Why Office Pods Are Booming in the Hybrid Era
Remember that thing that no-one talks about anymore? Yes, that thing… where some of us could work in quiet, cosy, productive peace while wearing the same sweatpants for months on end. Well, companies noticed the productive part (and mostly ignored the sweatpants). Now, hybrid work is here to stay, and office-bound employees crave the same quiet comforts they enjoy at home— a little sanctuary away from the open-plan bustle.
As teams split their time between office and home, it’s no surprise that there is huge demand for small, private work zones. Even big players have noticed: a recent report found 70% of Fortune 100 companies now use Framery pods (a leading pod brand available on Furnify). Pods deliver quiet focus spaces and meeting rooms on tap, without the hassle of construction.
In fact, CBRE data shows that building a new meeting room on-site can cost over 33% more than simply plugging in a movable pod. And unlike fixed walls, office pods can travel with you—say goodbye to paying dilapidation costs for ripping out permanent fit-outs at lease-end.
Unfixed meeting pods are particularly handy in managed offices where multiple tenants battle it out on the booking system to rent a meeting space. Installing a pod in your own office means you can use it whenever you need it.
At Furnify, our mission is to help dynamic British businesses find pods that work hard and look sharp, so you can future-proof your office with style and a wink.
Define the Pod’s Purpose First
What will your pod actually be used for?
- Is it for solo deep work and concentration? Then a compact 1-person focus pod or phone booth might fit the bill.
- Need a spot for video conferencing or confidential calls? Look for pods with extra soundproofing and built-in lighting.
- Craving a space for private one-on-ones? A two-person booth or sofa den can cosy up two colleagues with privacy.
- Or do you need a team meeting pod for collaborative hybrid meetings? In that case, consider larger 4–6 person pods with table space.
What pod specs are best for your use case?
Once you know the use, match the physical characteristics to the task. Answer these questions:
- How many people will use it simultaneously?
- What furniture layout do you need? Do you need a table and chairs, sofa seating, work counters, whiteboards, video conferencing connectivity, screens, or a projector?
- How quiet does your office pod need to be? And how private or confidential are the conversations happening inside? Better soundproofing levels (measured in dB reduction) will create a sanctum-like silence inside, but that can feel isolating for some employees.
- Do you want your office pod to feel open with glass walls letting in natural light? Or do you need solid panels for maximum visual privacy? Instead of picking clear or frosted glass, some pods even offer switchable privacy glass to give you the best of both.
- Also choose whether your office pods should be fully enclosed or more open/partitioned. e.g. The Ben Sofa Booth is an open-ended den (great for informal meet-ups), whereas a CellPod V2 is fully walled for complete privacy.
Remember, pods come in all shapes and sizes. Spend time on this needs analysis so you’re not stuck with a six-person meeting booth when you only needed a mini zen pod – or vice versa.
Pro tip: a casual 4-seater sofa den or seating booth can often replace a formal meeting room in a pinch— with softer seating and fewer booking headaches.
Think Ahead: Plan for Future Flexibility
Office pods are ideal for fluid work environments. In today’s fast-moving workplace, flexibility isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a survival tactic. Teams grow, shrink, and split like a high school cover band. Choosing the right office pods for your workplace will prepare you for any future changes.
Modular or Mobile?
Modular pod systems can be broken down and reassembled in hours, so a private work booth can uproot and redeploy almost overnight. Modular systems are often reconfigurable and expandable, so today’s focus pod can be the building blocks of tomorrow’s 10-seater conference room pod.
CellPod V2 Meeting Pods and Mute Modular Pods are completely free-standing and reconfigurable. They use aluminium frames and demountable panels, so you can knock down a wall or add a glazed panel next quarter or even dismantle and reassemble the whole unit somewhere else.
Mobile pods deliver on… mobility. Many come on locking castors or hidden wheels that allow them to be rolled to a different location. Some semi-mobile pods have quick-release panels that hide holes for a pump truck. You can literally roll them between rooms (if doors allow) as your business needs change.
