Collaborative Post¦ How and where many of us work has changed since the Covid-19 pandemic began to take hold in the UK last March. It’s a fact that even at the end of 2021, many people still haven’t returned to the office or only go there to work on occasion. As such, office pods are becoming evermore popular and they are likely here to stay. Let’s take a look at what they are and what’s so great about them.
What is an office pod?
Office pods are a self-contained or almost self-contained space. They’re ideal for working in when you really need to concentrate on something or when you need to have a meeting, whether virtual or face to face. They offer a sound-proof, thus private and quiet place to work.
Some are smaller for individuals, while others are mini meeting rooms. They often look kind of like phone boxes and usually have four glass walls and a ceiling. They can fit into fairly small spaces in offices and homes and some can even be placed in the garden!
Why do you need one?
In an office environment
Office pods are very versatile, quick to set up and can be moved easily if needed. They’re aesthetically pleasing, affordable and an incredibly efficient use of space.
Open plan offices are the norm these days, so if you are in an office where everyone is back to work it is likely quite a busy, noisy environment at times! Have you ever been working hard on a deadline, but you keep getting pestered by people who “just want to borrow you for a minute” but then it turns into half an hour? Or perhaps you’ve been trying to make a conference call, but all you can hear is Sarah laughing loudly and Jake discussing the sushi he’s made for his lunch (even with your noise cancelling headphones on)? This is where an office pod is ideal to give you that privacy. Just this simple change of focused environment can really increase your productivity. However, as they’re often see-through you needn’t feel excluded from the hustle and bustle of the office completely!
Meanwhile, meeting pods don’t take up as much space as a regular conference room. Therefore, if you’re planning on downsizing how much office space you lease in light of the pandemic, one of these would be perfect for when staff come into the office for meetings. The space is well utilised so that you’ll be comfortable and have enough room to do what you need to do, whether it’s an in person or virtual meeting and whether it’s a short scrum or a day long conference.
At home
I have young children, so I know how hard it can be to concentrate on work. Despite my best efforts, one or both of the children inevitably disturb my husband from time to time. Likewise, when it’s my turn to work on the blog it is often difficult to tune out from all the background noise. As I write this, in fact, I have the Teletubbies on in the background! This is where an office pod is ideal.
If you are working from home a lot, it may be well worthwhile buying an office pod if you don’t have space for an office. An office pod would fit nicely in the corner of larger lounges or kitchens. Otherwise, you could pop one in the garage, or even in the garden or driveway! It’s a lot cheaper and far less hassle than having an extension on your house to create an office space.
Disclosure: This is a sponsored post with Apres Furniture.