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Open-plan offices have gradually become a preferred workspace layout in many companies. By encouraging collaboration, fast communication, and flexibility, this type of work environment aligns well with the needs of modern organizations.
However, despite its many advantages, it comes with a major challenge: noise management.
In an open space, conversations between colleagues, phone calls, and impromptu meetings tend to multiply. Even though these interactions are part of normal office life, they can quickly interfere with the concentration of employees who must complete tasks requiring sustained attention.
Faced with this recurring issue, companies are increasingly exploring alternatives such as micro-offices and phone booths (or acoustic booths). The question arises: do these solutions represent a miracle answer to reduce noise in open office environments, or are they simply part of a more refined strategy for workspace design and management?
Noise in open-plan offices : a real challenge for productivity
Noise is now one of the main sources of dissatisfaction in open work environments. Contrary to what one might think, it is not only about high sound levels. Human conversations, even at low volume, are particularly difficult to ignore.
The brain is naturally programmed to process language. When a discussion happens nearby, our attention is automatically drawn to it, even if we are trying to focus on a task.
In an active open space, several noise sources combine :
- conversations between colleagues
- phone calls
- informal meetings
- video conferences
- notifications and office equipment
They create a sound environment that makes it harder to complete tasks requiring concentration.
Micro-offices and phone booths : what is the difference?
Micro-offices and phone booths are often mentioned together, but they address slightly different needs.
Phone booths : a space for calls and video conferences
Phone booths are individual cabins designed primarily to allow employees to make calls or participate in virtual meetings without disturbing their colleagues.
Compact and enclosed, they are generally equipped with ventilation, integrated lighting, and a small work surface. Their acoustic design helps limit the propagation of sound to the outside while creating a quieter environment inside.
Micro-offices : a space for focused work
Micro-offices provide a slightly larger and more comfortable space. They allow an employee to temporarily isolate themselves to perform work that requires more concentration.
Unlike phone booths, they are often used for longer periods, for example to :
-
write an important document
-
analyze data
-
prepare a presentatioN
-
work on a project requiring sustained focus
They therefore represent an interesting alternative to meeting rooms, which are often reserved for team discussions.
| Characteristic |
Phone Booth | Micro-office |
| Main use | Phone calls, video conferences, and confidential conversations | Individual work requiring concentration |
| Capacity |
1, 2, 4, or 6 people, or more depending on the model | 1 person (sometimes 2 depending on the configuration) |
| Duration of use |
Short duration (call or virtual meeting) | Longer use for focused work |
| Level of isolation | Acoustic insulation to limit the spread of conversations | More complete acoustic insulation to support concentration |
| Space required |
Compact | Slightly more spacious |
Why these solutions are gaining popularity
The first factor is the increase in virtual meetings. In many companies, video calls are now part of everyday work. When they take place directly in the open space, they can quickly create distractions for nearby colleagues.
Another important factor is the need for individual concentration. While collaboration is essential, some tasks require a calm environment to be completed efficiently. Micro-offices provide this option without requiring the construction of new permanent rooms.
Finally, flexibility plays a key role. Acoustic booths are generally modular and can be installed quickly in an existing office. They therefore represent an attractive solution for companies that want to improve their work environment without undertaking major renovations.
Concrete benefits for companies
When integrated strategically, acoustic booths bring several tangible advantages.
The first concerns the improvement of acoustic comfort. Moving calls and extended conversations into enclosed spaces helps maintain an acceptable sound level in the open space.
The second advantage directly affects productivity. Employees have a place where they can focus without interruptions, allowing them to complete certain tasks faster and with fewer errors.
The third is an essential solution for confidentiality. They offer an isolated and discreet space, ideal for confidential discussions such as those with clients or human resources.
Finally, these spaces improve workplace well-being by giving employees the choice between environments suited to their activity (collaborative, informal, or quiet).
Limitations to consider
Even though micro-offices and phone booths offer many advantages, they should not be considered a single solution to the problem of noise.
Without acoustic treatment in the open space itself, sound levels may remain high despite their presence.
Several elements must be considered to improve the acoustics of an open office :
- the use of wall-mounted or suspended acoustic panels
- the integration of sound-absorbing furniture
- the presence of carpets or textile surfaces
- the use of acoustic partitions
Acoustic booths become truly effective when they are part of a global approach to the sound environment.
How many booths should an office have?
The number of booths required depends on several factors, including team size, call frequency, and the type of work performed.
In many workspace design projects, some recommendations serve as a starting point :
- approximately one phone booth for every 10 to 15 employees
- one to two micro-offices for every 20 to 30 employees
These ratios may vary depending on the specific needs of the company. An organization where client calls are frequent will generally require more booths.
An essential solution, but not the only one
Micro-offices and phone booths alone are not a miracle solution to noise in open-plan offices. Acoustic comfort depends on several factors, including space design, materials used, and work organization.
However, when integrated into a well-thought-out workspace strategy, these modules become extremely effective tools for improving the quality of the work environment.
In a context where virtual meetings and hybrid work are becoming increasingly common, acoustic booths are now emerging as a key element in modern office design.
FAQ – Micro-offices and phone booths
1. Are phone booths completely soundproof?
Most acoustic booths are not completely soundproof, but they offer excellent sound insulation that significantly reduces noise propagation.
2. Do micro-offices replace meeting rooms?
No. They rather complement existing spaces by offering an intermediate solution for individual work or small discussions.
3. How much does an acoustic booth cost?
The price varies depending on size, materials, and equipment, but individual models generally start at a few thousand dollars.
4. Do acoustic booths require construction work?
Most models are modular and can be installed quickly without major construction.
5. Can small businesses benefit from them?
Yes. Micro-offices and acoustic booths are particularly beneficial for small businesses that want to optimize their space while improving employee concentration.