The HushFree.L Office Pod, for example, has built-in wheels and levelling feet to lock it in place. It lets you reshape your floor plan in minutes.
Save on future fit-out and dilapidation costs
This agility saves you money too. Forget hefty fit-out and planning-permission costs—pods typically bypass those entirely. CBRE data shows that traditional meeting rooms cost about 55% more to build than pods in the U.S., and in London specifically a fixed room is 33.5% pricier than a moveable pod.
When it’s time to move offices, unfixed pods avoid any nasty dilapidation bills. Most end-of-lease requirements include “returning the space to its original state” or similar phrases. That means spending time and money to take apart anything you constructed.
Plus, unlike a demolished meeting room, your pods can move with you. This means your one-time purchase can save fit-out and dilapidation costs, no matter how many moves you make.
Best Pods for Flexibility
If you want pods that move as fast as your business does, check out the CellPod V2 Meeting Pod system, Mute Modular Pods, or the HushFree.L Office Pod with castors—all designed for assembly, disassembly, and full relocation.
CellPod V2 Meeting Pods
Mute Modular Meeting Pods
HushFree.L Office Pod
Prioritise User Experience
Inviting, well-conceived office pods pull their weight. People want to use them. And in the pod world, comfort and functionality are key to productivity. In essence, a pod should be a micro-sanctuary, not a repurposed refrigerator box. In choosing the right pod, you have to nail these basics:
Ensure Pitch-Perfect Mood Lighting
For lighting, aim for around 300–500 lux; that’s what the Chartered Institution of Building Services Engineers (CIBSE) recommends for office work. Consider adjustable lighting options if your meeting pods will be used for video calls. You want your clients to focus on the content of your presentation, not the glare on your forehead.
Most pods use smart LED lights and quiet ventilation fans. The Penelope Work Booth, for instance, uses a motion sensor to switch on ceiling lights and fresh air the moment you step in. It is a great energy-saving feature, because let’s face it, if you expect your staff to switch off the lights, you are grooming unicorns on the weekend.
Keep the Air Fresh
Ventilation varies by pod – many have adjustable fans, and high-end pods like CellPod V2 even offer integrated A/C units as an optional upgrade. To keep occupants alert and your pod smelling daisy fresh, pick a ventilation option that introduces at least 8 to 10 litres of fresh air per second for every person in the room.
Lock in Ergonomics
Working for extended periods requires quality ergonomic furniture. That means comfortable seating, lumbar support, the right desk height, and enough legroom. Phone booths, work pods, and small meeting rooms often come with quality, built-in seating and tabletops. Generally, the longer a user will occupy the pod, the better the ergonomics should be.
For dedicated workspaces, picking an empty pod for your own ergonomic task chairs and desks may be the way to go. DDA-compliant CellPods and Berlin Acoustics Focus Work Pods have built-in height-adjustable desks. This makes them an excellent choice for long hours.
Understand the Space
Just because the dimensions of your meeting table are smaller than the dimensions of your meeting pod does not mean it’s a fit. Check that there is enough space to move around when your meeting pod is fully occupied—nobody wants to play musical chairs just to exit.
Keep every aspect in mind, including the precious millimetres claimed by a screen and bracket, and the girth of your users. The team at Furnify can help with 2D space plans and talk you through the planning process.
Wall strength matters too: if you’ll mount TVs, whiteboards or shelves, make sure the pod’s structure can handle it. If you plan on mounting anything to your pod panels, it will need patrice reinforcement to accept screws.
Incorporate Psychological Comfort
Pods should be private enough to focus, but not so dark that they feel like a sensory deprivation tank. Biophilia, soft lighting, and warm colours can help—studies show even a touch of green or woodgrain can reduce stress and boost creativity.
Best Pods for a Luxurious User Experience
When luxury is on your checklist, consider options like the Campers Meeting Pod (inspired by campervans, it’s quirky and comfy) or high-end booths like CellPod V2 and Mute Modular Pods, which offer extensive fabric and glass finishes and thoughtful features. These come ready for top-tier comfort with power, ventilation, and premium materials built-in.
