Telephone Booths in the Office: When are they worthwhile?

Phone calls, video calls, and brief confidential conversations are often challenging in open-plan offices. Telephone booths create private spaces without the need to immediately build new rooms.

Typical Use Cases

• open-plan office spaces
• call and video conferencing areas
• confidential conversations
• project offices with flexible use
• reception and service areas with high communication needs

What Telephone Booths Can Do

Telephone booths reduce disturbances in open areas and provide employees with a place for focused conversations. They do not replace complete space planning but can be an important component of modern office acoustics.

What Companies Should Consider

• ventilation and comfort
• lighting
• sound insulation and discretion
• power connection and equipment
• location in the office
• duration of use and number of employees

Frequently Asked Questions

From how many employees is a telephone booth worthwhile?

This depends less on team size than on the number of daily calls; even one or two people with many video conferences can create the need.

Does a telephone booth replace a meeting room?

No, it is intended for individual conversations or very small groups; for larger meetings, a regular room remains more sensible.

What is important when choosing a location?

A location with short distances but some separation from noisy areas, so the booth is actually used.

Further Wiepa Guides

Acoustics in Open-Plan Offices: Better Connecting Concentration and Communication
Planning Acoustics Economically: First Identify the Problem, then Choose the Solution

Conclusion

Telephone booths are particularly worthwhile where many conversations and video calls disrupt open workspaces. More on this: Acoustic Solutions for Offices.