Open office designs were meant to spark collaboration and transparency. But they also brought one big downside: noise and constant interruptions.
In the era of hybrid work, where employees jump from video meetings to deep-focus tasks, the lack of privacy is a real productivity killer.
That’s why more companies are investing in phone booths for open offices and seeing a tangible return in performance, engagement, and well-being.
What Are Office Phone Booths, Really?
Phone booths (or acoustic pods) are enclosed, sound-insulated spaces designed for private calls, video meetings, and focused work. They come in single-person or multi-user sizes and can be placed anywhere in an open workspace.
Think of them as flexible, plug-and-play privacy rooms — no construction required.
How Phone Booths Boost Productivity
✅ 1. Eliminate Noise Distractions
A 2023 study found that workers lose an average of 86 minutes per day due to noise in open offices. Phone booths block external sounds and create a quiet zone for concentration.
✅ 2. Support Hybrid Collaboration
With more teams using Zoom, Teams, or Google Meet, employees need private space to take calls without disturbing others or being overheard. Phone booths offer professional-quality audio environments, even in a busy office.
✅ 3. Encourage Focused, Solo Work
Not all work is collaborative. Sometimes, employees just need a quiet space to think, write, or problem-solve. Phone booths give them the ability to switch into deep focus mode at any time.
✅ 4. Improve Employee Well-Being
Noise is a top cause of workplace stress. By providing access to phone booths, companies show they care about mental clarity and comfort — which improves overall engagement and retention.
Why They’re Ideal for Open Offices
Phone booths work especially well in open office layouts because:
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They don’t require renovation or permanent walls
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They can be relocated as teams grow or shift
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They preserve openness while adding critical zones of privacy
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They help companies avoid expensive build-outs just to gain quiet space
In short: phone booths fix open office flaws — without undoing their benefits.
Use Cases: Where They Add the Most Value
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🔹 Hybrid Work Teams: Employees alternating between home and office need quiet zones for calls.
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🔹 Coworking Spaces: A must-have for users taking private client meetings.
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🔹 Tech & Creative Agencies: Deep work and pitch prep demand silence.
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🔹 HR & Finance Teams: Phone booths allow sensitive conversations in full confidentiality.
Real ROI Example
Let’s say a 20-person team uses 2 phone booths during work hours. If each employee gains just 30 minutes of focused time per day, that’s 200+ hours of productivity per month, translating into real value and reduced burnout.
Conclusion: Small Space, Big Impact
In 2025, phone booths for open offices are more than a trend, they’re a smart solution to modern workplace challenges. From reducing distractions to enabling hybrid calls, these compact spaces unlock focus and flexibility like never before.
🚀 Looking to Add Phone Booths to Your Workspace?
SOPFlows provides the best phone booth, with models for every need and budget.
👉 Get a Custom Quote today.