Open-plan offices have become the norm across Ireland, but with them comes a major downside: noise. Constant conversations, ringing phones and movement across the workspace can make it difficult for employees to concentrate. As a result, many companies are turning to acoustic pods as a practical solution. At M2 Office Interiors, we see growing demand for these self-contained, sound-reducing units, which create quieter work zones, improve privacy and support better focus in busy office environments.
What Are Acoustic Pods?
Acoustic pods are self-contained, enclosed or semi-enclosed structures designed to create private, sound-controlled environments within larger open spaces. They range from single person focus booths to multi-person meeting pods suitable for team discussions or confidential calls.
Unlike traditional meeting rooms, pods are:
- Modular rather than fixed
- Installed without major construction
- Relocatable as office layouts evolve
Good performance models, such as those designed by Silen, typically incorporate acoustic glass, layered insulation, sound-absorbing wall panels and integrated ventilation. The objective is not complete silence, which is rarely realistic in open environments, but meaningful sound reduction that improves speech privacy and reduces distraction. In this sense, pods function as micro-environments within the broader workspace.
Flexibility in Modern Offices with Acoustic Pods and Booths
In modern workplace design, flexibility is no longer optional. Open plan offices encourage collaboration, but they often lack privacy and quiet space. Acoustic pods and booths offer a practical solution, creating focused work areas and meeting zones without structural changes or permanent partitions.
Solutions such as the Silen Space Max Acoustic Pod, and Silen Space Four Person Acoustic Pod create adaptable spaces for meetings, private calls and focused individual work within open plan offices.
Key advantages include:
- Relocatable as teams expand or office layouts evolve
- Installed without major construction or disruption
- Available in solo, small team and larger meeting formats
- Well suited to hybrid working and video conferencing
Benefits of Acoustic Pods
- Improved concentration:- Acoustic pods help minimise background distractions in busy open plan offices. Soundproof office pods are specifically designed to reduce surrounding noise levels, creating dedicated zones where employees can focus on complex tasks, problem-solving and detailed work without interruption.
- Improved employee wellbeing:- By reducing noise and offering access to quiet, private spaces, acoustic pods help lower stress levels and minimise cognitive fatigue. Giving employees greater control over their environment can contribute to a more comfortable and balanced workplace experience.
- Flexible workspace design :- Unlike permanent meeting rooms, acoustic pods are modular and often relocatable. They allow businesses to adjust layouts as teams expand, departments shift or working patterns evolve, without committing to structural changes.
- No structural disruption:- Installation typically requires no major building work or planning approval. This means organisations can introduce private work zones quickly, avoiding downtime, noise from construction or costly office refurbishments.
- Support for hybrid working :-With integrated lighting, ventilation and power access, acoustic pods provide comfortable spaces for video conferencing and remote collaboration. They offer a professional backdrop and improved sound clarity for virtual meetings.
- Better space utilisation:- Pods maximise underused floor space by introducing compact meeting or focus areas within the existing footprint. This helps organisations increase functionality without expanding their premises or reducing open collaboration zones.
- Sustainability and eco-friendly design :- Sustainability is increasingly important in workplace design, and many acoustic pods are manufactured using recycled materials, low-VOC finishes and energy-efficient ventilation systems. Their modular, relocatable nature also reduces the need for permanent construction, helping to minimise waste during office reconfigurations.
What Size Acoustic Pod Does an Office Need?
Selecting the right acoustic pod size depends on how your teams use the space and how frequently private areas are required. Most offices benefit from a mix of pod sizes to support different working styles.
1. One Person Pods
Designed for individual use, one-person acoustic pods are ideal for phone calls, video meetings and focused tasks. They provide a quiet, enclosed space within a busy open office and are typically the most compact option, making them suitable where floor space is limited.
2. Small Meeting Pods
Small meeting pods usually accommodate two to four people. They are well suited for quick team discussions, one-to-one meetings or collaborative sessions without occupying a full boardroom. These pods balance privacy with efficient use of space.
3. Medium Meeting Pods
Medium-sized pods can typically seat four to six people. They function as flexible meeting rooms for project discussions, presentations or hybrid meetings that require screen integration and improved acoustics.
4. Large Meeting Pods
Large acoustic pods are designed for bigger groups and can serve as enclosed meeting rooms within open plan offices. They are ideal for formal meetings, workshops or client presentations while maintaining sound control in the wider workspace.
Why Acoustic Pods Are Worth It for Open Plan Offices?
Acoustic pods are worth the investment because they solve one of the biggest challenges of open plan offices: noise and lack of privacy. They create quiet, enclosed spaces for focused work, confidential calls and small meetings without requiring permanent construction.
By improving concentration, supporting hybrid working and offering flexible, relocatable layouts, acoustic pods help businesses make better use of their space while adapting to changing workplace needs.
Open plan offices are designed to encourage collaboration, but without quiet zones they can quickly become distracting and inefficient. Acoustic pods provide a balanced solution, offering privacy, flexibility and improved workplace comfort without altering the core layout of the office.
Discuss your requirements with us at M2 Office Interiors to explore the right acoustic pod solution for your office layout, team size and long-term workspace needs.
FAQs –
1. Do acoustic pods block office noise?
Acoustic pods don’t fully block noise, but they significantly reduce it. High‑quality pods are designed to lower sound levels by 20–35 dB, making conversations and background noise far less disruptive while improving privacy.
2. Are acoustic pods suitable for open‑plan offices?
Yes, acoustic pods work extremely well in open‑plan offices where noise and distractions are common. They provide a quiet, private area for calls, meetings and focused work without needing construction or permanent rooms.
3. How many people can an acoustic pod hold?
It depends on the type. Single‑person phone pods are ideal for calls, while larger meeting pods can comfortably accommodate 2–6 people. M2 acoustic meeting pods come in multiple sizes to suit different collaboration needs.
4. Are acoustic pods worth the investment for businesses?
For most workplaces, yes. Acoustic pods help reduce distractions, improve communication, enhance focus and increase productivity. They also offer flexibility and can be relocated or reconfigured without costly fit‑outs.