The growing trend of solo work pods: what's driving the shift?

Published
11.8.2025
Author
Kirke Metsa, Mariann Pihlap
Reading time
~2 mins
Categories
Products

Office design has come full circle — from cubicles and private offices to expansive open spaces aimed at collaboration. Yet despite their appeal, open layouts have taken an unexpected toll on productivity, creating distractions and noise rather than inspiration. 

To address this challenge without costly renovations or reverting to outdated designs, companies are increasingly turning to larger solo work pods, like Silen Space 1.5 and Silen Chatbox Solo. These spacious, dedicated environments offer employees the comfort and quiet they need for sustained periods of focused, productive work throughout the day.

Why size matters: comfort and functionality

Choosing a slightly larger solo pod means more than just extra square footage. Pods like Silen Space 1.5 and Silen Chatbox Solo provide room for ergonomic furniture and more comfortable seating, improving posture and reducing fatigue during longer sessions.

The additional space also allows for movement, letting employees stretch or shift position easily. As a result, users can stay productive longer without discomfort, making these pods a practical investment in employee well-being.

Soundproofing and privacy: the technical advantage

Choosing larger pods like the Silen Space 1.5 or Chatbox Solo means gaining access to technical features designed for deep focus. These pods deliver market-leading two-way noise reduction, cutting both external noise and internal speech leakage to a minimum. Enhanced ventilation systems provide more than double the airflow of smaller pods — keeping the air fresh and the environment comfortable even during long work sessions.

Lighting and airflow function automatically by default, but full control becomes available with the optional Silen Control Panel. This add-on allows users to manually adjust ventilation speed and light intensity, making it possible to fine-tune the environment for maximum comfort.

The result is a quiet, breathable, and highly adaptable workspace that supports serious productivity without compromise.

Real-world impact and long-term value

In everyday office life, larger solo pods prove their worth quickly. Whether it’s a writer needing hours of uninterrupted focus, a developer solving complex technical problems, or a designer deep in a creative flow, having a quiet, spacious, and comfortable pod makes all the difference. These are not just short-call booths — they’re workspaces built for real work.

By reducing distractions and physical strain, these pods help employees get more done in less time, while also supporting their well-being throughout the day. For businesses, that translates into happier teams, higher output, and fewer wasted hours.

The growing shift toward larger solo pods isn’t just about following a trend — it’s a smart investment in productivity, employee satisfaction, and the future of work.

Curious how solo work pods could fit into your office? Contact us!

Kirke Metsa

As Silen’s Head of Content, Kirke shares the story of the world’s largest collection of office pods and privacy solutions with global audiences across all platforms. She delves into topics like workspace focus and office productivity. Connect with Kirke on LinkedIn.

Mariann Pihlap
Mariann Pihlap

Head of Partner Relations at Silen, delivering the Silen brand to top global resellers in 60 countries across 6 continents. She writes about workspace wellbeing and innovative office spaces. Connect with Mariann on LinkedIn.