Campers Meeting Pods
Cell Pod V2 Office Pods
Mute Modular Pods
Build a Pod Culture: Employee Adoption & Etiquette
Pods can’t do all the work themselves – you need a little office choreography. Launch them as part of a new workplace rhythm. Maybe have an intro day where teams “tour” the pods and reserve their own.
Encourage good habits. Use a whiteboard schedule or booking system to prevent “pod-hogging”. And remind people to leave the pod as they would want to find it.
Clearly assign pods for specific uses or teams if that helps – e.g. one pod on every floor designated as “silent focus mode” and another for collaboration.
A little etiquette training goes a long way. Simple rules like “Video on mute when not speaking” or “write your name on the booking board” can keep everyone happy. In short, make pods part of your brand-new office rhythm rather than a free-for-all hideout.
Choose the Right Tech Integration
A modern pod is its tech. Think through what devices and connectivity you need inside. Does everyone need USB-C chargers and power sockets? Do you need built-in speakers, microphones, or a camera rig for hybrid meetings?
Many pods now come AV-ready: with integrated power/USB bars, mounts for screens, and cable channels to hide the mess. Others let you add wireless charging pads or smart sensors on demand.
Consider environmental controls: pods with CO₂ sensors like the se:cube Max will boost ventilation automatically, and UV antimicrobial lighting options (like on the VetroSpace XXL Pod) keep germs at bay.
Bookings systems or occupancy sensors with an exterior indicator light can help manage usage at peak times. Some models (like Framery One) have touch-panel environmental controls and a calendar booking system built in.
In short, spec your pod so it’s a plug-and-play workstation. Look for integrated power modules (sockets + USB), optional data ports (RJ45), and mounts for monitors or video equipment.
Best Pods with Top Tech Options
For top-shelf tech, Furnify offers pods like Framery One Premium (built-in calendar connectivity and adjustable lighting), Vetrospace XXL (clean-air tech and AV-ready kits) and HushFree (flexible seating with optional charging). These units come loaded with smart features, so your next video call or IoT device will plug right in.
Framery Smart Pods - Framery Compact, One, Four and Six
VetroSpace Meeting Room Pods
HushFree Office Pods
Sustainability: Green Credentials Matter
Eco-credentials are no longer a “nice to have”—they can sway buying decisions. When vetting pods, look for sustainable materials and practices: FSC-certified wood, low-VOC fabrics, or recycled acoustic panels all help. For instance, some pods tout “made from 50% recycled fibres” inside. Check if the manufacturer offsets carbon or uses renewable energy in production. Pods with modular designs inherently reduce waste, since you can reconfigure instead of scrapping.
Framery, for example, boasts that its pods are an incredible 95% recyclable at end-of-life. They’ve stripped out composite materials so you can recycle metals and glass easily. It’s an industry gold standard: Framery even earned an Ecovadis Gold Medal for sustainability. While budget pods may not advertise every green detail, choosing durable, high-quality pods inherently cuts waste over time (no one replaces a 15-year pod every few years). At Furnify, we partner with responsible brands and highlight eco-choices.
Best Pods for Eco-Minded Businesses
For the eco-minded, pods like the Framery range (e.g. Framery One) have great green credentials and certifications.
Framery Smart Pods
Accessibility & Inclusive Design
Good design should be inclusive. The most practical pods will have level thresholds and wide doors so wheelchair users can enter easily. Look for pods that advertise wheelchair access or Equal-Access certification. A good example is Furnify’s DDA Compliant Cell Pod. It sits unfixed on the floor (no lip or step at the entrance) and comes with the option to add a “push-to-open” door button and an extra-wide doorway.
Also remember the devil’s in the details: cable and socket heights should be reachable (around 450–1200mm off the floor per standards), and any touchscreens or controllers should be easy to use from a sitting position. Meeting pods like the Framery Four Accessible Office Pod have folding furniture to accommodate everyone.
