Office PODs usually require between 3 and 10 square metres of office space, depending on the size, model and purpose of the POD. This includes both the space occupied by the POD itself and the circulation space required around it. The smallest one-person PODs take up around 3-4 square metres, while the larger 2-4 person conference PODs require 6-10 square metres. It is also important to consider the space required for movement around the POD, typically at least 60-100 cm in front of the door. A properly sized office POD provides an efficient space solution, which improves the functionality of the working environment without taking up too much valuable office space.
Office PODs in a modern working environment
Modern office space has undergone a major transformation in recent years. Open offices have become common, but there is also a need for private spaces where employees can concentrate undisturbed or hold small meetings. This need has been met by Office PODs, providing a flexible and efficient solution to the challenges of today's working environments.
Office PODs are self-contained, soundproofed spaces that can be placed in an open office environment without structural changes. They act as small "rooms within a room", offering privacy and the possibility for focused work or small-scale meetings. PODs are modular and in many cases mobile, making them ideal for changing space needs.
INTO, the Finnish furniture and interior design pioneer, offers a wide range of innovative POD solutions for different needs. Discover INTO's high quality range of POD rooms and find the perfect solution for your modern working environment.
How much space does an office POD actually need?
The actual space requirements of an office POD consist of two parts: the physical dimensions of the POD itself and the circulation space required around it. The smallest one-person telephone booths or meeting rooms typically measure around 1 x 1 metre (1 m²), but in practice their total space requirements are around 3-4 square metres (3 to 4 square metres), taking into account the necessary space for movement and corridors.
Medium-sized PODs for 1-2 people are usually 2-4 square metres in size, but the overall space requirement is around 5-7 square metres. The larger 3-4 person meeting PODs, on the other hand, have an internal area of 4-6 square metres, often increasing the total space requirement to 8-10 square metres.
Sufficient space for unobstructed access must be provided in front of the POD door, at least 60-100 cm. For users with reduced mobility, this space should be at least 90-120 cm. It should also be noted that the positioning of the POD should take into account the exit routes and other access routes to the office.
| POD type | POD internal dimensions (approx.) | Total space required (approx.) | Purpose |
|---|---|---|---|
| Small POD for 1 person | 1-2 m² | 3-4 m² | Phone calls, work requiring concentration |
| Medium POD for 1-2 persons | 2-4 m² | 5-7 m² | Individual work, small meetings |
| Large POD for 3-4 people | 4-6 m² | 8-10 m² | Teamwork, negotiations |
In addition to the size of PODs, their design and the direction in which the door opens must be taken into account. An outward opening door requires more space around it than an inward opening door. Sliding door models, on the other hand, save space but may be more challenging for some users.
The POD should also be sited with ventilation and lighting in mind. Many modern PODs include their own ventilation and lighting systems, but they may still require a certain type of layout to function optimally.
What are the benefits of POD solutions for the office?
POD solutions offer numerous benefits for the modern office environment. Firstly, they significantly improve the concentration of workers by providing quiet spaces in an open office. This is particularly important for tasks that require deep concentration or creative thinking.
PODs also allow for confidential conversations and calls without distractions. This increases privacy and improves the quality of communication. PODs allow sensitive customer information, staff issues or other confidential topics to be handled securely.
A significant benefit is also flexibility of facilities. POD solutions allow office space to be quickly adapted to changing needs without costly and time-consuming renovations. This is particularly valuable for growing businesses or offices where team sizes and needs vary.
The INTO collection is particularly popular with POD 3 – soundproof work and meeting room, suitable for 1-3 people. This versatile space provides a compact environment for focused work and easily converts into a small meeting room for team meetings. POD 3's excellent soundproofing ensures a peaceful working environment, while its efficient ventilation keeps the air fresh even during long meetings.
POD solutions also contribute to the efficient use of space in the office. Compared to traditional fixed office spaces, PODs take up less floor space in relation to the benefits they offer. They also enable the benefits of an open office - such as ease of collaboration and communication - while providing a solution to the traditional problems of open offices.
Well-designed PODs also serve as visual elements in the office and can improve the overall appearance of the workplace. Stylish design and quality materials make them attractive workstations that can even increase employee motivation and job satisfaction.
The optimal POD solution for your own office
When choosing an office POD, the most important thing is to map out exactly what the space will be used for and how many people will use it regularly. For smaller offices where space is limited, it is worth considering compact one-person solutions, which take up only 3-4 square metres. In larger offices, on the other hand, it may make sense to have several PODs of different sizes to serve a wider range of needs.
When locating PODs, it is important to take into account office access routes and traffic flows. A good rule of thumb is to locate PODs so that they are easily accessible, but not directly on the busiest routes. This minimises disruption and maximises the comfort of use of the premises.
It is also worth considering the technical features of PODs. Modern POD solutions often include efficient ventilation, soundproofing, lighting and electrical outlets. Choose the solution that best supports your users' working styles and needs. For example, a POD for video conferencing should have adequate lighting and possibly an integrated screen.
Also take into account the overall interior design style and colour scheme of your office. PODs can act as stylish eye-catchers, bringing personality and dynamism to the work environment. INTO offers a wide range of POD solutions to suit different interior styles and needs.
An optimal POD solution improves the functionality of the working environment, increases employee satisfaction and improves work efficiency. Discover the INTO POD rooms to find the right solution for your office. If you need help choosing the right POD solution or have any questions, contact our expertswho will be happy to help you.
