5 Ways Pods Can Increase Social Wellbeing at Work

The modern office should be a welcoming environment where teamwork and collaboration thrive—and pods play a key role in enhancing social well-being at work.

Remote work has transformed how offices operate, and many employees remain unsure about the benefits of returning to the office. However, offices still offer workers the chance to be part of a vibrant social community—something you miss out on when working from home.

Enhancing social well-being can boost and sustain job satisfaction.

In recent years, the office's role as a hub for communication and community building has grown increasingly vital—and social well-being significantly impacts hybrid workers.

5 Factors of Social Well-Being

Maintaining Healthy Relationships with Those Around You

Social well-being involves fostering positive interactions within your community. Keyes (1998) identified five elements contributing to this feeling of well-being:

Social Integration

The sense of belonging to a community or society.

Social Acceptance

The acknowledgment of positive qualities in a given group.

Social Contribution

The evaluation of one’s personal value and contributions to a community.

Social Actualization

The assessment of one’s potential and society's progress.

Social Coherence

An interest in the world and an appraisal of its organization, operation, and quality.

Social Well-Being at Work

Positive Relationships Drive Individual Growth

Rath & Hartner (2010) noted that humans are naturally inclined toward forming connections. Social support and trust are essential for teamwork.

“Our need for connection doesn’t fade away when we step into the office.”

Building and sustaining positive relationships with colleagues is more than just a good idea—it’s a fundamental human need.

5 Ways Pods Enhance Social Well-Being at Work

Small Improvements 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 enhance social well-being at work:

1. Improved Social Integration
2. More Quality Connections
3. An Enhanced Sense of Belonging
4. Access to Non-Isolated Private Spaces
5. Improved Perception of the Organization

1. Improved Social Integration

Pods Are Soundproof Spaces Where You Won’t Be Disturbed—or Disturb Others. The modern office plays a larger role in social interaction among colleagues than ever before. In open-office setups or workstations, communal and social engagement can feel daunting due to the fear of disrupting others.

Framery pods use advanced soundproofing technology to minimize noise transfer between spaces. This reduces concerns about disturbing others, encouraging greater social integration at work.

2. More Quality Connections

Pods Can Increase High-Quality Connections Between Colleagues. Having teams share the same space creates more opportunities for meaningful interactions. Short, casual conversations can lead to deeper connections and a sense of upliftment (Stephens, Heaphy, & Dutton, 2012).

Pods provide a dedicated space for informal chats, spontaneous encounters, and socializing without worrying about disturbing others. These moments foster stronger bonds and a sense of camaraderie.

3. An Enhanced Sense of Belonging

Pods Help Create a Shared Sense of Identity. Communities often form around shared identities. When team members share a common workspace, they experience a heightened sense of belonging.

Placing large office pods near workstations boosts cross-departmental collaboration. This fosters an organizational identity among colleagues who might not interact regularly.