Inclusive design isn’t just physical. Your neurodivergent staff may benefit from calming colour schemes, soft lighting, plants and biophilic design elements that help them recharge. By creating small sanctuaries with well-designed office pods, you provide a space where they can take a break from the sensory chaos in the office. Some models, like the HushFree.L explicitly highlight this: its “inclusive design” creates a calm environment that supports neurodiverse colleagues. In practice, just make sure at least some pods have soft, non-fluorescent lights, and allow occupants to control volume.
Best Pods for Accessibility
Furnify carries pods with accessibility features built in. Besides the DDA Compliant Cell Pod (which meets latest accessibility standards), check out Framery Four or JDD Furniture’s Bob Rooms which offer level entry and wide layouts. Many of these let you spec options like glass vs fabric sides or extra lounge space to suit individual needs, making your office truly welcoming to all.
DDA Compliant Cell Pod
Framery Four Accessible
Bob Room
HushFree Office Pods
Spatial Planning & Placement Tips
Pods shouldn’t be mere style statements—they need smart placement.
Zone by Activity
Group like pods together or section off areas. For instance, create a “focus corner” with solo booths, a “huddle area” with two-person pods, and a “meeting zone” with larger pods. Large companies can also zone by team, giving different departments their own phone booths, work pods and meeting pods that are close at hand.
Build Acoustic Buffers
Pods can serve as acoustic buffers between loud and quiet areas. Pods with soft upholstered exteriors are particularly well-suited for dampening of general office noise. Imagine a ring of phone-booths isolating the employee lounge from the open plan desks.
Mind Traffic Flow
Don’t block main walkways or pack pods against a wall where door swings cause jams. Allow a clear path for the doors to open, and place pods so people aren’t walking right in front of screens or backs. Furniture planners recommend at least 1–1.2m clearance around pod doors for safety. If in doubt, tap Furnify’s space-planning team—we love laying out pods to fit your floor’s quirks.
Best Dens
to Redefine Your Office Environment
For flexible layouts and social vibes, consider “sofa dens” like JDD’s Ben Sofa Den or Bob Acoustic Dens or Bea Roofed Dens. These modular lounge-pod combos can be clustered into islands or rows, acting as comfy dividers and meeting spots. You can even spec extras: for example, adding a whiteboard to the exterior of a CellPod V2 turns it into a writable wall for passing brainstorming sessions. Strategically placed pods not only save space but can redefine your open plan – even acting like giant “sound walls” to tame office noise.
Ben Sofa Booth (High Back)
Bea Roofed Dens
CellPod V2 with whiteboard
Look Sharp: Styling, Branding & Aesthetics
Pods should complement your brand as much as your boss’s coffee mug. Nearly all modern pods come with custom colours and finishes. Choose panel fabrics, frame colours or laminated woods that echo your palette. Some brands (like the Air³) let you swap out panels later, so you can rebrand a pod without buying new furniture.
Think about adding company logos or vinyl graphics on glass walls – many pods allow this, and some have metal frames for magnetic signs. Framery’s steel panels, or Kolo’s allow magnets.
Remember, even small touches count. Pop a planter inside or on top (Hush pods have hang-on planters!), or mount artwork on the outside.
If you plan to use pods as a canvas for branding, ensure the panels can take fixings. Patrice reinforcement for screws should be included in your panels if you plan on hanging paintings. And don’t neglect the lid: unique ceiling options make a statement. In fact, Orangebox’s Campers Meeting Pod was inspired by campervans and even features an optional pitched “awning” section adding both flair and more functional spaces.
Best Pods for Customisation
For maximum customisation, check out Campers & Dens. With a product suite of 83 variants, each room-in-room solution can mix glass, wood, and fabric panels, and even add that trademark campervan “kink”. VetroSpace XXL Pods have panels and trim that come in many finishes. The CellPod V2 and Mute Modular ranges let you pick which sides are glazed versus solid and where the door goes. In short: create a signature look that screams you. With so many options, your pods can be as bold and branded as you like.
