The hidden productivity killer in your office (and what you can do about it)
In a post-COVID world where hybrid work has become the norm, it’s surprising how many of us feel unsatisfied—no matter where we are.
We love the idea of working from home… until the neighbor’s dog starts barking, traffic noise creeps in, and our kids decide it’s time for a tantrum (and this I can only imagine). But even when we head back to the office, things don’t necessarily improve. The sleek open-plan spaces—once hailed as the future of workplace design—come with their own set of challenges: the never-ending background hum of conversations, the relentless tapping of keyboards, and that one colleague who insists on sharing their hot takes on last night’s football match.
We’ve all been there—frustrated, distracted, and, worst case scenario, completely demotivated. But how often do we stop to consider why? What’s the invisible force shaping our focus, mood, and productivity every single day?
The silent (not-so-silent) productivity killer
Noise.
It’s the central point for the majority of our modern office problems. It’s everywhere and it’s shaping the way we work—for better and for worse. Studies show that excessive noise in the workplace is linked to reduced concentration, higher stress levels, and lower overall efficiency. In open-plan offices, workers can be up to 66% less productive due to noise distractions. And let’s be honest, who hasn’t had their train of thought completely derailed by an overheard conversation or a sudden burst of laughter from across the room?
A major part of the problem is how modern offices are built. These sleek, open spaces are often filled with reflective, easy-to-clean surfaces—like glass, concrete, and metal. While they look great, they also create harsh echoes, amplifying every sound and making background noise even harder to escape. So, instead of fostering focus and efficiency, these environments often become an acoustic battleground.
Psychology Professor Arline Bronzaft explains that this happens because we “have to work harder to complete tasks” as we’re actively trying to ignore the surrounding noise. And at the end of the day, that’s exhausting.
Now, don’t get us wrong—we’re all about balance. The goal isn’t to turn offices into eerily silent libraries, eliminating social interactions or stifling creative group discussions. But if there’s one thing we know for sure, it’s that one size misfits all when it comes to office design. The key isn’t choosing between silence or collaboration—it’s about intelligently managing sound so that every workspace is optimized for the task at hand.
So… what’s the solution?
Over the years, researchers and architects have explored various ways to tackle noise pollution in offices and interesting conclusions have been found—from acoustic panels and ceiling baffles to strategically placed plants and sound-absorbing carpets. And while all of these solutions play a role, the reality is that they don’t fully address one crucial problem: the need for flexible, distraction-free spaces within an open office.
That’s where office pods come in.
Standalone, soundproof, and designed for focus, office pods are redefining the way we think about workspace acoustics. Whether it’s for taking calls, diving into deep work, or hosting quick, distraction-free meetings, these enclosed spaces provide the perfect balance between openness and privacy—without the need for expensive renovations and without much prejudice for our current office designs.
As the Financial Times put it:
"Gone are the days of taking a phone call in the open: office pods are everywhere."
And let’s just say—we couldn’t agree more.
