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Office pods have gotten supremely popular ever since COVID-19 hit, not only do they create little isolated spaces to work in, but they also provide a whole other level of privacy, that would have been otherwise unattainable in a commercial office. There are quite a few versatile options on the market that aim to support various office needs such as focused work, video calls, meetings and moments of privacy.

Developed by designers Philip Bogaerts and René Vullings for furniture brand Bogaerts, Mono is an all-in-one flexible and mobile study pod that can be folded away when not in use. The unit folds in three steps making it ideal for usage in spaces where temporary extra sound-dampened working settings are needed. It can be used for temporary applications or installed permanently.

The design comprises a high back that encompasses the workspace and is available with single- or double-sized seats built into the back wall. It features an integrated desk and is produced with recycled PET felt which absorbs sound and creates an environment where the user can work focused. The pod also has a fold-out table and comes with optional wheels for easy transportation.

Mono comes in two variations: Mono Solo & Mono Duo. Individual pods can be linked together for a unified workspace configuration. By using the integrated linking system the Mono’s can be placed facing the front or front and back to create a more individual setting.

Workplace furniture brand Mute describes their Jetson office pod as “the first truly DIY acoustic pod,” as well as “the most accessible pod on the market”. The flexible DIY system is made of durable and light aluminium and can be assembled without tools by two people in 30 to 60 minutes.

Another key feature of the design is its movable add-on accessories in the form of bookshelves or magnetic whiteboards that can be attached to both the inner and outer walls, at any height, to add customize pods.

French workplace furniture brand Leet Design, quite on the contrary, has launched a work booth that is not only soundproof but also high-tech, Developed in collaboration with in-house designer Marouane Sadki, Arche acoustic pod comes in two formats, a two-seater meeting pod designed compact meeting room to serve as a and a single-person phone box style booth for focused work. Both share distinctively rounded exterior silhouettes made from recycled steel and lined with fleece on the inside.

The glass paneling on both side allows the user to place the cabin anywhere in the open space. The ventilation system collects fresh air at ground level and lets in heat through the ceiling, recreating natural airflow. The air is recirculated in less than a minute, this corresponds to 7x the required standard for a meeting room.

Qworkntine pod system has been developed by architect and interior designer Mohamed M. Radwan during the COVID-19 pandemic as a solution that could offer safety and protection for those who could not work from home under lockdown. Its main goal is to provide coronavirus security within work spaces while maintaining the same number of employees per square meter, as in a traditional office system.

The design of the Qworkntine pod offers flexibility thanks to its hexagonal hive-like shape, which allows for the booths to be organized inside offices, optimizing the workspace. Pods can be customized depending on different needs, allowing it to fit in 90º angles, and can be elongated to accommodate top executives and management.

Automatic doors are controlled by facial recognition. Otherwise the pods are completely sealed, therefore ventilation fans have built-in air purifiers, ensuring clean air inside. Besides, Qworkntine is envisioned as made of hygiene friendly non-porous materials that can be easily cleaned and disinfected to avoid contamination.