Campers and Dens
CellPod V2 Office Pods
Mute Modular Office Pod
VetroSpace Pods
Compliance & Safety Musts
Pods aren’t just furniture—they’re part of the building environment. Make sure your choices tick all safety boxes. Fire-safe materials, smoke detectors, and ventilation systems should meet UK regulations.
Some pods come with specially designed fire-safe roof systems so sprinklers and alarms can integrate seamlessly. The Air³ Meeting Pod has a louvred roof that opens up to allow the building’s extinguishers to do their job. Good acoustic pods will also specify their fire rating. Look for UL 723 Class A or equivalent on the data sheet.
Pods should never obstruct your building’s sprinkler system. Be sure to take your local building regulations into account before installing a pod. Small telephone booths are often not required to have their own fire-suppression system, but larger meeting rooms require safety extras like sprinkler systems or fire boards.
Hospitals and labs have additional health standards. In these cases, CleanSpace pods like VetroSpace may be the perfect answer. They are ISO-classified with CO2 sensors, HEPA 13 filters and VLD antimicrobial LED lighting to keep the air and the surfaces sterile.
Whatever pod you pick, make sure it is certified for indoor use (CE, BS EN).
In practice, work with known suppliers. Furnify deals only with reputable pod makers who exceed British workplace safety standards. For example, Framery pods come fully certified (rigorous testing for fire, electrical and seismic safety). In short: choose pods with good documentation.
Best Pods for Fire Safety
When safety is a top concern, pods like the Campers Meeting Pod (with its patented fire-safe roof), the CellPod V2, VetroSpace, and the Hush and Framery ranges all meet stringent fire regulations. In fact, any quality pod you’ll see on Furnify’s site meets or exceeds British fire-safety standards.
Campers Meeting Pods
CellPod Meeting Room Pods
VetroSpace Pods
Budgeting Smartly: Costs & ROI
Factors to Consider
Pods often save money in the long run. When choosing the right office pod for your workplace, weigh the sticker price of a new pod against the cost of traditional construction. Remember to factor in the additional dilapidation costs. These come into play when you must break down any built structures at the end of your lease.
Like the team a Framery highlights, CBRE Data shows “the cost of building an on-site meeting room in London exceeds the cost of a moveable solution – such as a Framery pod – by 33.5%”. A newly built meeting room could be anywhere from 33% to 55% more expensive than an office pod.
Consider longevity, too. A solidly built pod with a 5+ year warranty (often standard) will outlast flimsy partitions. Unlike a drywall meeting room, a durable meeting pod solution can move with you when your business relocates. Many pods and phone booths can even roll to different locations in your building. This makes them far more versatile if your needs change and adds to their usability lifespan.
Think in terms of value per user or per meeting hour—a pod that pays for itself by freeing up booked boardrooms is a bargain.
Leasing or financing options are available at Furnify, so you can amortise even a high-end pod.
Beware Hidden Extras
Wiring up tech, installing fans, or customising upholstery can add costs. We recommend always factoring in, say, 10–15% extra for cabling and installation. But compare that to the cost of whole-room construction (stud wall, ceiling, lights), and pods still win for flexibility.
Best Pods for Budget and Durability
For tight budgets, check out Furnify’s more affordable models like the one-person Penelope Work Booth or the Bob Rooms. They start around a few thousand pounds and deliver high sound insulation. To install multiple rooms at a fraction of the cost of separate pods, opt for modular systems that can share walls. CellPod V2 and Mute Modular Pods let you cluster rooms to save on materials and space.
Penelope Work Booth
Bob Rooms
CellPod V2 Office Pods
Mute Modular Pods
8 Common Mistakes to Avoid
1. Neglecting airflow or lighting
It sounds basic, but if your pod is stuffy or dim, nobody will use it.
2. Ignoring airflow clearance
Pods with ceiling vents or fans need clearance to breath. Allow for 150-200mm between the office ceiling and the top of your pod for airflow circulation.
3. Placing vents under hot office lights
Ensure there are no lights above the fans. Office lights above the pod will heat the air that the fan brings in.
