Building Phone Booths in Your Office: Niche Projects is Here to Help

Since the very first days of office work, phone calls in the office have been a day-to-day occurrence. But trying to have an important meeting with a client or remote colleague in a noisy open-plan office? Headphones make it easier, but if there’s sensitive information being discussed or a business deal on the line, peace and quiet is a must. 

Ironically, the solution to this problem has been around since 1881 – the humble phone booth!

Now, while today’s office phone booths aren’t exactly the same as their vintage counterparts, they’ve definitely been inspired by them. And at Sydney City Rubbish, our team has extensive experience in designing and installing phone booths of all sizes for offices in Sydney, enabling better communication and privacy.

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What is a phone booth?

A phone booth is a soundproof, private space where employees can make calls without distractions. Modern office phone booths are usually made of glass or other transparent materials, letting in natural light while still keeping things private. They utilise soundproof materials for some of the walls, ceiling and floor.

Office phone booths of boxes often include the following specs:

  • A designated space of at least 1.2 square metres
  • Soundproof walls to tune out noise
  • A chair and built-in desk for your laptop
  • A proper ventilation system to stay cool and comfortable
  • Power outlets to keep everything charged while you work

What’s the benefit of having phone booths in an office?

Phone booths bring many perks for employees and the wider business, including better privacy, reduced distractions, and many more. When workers have a dedicated space to make use of for calls, productivity and efficiency can benefit.

Privacy

Phone booths in the office are a lifesaver when it comes to privacy. Whether you’re handling sensitive calls or having a confidential chat, these booths offer soundproof spaces where you can speak freely without worrying about being overheard. In open-plan offices, where noise and visibility can be an issue, phone booths make it easier to have private conversations.

Better focus

Need to escape the office buzz and really focus? Phone booths give employees a quiet spot away from distractions, making it easier to tackle tasks that need deep thinking or problem-solving. The quiet atmosphere helps block out the noise so employees can concentrate and get things done without interruptions.

Improved productivity

Phone booths can be a game-changer for productivity. Employees won’t have to waste time hunting for a private spot to make calls or focus on important work. Instead, they can jump right in and stay on the ball for longer, which leads to more done in less time.

Enhancing office aesthetics

Aside from their practical benefits, phone booths can also improve the look of your office. Modern designs come in a range of colours and finishes, so they can easily blend into your existing décor. Not only do they make the office feel more professional, but they also add a stylish, contemporary vibe that’s sure to impress both clients and employees alike.

Our team can help design booths or install ready-made booths that fit the design of your existing space. We’re always here to help.

What’s the difference between a phone booth and a meeting pod?

Phone booths are generally smaller and meant for one person. They’re perfect for making private phone calls, joining virtual meetings, or getting some focused work done. Meeting pods, on the other hand, are bigger. Because of the extra space, they can fit two or more people, making them great for small group meetings or teamwork sessions.

Both phone booths and meeting pods come with similar features like soundproofing, ventilation, power outlets, and a little surface for your laptop or other devices. But meeting pods often take it a step further with more seating and sometimes even a monitor for longer meetings or presentations.

What to consider when installing phone booths in an office?

When you’re thinking about adding phone booths to your office, it’s not just about throwing a booth in a corner. There are a few key things to consider to make sure they actually serve their purpose. Here’s a handy list to tick off:

The number of booths

First up, figure out how many phone booths you’ll need. It all comes down to how often your employees will need private spaces. Too few, and you might have people fighting over them. Too many, and you’re just wasting space. Aim for a balance where there’s enough to go around without overcrowding the office.

The size of your booth(s)

The booth size is important. If it’s too cramped, people won’t want to use it. On the other hand, if it’s too big, it’ll just take up more room than necessary. Think about how long people will be using it—whether it’s a quick call or a lengthy video meeting—and choose a size that fits those needs.

Location

Location is key. You want your phone booths in spots that won’t interrupt the office flow. Think about putting them near busy areas but not right in the middle of the action. Natural light and ventilation can be a bonus but avoid super noisy spots or high foot traffic areas.

Comfort

People should feel comfortable in these booths, even if they’re in there for a while. Make sure they’re soundproofed well, have comfy seating, and good lighting. A bit of ventilation goes a long way in keeping the booth inviting, too.

Air circulation

Speaking of ventilation, don’t forget about air circulation! Without proper airflow, the booth can get stuffy fast, especially if someone’s in there for a while. A simple ventilation system or air conditioning can keep things cool and breathable, making the booth much more user-friendly.

Booking system

If you’ve got several booths, it’s smart to set up a booking system to keep things organised. This helps avoid any awkward “who’s using it next?” moments. You can go digital with a booking app or keep it simple with a sign-up sheet.

Get phone box installation in your Sydney office

At Niche Projects, we’re office design and fitout experts in Sydney. We work with commercial businesses of all sizes, providing everything from complete building fitouts, to small additions and upgrades to existing office spaces. If you’re looking to have phone booths installed in your office, our team is here to help.

Click here to discuss your needs today.