Phone Booths & Meeting Pods: Enhancing Privacy in the Modern Workplace

As open offices have evolved across Dallas–Fort Worth workplaces, one challenge consistently surfaces: balancing collaboration with focus and privacy. The modern workplace thrives on interaction — yet without the right spaces for private calls, deep work, or small-group meetings, productivity and employee satisfaction can suffer. 

That’s where phone booths and meeting pods come in. These modular, sound-managed spaces offer an adaptable way to introduce privacy into open layouts — without heavy construction or loss of flexibility. For organizations designing or refreshing their offices in Dallas, they’re becoming an essential part of workplace furniture strategies that support hybrid work, acoustic comfort, and inclusivity. 

Why privacy matters in open offices?

Open-plan offices were designed to increase collaboration and transparency, but research and real-world experience show they can also increase noise, distractions, and stress. Employees need variety — spaces for focus, calls, and small discussions alongside larger collaboration zones. 

In today’s workplace design trends across DFW, privacy has become a key performance driver: 

• Acoustic comfort boosts focus and cognitive performance. 

• Private zones reduce stress and help employees feel respected and supported. 

• Flexible configurations support hybrid teams that shift between remote calls and in-person meetings. 

By integrating phone booths and meeting pods into a larger workplace furniture plan, organizations can achieve both openness and balance. 

What are phone booths and meeting pods? 

Phone booths are compact, enclosed units designed for one person to make calls or join virtual meetings without background noise. They typically include integrated ventilation, power, lighting, and sound insulation. 

Meeting pods extend this concept for two to six people — offering semi-enclosed or fully enclosed meeting spaces with integrated technology and acoustics. Both are available in freestanding formats that require no permanent construction and can be relocated as the office evolves. 

These solutions fit within IRG’s broader collaborative workplace furniture strategy — supporting clients who want agile, high-performing environments without long construction timelines. 

Case in point: Meeting spaces redefined 

A recent IRG project, Meeting Spaces Redefined, highlights how adaptable architectural elements can transform collaboration and privacy in real-world settings. 

IRG worked closely with design partners to deliver modern, flexible meeting environments that balance acoustic comfort and openness. The project showcases how strategic product selection, zoning, and integration of pods and meeting areas create environments that accommodate focused work and group interaction — all while maintaining the visual flow of the space. 

These types of projects demonstrate IRG’s ability to blend architectural products and workplace furniture into cohesive, high-performance workspaces that meet the evolving needs of Dallas businesses. 

Benefits of phone booths and meeting pods 

1. Acoustic performance 

Phone booths and pods use laminated glass, acoustic seals, and upholstered interiors to reduce sound transmission. Employees can hold calls or small meetings without disturbing nearby workstations. 

2. Flexibility 

Unlike drywall construction, pods can be moved, reconfigured, or repurposed as needs evolve. This makes them ideal for growing teams and tenants planning for future moves. 

3. Speed and simplicity 

Most booths and pods install in hours, not weeks — minimizing disruption. This allows businesses to respond quickly to evolving workplace needs. 

4. Integrated functionality 

Modern pods come equipped with power, ventilation, lighting, and sometimes AV integration — delivering plug-and-play privacy solutions. 

5. Wellness and inclusivity 

By giving employees control over their environment — where and how they work — these solutions support psychological comfort and inclusivity for neurodiverse teams. 

 

Integrating booths and pods into workplace design 

IRG’s workplace furniture planning services consider phone booths and meeting pods as part of a complete environment strategy. We help DFW organizations: 

• Analyze spatial needs and employee work patterns. 

• Select product lines that align with design, budget, and acoustics. 

• Coordinate architectural products such as Muraflex demountable glass systems for complementary zoning. 

• Manage procurement and installation for a seamless, single-source experience. 

The goal isn’t just to add pods — it’s to create a workplace ecosystem that feels balanced, functional, and future-ready. 

Final thought 

In an era of hybrid work and evolving office expectations, privacy is productivity. The most successful workplaces across Dallas–Fort Worth combine openness with thoughtfully designed acoustic and visual separation. 

Phone booths and meeting pods provide that middle ground — giving teams flexibility, focus, and comfort without compromising collaboration. 

If your organization is planning a renovation or expansion, IRG’s integrated workplace furniture team can help you evaluate, source, and install the right solutions — from architectural walls to collaborative pods — to enhance your workspace performance. 

Explore our projects and contact our team to discuss your workplace design goals.