. For example, a big sales team would likely require more one-person acoustic booths for making phone calls. On the other hand, a marketing or strategy team needs at least one larger pod to meet and debate over ideas, away from typical office hustle and bustle. If you’re unsure about teams’ needs, try preparing a questionnaire for team members and hear from them directly the kind of space they want and need most.

Place your acoustic pods wisely

In the property business the three most important factors to determine a property’s potential are “location, location & location.” You’ve probably heard that before—and the same goes for acoustic pods. In our guide, we cover the subject comprehensively by presenting tips for each function. But for now, let’s look at four basic rules.

→ Keep them close (but not too close):

Most acoustic pods should be located close to potential users to allow comfortable access. This is especially true for pods dedicated to quick phone calls. However, try to make sure you leave at least two meters of space between the pod and the closest workstations. This makes sure the fans’ light whir does not disturb any nearby employees.

→ Give it space: 

Let’s face it, while working on something intense or giving a client an important presentation on Zoom, the last thing you need is a stuffy room. That’s why excellent ventilation is the hidden gem of a quality office pod. It’s an underappreciated, yet often decisive, factor in making the pod interior a comfortable and enjoyable place to spend a few hours.

Here’s an important tip: to ensure that pod fans work optimally, leave at least 20 centimeters of free space above the ceiling and on both sides of the pod walls. Also, avoid putting the pod too close to a window because it can heat up the pod (especially if it’s turned east or south).

→ Use pods as partitions:

Soundproof pods generally provide impeccable acoustics inside. However, note that they also influence acoustics on the outside. Pods can also be perfect partitions to separate zones in your office space. While enabling team members easy access, pods are also very effective sound blockers and provide some privacy for groups in your office.

→ Move them if you want to: 

Of course, placing a pod is not a lifelong decision. In a dynamic business environment, you may be required to reconfigure your office. After all, change is a natural element of progress. Therefore, it’s probably good news that moving the pod doesn’t have to be an all-day job. There are plenty of pods on the market (including our Space) with additional casters built-in so moving them and rearranging them is super simple.

Make acoustic pods part of an office well-being policy

The hardest part is over after buying and placing pods, but… we are not through yet. Think of what you can do to introduce pods to your employees properly. It doesn’t have to be a huge and elaborate plan. A few smart and easy actions will let you make the pods an integral part of your employee satisfaction strategy. You can base it on our 3-step plan outlined below.

→ Welcome:

Not everyone is familiar with the concept of a pod and its functionalities. Acoustic pods might be a novelty for most people used to traditional office equipment.  At first, some team members might feel apprehensive about using pods. Try to do everything you can to encourage them. You can start by sending a memo around that introduces the pod to your team and spreads awareness about the benefits of excellent acoustics in the workspace. 

→ Educate: 

Put up posters that describe the function of the pod on its walls. For example, on the pod dedicated to quick phone calls, post a sign reminding everyone to keep their pod time short and sweet. On a pod dedicated to meetings, it would be helpful to remind people that the pod is included in the online booking system and that you should make sure it’s free to use before dropping in.

→ Check and analyze:

Monitor how every pod is used. After teams have used the pods for a few months, send out a survey that asks employees about their thoughts and feedback on pod functionality and placement.

→ Move them if you want to: 

Of course, placing a pod is not a lifelong decision. In a dynamic business environment, you may be required to reconfigure your office. After all, change is a natural element of progress. Therefore, it’s probably good news that moving the pod doesn’t have to be an all-day job. There are plenty of pods on the market (including our Space) with additional casters built-in so moving them and rearranging them is super simple.

Enjoyed these quick tips and want to learn more?

We believe acoustic pods are tools that, with smart use, can single-handedly transform your office into a better, more productive, and more joyful place. If you are eager to learn more, check out the complete Acoustic Pods Consumer Guide here.