The difference between meeting rooms and meeting pods

Almost every workplace has at least one meeting room.

This is the main multifunctional necessity after desk space and coffee spots. Whether it's for board meetings, private conversations, social spaces or quiet work areas, they are popular workspaces and always seem to be occupied. However, recently the market has also seen a boom in the use of meeting pods - semi-private and repositionable workspaces that can be placed in almost any current office layout. Both have their pros and cons - but which one is right for you?

Meeting Rooms

The traditional meeting room is the traditional choice. Completely enclosed and soundproof, it's perfect for when you need to discuss sensitive information. The same sense of privacy also stops outside distractions, allowing you to concentrate on the task at hand without interruptions.

Of course, they are not just for formal meetings or quiet work. They are often used as multi-purpose spaces for informal chats with colleagues, a place to showcase your company to new clients or a flexible event space. They are also suitable for more complex hard-wired AV systems, thus maximising the impact on high-end presentations and discussions. But naturally, all of these come at a price.

Firstly, they are expensive to build. When considering the cost of dedicated technology, power and all the extra furniture, the costs suddenly start to soar. That's before you even start thinking about whether you have the space. What happens if you relocate your office? Your new meeting room is forgotten.

Conference pods

Enter meeting pods. Quick to install, cheap to build and portable when companies move to new pastures. Meeting pods can be used for many of the purposes of a boardroom, but at a lower cost, in less space and with greater flexibility. Many pods (such as rail carriers) have built-in connectivity, seating, power and ambient lighting, allowing you to plug and play without fuss. There are plenty of bespoke fabrics and finishes to choose from so you don't have to compromise on style.

Their modular design can be inserted into any available space at a fraction of the time and cost of a meeting room. This often means they can be placed closer to the work area and provide a convenient multi-purpose space for spontaneous meetings or quiet reflection. They bring their own new environment - a haven of calm without being removed from the hustle and bustle of the office.

As always, the best option for you depends entirely on the purpose for which you want to use it. For complete privacy or for larger gatherings, you may want to stick with a traditional meeting room. However, if you find that the meeting room is only for single people who need quiet time, or if you want to keep costs down by moving the room around, then a conference pod is a good contender.