2025 Workplace Trends: Office Pods in the Hybrid Workplace

The shift to hybrid work has changed what people expect from the office. During the pandemic many employees got a taste of working with greater control over their environment; something that was often missing in open office layouts. But while working from home provided more autonomy, it came with its own distractions, from kids and pets to less-than-ideal desk setups. 

What people consistently say they need most, whether at home or in the office, is privacy. And when that’s missing, it doesn’t just impact productivity – it affects overall wellbeing, fueling stress and burnout. This isn’t a new challenge, but with the rise of hybrid work it has become impossible to ignore. 

What are Office Pods and Phone Booths? 

One solution more and more companies are turning to is the office pod. These standalone spaces come in a variety of shapes and sizes: from single-person booths designed for quick calls or heads-down focus, to larger pods that comfortably fit two to four people for small team meetings, all with integrated technology so you never have to worry about where you’re going to plug in and power up. 

What makes pods so effective for the hybrid workplace is their versatility. They give employees the choice to step away from the buzz of the office when they need privacy, without disconnecting from their team entirely. Whether it’s carving out a quiet spot for concentration or creating a calm space that supports wellbeing, pods make it easier to balance collaboration with individual needs – something every hybrid workplace is constantly striving for. 

Office Pods vs Traditional Construction 

Office pods offer many benefits over traditional construction. Shorter lead times, no need for contractors or any permanent renovations, pods can be an efficient “plug-and-play” solution for a workplace that is looking to incorporate future flexibility into its floorplan. Pods can be moved or reconfigured as needs change, and can be installed significantly faster than traditional construction methods. This also makes them a more sustainable solution, with lower material waste, often incorporating reusable or recyclable components.  

Our Favourite Office Pod Solutions 

Orangebox Campers and Dens 

If you’re seeking a fresh alternative to traditional office architecture, Orangebox’s Campers & Dens are worth a closer look. Inspired by the natural way people interact with campsites, these pods help you shape your workspace intuitively, offering layers of privacy, and places to gather together, through campers, cabins, and awnings – providing employees flexibility and choice with a wide range of configurations. 

Built with circularity in mind, Campers & Dens are designed to be easily refreshed, repurposed, and relocated – delivering acoustic privacy without the permanence of traditional construction. Thoughtful material choices, including fabrics, glass, aluminum, and recycled plastics, create an environmentally friendly palette that supports sustainability at every turn. 

The product line includes both large and small Campers, plus lounge pieces and additional power locations. The larger Camper provides space for group meetings and collaboration, while the smaller one is perfect for individual focus or small-team discussions. Together, they offer a versatile, user-friendly way to balance privacy, productivity, and wellbeing in the hybrid office. 

Loop Phone Booths 

Loop Phone Booths offer a Canadian-based solution for the hybrid workplace, allowing our clients to avoid any associated tariffs with fewer supply chain risks. While the Loop Solo phone booth might be the first product you think of when you think of Loop, the company also offers larger pods that can host a four-person meeting, as well as an accessible option with extra wide doors and no thresholds, making it fully ADA compliant.  

Loop also boasts a full-service in-house team dedicated for custom projects to suit any design needs, and has a great track record helping clients looking for one-of-a-kind solutions for their workplaces. The Loop team has also come out with a unique furniture range that compliments their product offering, incorporating mid-century modern design with a modern aesthetic.  

Bureau 

Another local office pod option is offered by Bureau (formerly Inbox Booths), a furniture and design company specializing in workspace fit-outs and made-to-order furnishings, located in Vancouver. Bureau offers everything from a one-person phone booth to an 8-person modular meeting room. If you’re looking to take all of the guesswork out of a pod purchase, Bureau offers fully-furnished pods, including ergonomically designed seating and integrated tables.  

Supporting Employee Needs in the Hybrid Era 

Hybrid work has changed what employees expect from the office – flexibility, privacy, and spaces that support both focus and wellbeing are now top priorities. Office pods and phone booths offer a simple, versatile solution. From single-person focus booths to multi-person pods for small meetings, these spaces give employees choice and control over how they work, while supporting collaboration when it’s needed. 

Pods don’t just solve one problem, they tackle several at once. Pods and phone booths can reduce noise and distractions, provide much-needed privacy, support mental wellbeing, and adapt to evolving team needs without major construction. In a hybrid workplace, they help create a more balanced, productive, and comfortable environment for everyone. 

Our team of experienced workplace consultants are ready to help you navigate the future of work. Contact us today to learn more about how office pods can enhance the hybrid work experience for your organization.