4. Under-specking tech
Make sure your wifi signal reaches the pod (pods don’t block wifi signals), or better yet, run a data cable to it. Check in advance if you’ll need extra integrated power modules, charging ports and media connectivity inside. This includes integrating monitor brackets and running cables through pod panel during the installation.
5. Thinking pod height equals installation clearance
Always measure the ceiling height and check if it will be possible to install the pod you are getting. Some pods require additional height to be installed. For instance, the Framery One Lounge is 2255mm high, but requires 2400mm to assemble.
6. Picking monster-sized pods for small spaces
For lower ceiling heights there are a limited number of solutions to choose from. Milli Sit, On the QT Short, and Penelope Work Booth are likely candidates that may meet your needs.
7. Ignoring future mobility requirements
If your office might move or reconfigure, insist on casters or demountable pod options. A fixed pod can cost additional time and effort you when you relocate.
8. Forgetting to factor in lead times
Yes, pods are virtually overnight solutions to your space needs. But it still takes a wee while to get them customised and manufactured to your needs. While stock pods can ship in a couple of days, fully bespoke pods can take up to 8 weeks. Forgetting to factor in the lead time can throw off your project timeline. Check the lead times below and order it well in advance.
Pod Order & Delivery Times
If you’re in a crunch, there are quick-ship options. Customised pods in your brand colours, with upholstered walls and furniture takes time to build, especially if you want special fabrics or layouts.
In-stock pods are available in 48 hours to 1 week
For ultra-fast delivery, Furnify stocks a few basic pods. Both the Kolo Pod Range and Berlin Acoustics Pod Range can be delivered within days. These are usually in white, graphite or black finishes with grey interiors—simple and professional. These come with no fancy frills, but they’re ready to go pronto.
Standard pods and booths are made to order in 4 to 6 weeks
Standard pod ranges are still made to order, as you can pick the size and apply any standard finishes you desire. A good example of this is the elegant Silent Lab Pod Range. With pods like the GEN4 CHAT2 Meeting Pod you have a limited range of standard carpet (anthracite or steel grey) upholstery (from swatches) and frame (black or natural wood) options to choose from. These pods ship in about 4–6 weeks.
Fully customised pods usually take 7 to 8 weeks
As you might expect, fully custom pod creations take the longest. CellPods, Mute Modular and ThinkTank Pods are in this category, and you get what you wait for! With bespoke pods, you can choose the size, decide which walls are upholstered, laminated, or glass, choose all colours and fabrics, and add power and media units wherever you want them. Even decide where you need the door or add whiteboards. Generally, it takes about 7–8 weeks from order to install, depending on the production line. Once your bespoke pod is received from the factory, the Installify team will install it in hours.
A quick chat with Furnify will clarify what’s in stock and what any custom lead times may be.
Furnify’s Top Pod Picks
We’ve mentioned a ton already, so here’s a quick shortlist of favourites, all available through Furnify:
- CellPod V2 Meeting Pods: Hugely versatile, fully modular pods made to any size. Great for reconfiguration and high-end finishes.
- Framery Pods: Premium soundproof pods (one-, two- and multi-person) with a tech-savvy twist. 95% recyclable and extremely popular.
- Mute Modular Pods: Modern Scandinavian design, fully demountable, expandable, and relocatable.
- HushFree Pods: These stylish loungy pods have plush benches and excellent acoustic control; some models even roll on built-in wheels for easy movement.
Each of these covers different needs and budgets, but all share excellent build quality. Check out Furnify’s site for in-depth specs and a comparison.
Take the Leap into Your Pod with Confidence
Office pods are much more than a furniture fad— they’re a strategic investment in your hybrid work future. The right pod balances privacy, flexibility and style. But most of all, the right pod is the one that meets your exact needs, keeping your team focused and your space adaptable.
You’ll save on construction costs, boost employee well-being, and present a forward-thinking image all at once. With careful planning and Furnify at your side, you can shift into the pod life. Let’s find the pod that fits your brand, budget, and vibe. Our team will ensure it is installed smoothly, and ready to go from day one.