5 Ways Pods Can Increase Social Wellbeing at Work

The contemporary office needs to be a welcoming environment for both work and fostering bonds with coworkers—and pods can significantly boost social well-being at work.

Remote work has transformed how offices operate, and many people remain unsure about the advantages of returning to the office. However, offices offer employees the chance to be part of a social community—a feeling you don't get when working remotely.

Enhanced social well-being can improve and sustain job satisfaction.

In recent years, the office's role as a meeting and community hub has grown more significant than ever—social well-being plays a big role in shaping the experiences of hybrid workers.

5 Factors of Social Well-Being

Maintaining Healthy Relationships with Those Around You.

Social well-being involves fostering and sustaining positive interactions within the community. According to Keyes (1998), there are five elements that contribute to a sense of social well-being:

Social Integration

The feeling of being part of a community or society.

Social Acceptance

Recognizing positive aspects of a particular group.

Social Contribution

Evaluating one’s personal value and contribution to the community.

Social Actualization

Evaluating one’s potential and the evolution of society.

Social Coherence

An interest in the world and an assessment of its organization, operations, and quality.

Social Well-Being at Work

Positive relationships drive individual growth.

According to Rath & Hartner (2010), humans are inherently social beings. Social support and trust are critical for collaboration among employees.

“Our need to connect doesn’t vanish when we step into the office.”

Building and maintaining positive interactions with colleagues isn’t just beneficial—it’s essential.

How Pods Enhance Social Well-Being at Work

Small changes in daily office life can make a big difference. A 2020 study by Colenberg et al. found that the social and physical work environments are interconnected. Here are five ways pods can enhance social well-being at work:

1. Improved Social Integration
2. Higher-Quality Connections
3. Increased Sense of Belonging
4. Access to Non-Isolated Private Spaces
5. Better Organizational Image

1. Improved Social Integration

Pods are soundproof spaces where you won’t disturb—or be disturbed by—others. The modern office plays a larger role in facilitating social interactions than ever before. In traditional workstations or open-office layouts, it can be difficult to engage socially without fear of disrupting others.

The advanced soundproofing in Framery pods minimizes sound transfer between spaces, creating a quiet environment conducive to social interaction. This reduces the fear of disturbance and encourages greater social integration in the workplace.

2. Higher-Quality Connections

Pods can increase the number of High-Quality Connections (HQCs) between colleagues. Being physically present in the same space boosts opportunities for meaningful interactions. Brief exchanges between individuals can foster genuine interest and create positive emotions (Stephens, Heaphy, & Dutton, 2012).

Pods provide a space for casual conversations, impromptu encounters, and socializing at the office without worrying about disturbing others. These moments of connection help strengthen relationships and build trust.

3. Increased Sense of Belonging

Pods can foster a shared sense of identity. Communities often form around shared identities. Team members who share a common workspace can develop a stronger sense of belonging.

Positioning larger office pods near workstations increases opportunities for cross-departmental collaboration. This allows colleagues to form an organizational identity with people they might not regularly interact with.