Why Every Office Needs an Acoustic Pod – Focus, Privacy & Inclusivity

The Rise of the Open Plan Office

Before the 1950s, most European offices were made up of private rooms or smaller versions of the large, open bullpen layouts typically seen in skyscrapers across America.

After the war, Germany’s rapid economic growth sparked a wave of modern thinking. Keen to break from the past, German businesses introduced Bürolandschaft, meaning office landscape, which gave way to a more open, flexible layout designed to encourage teamwork and improve communication.

The concept quickly spread throughout the UK and US during the 1970s and 1980s, and cubicles became a popular way to tie in openness with privacy. Fast forward to the 2000s, and open-plan layouts dominated British workplaces, particularly in tech and creative sectors.  

But while open offices do have a lot of advantages, they also bring challenges to their employees, including constant noise and a lack of personal space. Today, many companies are rethinking the way they structure the office, turning to acoustic pods and flexible zones to restore focus, privacy, and balance.

What Is an Acoustic Pod? The Benefits for Modern Workspaces

Picture this. You have a deadline to meet, and you need to focus. But you’re in a busy office. The phone on your colleague’s desk is ringing non-stop, people are talking all around you, and you are getting stressed out.  No matter how hard you try, you just can’t concentrate.

Now, imagine walking into an acoustic pod. A self-contained, sound-insulated booth, where you can step away from the noise and distractions. Close the door, and suddenly the chaos fades. The ringing phones, conversations, and hustle and bustle of the busy office become a distant hum. Instantly you are calm and focused, so you can concentrate on the project in hand, meet your deadline, and regain control of your day.

But what if you need space for more than one person? Acoustic pods aren’t just for solo work, they’re ideal for team meetings, quick huddles, or confidential calls, providing groups with a private, quiet environment without the hassle of booking a formal meeting room.

The Benefits of Acoustic Pods: Why Offices Can’t Get Enough

It’s no surprise that modern day offices are embracing acoustic pods as an essential part of their workspace. Let’s take a look at why they are so popular.

Noise Reduction & Increased Performance

Sound control plays a large part in why acoustic pods are becoming popular. A 2025 study published in Environmental Health Perspectives found that background speech is often the most annoying source of noise in open-plan offices. Continuous exposure to background speech was shown to impair working memory, leading to decreased employee performance.

So, whether it’s phone calls, video meetings, or work that requires total focus, acoustic pods create a welcome break from the usual office noise that’s almost impossible to escape in open-plan layouts. By reducing distractions and helping employees concentrate, these quiet zones lead to noticeably better productivity — work gets done faster, with fewer errors, and less stress.

Space Flexibility

Acoustic Pods are modular which means they can be placed almost anywhere and moved if your office layout changes. There’s no need for expensive building works or planning permission, as they don’t require a licence to alter the space. This makes them a quick, flexible solution for creating quieter zones without the hassle of traditional renovations.

Supporting Neurodivergent Employees

For neurodivergent individuals (including those with Autism, ADHD, Dyslexia, Dyscalculia, Dyspraxia, Tourette Syndrome, Sensory Processing Disorder, and OCD) acoustic pods offer a quiet, controlled space that can help them feel more comfortable and focussed in busy office environments. By reducing sensory overload from noise and movement, they support better concentration, lower stress, and give individuals more control over how and where they work.

Reduced Social Fatigue

Even friendly chatter and open seating can become mentally draining. Acoustic pods reduce social fatigue by giving employees a break from constant interaction and sensory input. In busy open-plan offices, the need to stay socially “switched on” can be exhausting, especially for neurodivergent individuals. Pods offer a quiet, private space to recharge, reset, and return to work with renewed energy.

Introducing Say Box by Pledge — The Smarter Acoustic Pod for Modern Workspaces

Designed as a refined sanctuary for focused work, these pods deliver exceptional functionality within a compact footprint. Perfectly suited for private offices, each unit comes with an integrated desktop, flush power sockets, lighting and ventilation  and the option of multiple fabric finishes. An elegant 10mm glass door gives the Say-Box a touch of class found in the most prestigious of offices.

Step into a smarter, quieter way of working with Say Box Pods. These cutting-edge acoustic pods redefine flexible workspace design.

A Say Box pod is more than just a sleek addition to your office; it’s a productivity booster. These uber-stylish sound-insulated pods provide a chic, professional space for focus, confidential conversations, virtual meetings, or collaborative team huddles.

Available in a range of sizes, Say Box pods comfortably accommodate 1 to 6 people — making them ideal for solo work, one-to-ones, or small group sessions.

We offer 2, 4, and 6-person configurations and they’re ideal for private meetings, video calls, or quiet teamwork. Available in a wide choice of fabric finishes, each pod features integrated seating, a central meeting table, and power and optional screen mounting. Unlike traditional meeting rooms, these pods typically don’t require building regulations approval or landlord permissions—helping you avoid delays and costly fit-out works. And if you relocate, simply take the pod with you. It’s a flexible, future-proof solution for the modern, agile workplace.

With a modular, freestanding design, there’s no need for planning permission, structural changes, or a lengthy installation. Just position it where it’s needed and start working. Simples.

Sustainably crafted in the UK by Pledge, Say Box offers a wide range of fabric finishes, frame colours, and optional accessories, allowing you to fully customise your pod to perfectly fit your office environment. Plus, with its fully mobile design, Say Box can be easily relocated and adapted as your workspace evolves—providing not only cost savings but long-term flexibility.

Business Designs: Your Partner in Creating Productive Offices

Want to boost productivity and wellbeing in your office? Get in touch with Business Designs in Bristol today, because we understand that creating a productive, comfortable workspace is key to your team’s success.

Book a free consultation with us and discover how we can help you create a workspace that inspires and performs.