What is a Focus Pod and Do You Need One for Your Office?
Updated: 5 days ago
A focus pod is an enclosed, single or double-occupancy space built into an open office, designed to block noise and give someone a quiet place to work, take a call, or work without interruption.
Think of it as a more advanced phone booth. They have acoustic walls, proper ventilation, and enough room to actually get something done.
If your team works in an open floor plan, you probably need one. Here's why.
WHY YOUR TEAM WILL APPRECIATE FOCUS PODS
Open offices are supposed to boost collaboration. What they actually can do is make it nearly impossible to concentrate.
Research out of UC Irvine found it takes about 23 minutes to regain deep focus after an interruption, and open-plan offices average an audible distraction every 11 minutes.
Do that math across a workday, and it's no surprise studies point to distraction, not sick days, as the biggest driver of lost productivity.
A focus pod gives people a place to focus without interruption.
Signs You Need One
People are taking calls in the stairwell, parking lot, or bathroom because there's nowhere quiet to go
Your only conference room is constantly booked for one-person phone calls
Employees mention needing "quiet time" or say they work better from home
Your office is fully open with no walls, and you've noticed focus (not collaboration) has taken the hit
Not sure if a pod will solve it? Here are 7 signs your office needs a commercial redesign.
What They Cost
Single-occupancy pods generally run $5,000 to $15,000, depending on size, soundproofing, and ventilation. That's a fraction of the cost of framing out a permanent office, and pods can be moved or reconfigured if your layout changes down the road.
Most companies see the investment pay for itself within 12 to 18 months just from the focus time they get back.
Where Focus Pods Fit Into a Redesign
A well-designed office mixes open collaboration areas with quiet zones like pods, phone booths, and smaller meeting rooms, so people can choose the space that matches the work they're doing.
At Workspace Elements, we build that mix into every layout we design, sourcing and installing furniture from trusted commercial-grade brands like Gunlocke, HON, and Allsteel.
Focus Pod FAQs
What’s the difference between a focus pod and a phone booth?
A phone booth is built for short calls and usually fits one person standing or perched. A focus pod is designed for longer stretches of work, with a desk surface, seating, ventilation and room for one or two people.
How big is a focus pod?
Most focus pods are built for one person and take up about the footprint of a phone booth. Larger pods fit two to four people for quick meetings or video calls.
Do focus pods need to be installed?
Most focus pods are freestanding and modular, so they can be set up without construction and moved later if your layout changes. Many need a power connection for lighting and ventilation.
Where should focus pods go in an open office?
Place them close to open workstations so they’re easy to reach, but away from high-traffic areas like kitchens, entrances and printer stations.
Ready to Fix Your Layout?
If your team is dodging distractions all day, a few well-placed focus pods might be the fastest fix available.
We help companies across Salt Lake City and the rest of Utah design offices where every space actually works. Contact us to find the right focus pods and phone booths for your Salt Lake City office.
About Workspace Elements
Workspace Elements provides commercial interior design, workspace planning, and office furniture solutions for businesses throughout Utah. Their team specializes in creating functional, productive workplaces through thoughtful design, quality furnishings, and professional installation.