Open plan offices encourage collaboration and make the most of space, but they can make private conversations and calls challenging. Renovating to add meeting rooms is often costly, time-consuming, and disruptive. For long-time customer Global Commodities and Shipping, Office Administrator Sadie Mitchell worked with resident furniture expertGreg Gibbons to find a practical solution that provided privacy without disruption or expensive renovations. The result was a B.Quiet Meeting Pod – a freestanding, soundproof space for confidential meetings and focused work. We discuss why these new office space innovations are an ideal solution for businesses seeking flexibility.
Solving open plan privacy challenges
Open plan offices are fantastic for collaboration and keeping teams connected, but they can make private conversations and phone calls a real challenge. For Global Commodities, the need for a discreet space became increasingly important as the business continued to grow and engage with clients and industry partners.
The team initially implemented free-standing screens to designate different zones within the open office. While these helped, they didn’t give the level of privacy needed for important discussions. As Sadie recalls, they Googled different kinds of pods as they had already heard about them, but needed to know more to understand if it was the right fit. Having worked closely with Greg Gibbons for their previous office furniture fit-outs, Sadie knew she could rely on his experience and expertise to identify a solution that would address the team’s needs effectively and efficiently.
Stylish and functional portable meeting pods
Greg worked with Sadie to find a solution to suit their space, needs and budget. Their chosen B.Quiet Meeting Pod offers a range of features that make it an ideal choice for modern open plan offices:
- Compact, freestanding design (2200H x 2200W x 1200D) – Fits well into open office layouts; in this office, it is positioned longways and not against a wall, doubling as an unofficial room divider. Heavy-duty castors allow flexibility.
- Sound-reducing structure – Creates a private, quiet space for calls and meetings, ensuring confidentiality in an open plan environment, and 30DB sound level reduction.
- Accommodates up to four people comfortably – Suitable for small team meetings or collaborative work without feeling cramped.
- Stylish black melamine radial corner desktop table with bench seating – Provides a functional and modern workspace for both individual focus and group discussions.
- Plug-in and go – Simply plug in the pod and start charging devices via a power outlet or USB, ensuring laptops and smartphones are always ready for work.
- LED lighting and ventilation – 4 air vents and a sensor LED light ensure the pod is well-lit and comfortable during meetings or longer work sessions.
- Sleek black powder-coated exterior – Gives a professional and modern aesthetic that fits seamlessly into any office.
Beyond these practical features, the B.Quiet Pod is cost-effective, flexible, and quick to install. Unlike permanent renovations, it requires no development approvals, construction, or coordination with contractors, and it can be easily dismantled and relocated as office needs evolve.
Smart solution and seamless experiences
Following a seamless install, staff were quick to notice the difference: “the feedback from everyone has been great”, Sadie described, furthering that the pod can hold 4 people quite comfortably, which was a surprise. Working with Greg made the process simple. Sadie added, “Greg is great, he knows how we work and always comes up with the right solution for us. He always comes up with the right thing to suit our needs and our budget.”
Beyond positive staff feedback, meeting pods proved to be a practical, cost-effective solution for adding private spaces without the disruption or expense of full renovations. Freestanding, plug-and-play, and equipped with power, ventilation and lighting, pods like the B.Quiet Meeting Pod provide privacy and flexibility for small group meetings or focused work.
For small-to-medium-sized businesses like Global Commodities and Shipping, these pods offer a space-saving, easy-to-install solution worth considering. Working with a local expert like Greg Gibbons from Sharp Office makes selecting and installing the right pod straightforward. Contact Greg today.
