Open-plan offices are brilliant for collaboration, but noise and distraction remain constant challenges. The question many businesses face is: are we sacrificing focus for openness, or can collaboration and privacy co-exist harmoniously?

At Bizquip, we believe they can, and the continued demand for acoustic pods proves it. These solutions allow employees to work privately without compromising modern design. At the same time, we’re seeing growing demand for desk-based privacy to support deeper focus. The good news is, this doesn’t mean a return to outdated cubicle-style workstations.

The key trends we outlined in a recent article, entitled “The future of workspaces in Ireland, how offices are evolving in 2025” still remain in demand and critical to effective workplaces. In simple terms think:

Flexible, adaptable environments: Modular furniture and reconfigurable layouts that respond to evolving team needs.

Acoustic pods: Private, modern spaces for calls, video meetings, or focused work (without the dated aesthetics of old partitions).

Biophilia, wellbeing & sustainability: Natural materials, ergonomic comfort and sustainable practices are now core to every client brief.

Technology-enabled furniture: Integrated power, connectivity and smart features that enhance productivity and simplicity for the end-user.

Desk Privacy Without the Cubicles

Traditional desk systems often include front-facing privacy screens to create a natural divide. Increasingly, however, clients are looking for enhanced privacy and focus at the desk, without reverting to boxy, cubicle-style setups. Here are some effective approaches:

1. Blend Zones Mindfully

Design open-plan offices with varied levels of privacy. Compact pods like Silen’s Chatbox Single offer distraction-free space for calls, while the Silen Space 1.5 provides more flexibility for seated or standing work. Placement is key; positioning pods near workstations ensures they are practical and used effectively (see Framery’s pod placement guide).

2. Consider Other Acoustic Solutions

Wall-mounted and ceiling-hung panels provide subtle noise absorption while doubling as visual partitions. Brands like Abstracta and Caimi show how acoustic elements such as panels, screens, and pods can integrate seamlessly into open-plan layouts without disrupting flow or style.

3. Choose Agile, Movable Options

Lightweight, movable privacy screens or freestanding panels give teams the flexibility to reconfigure as needed. Ceiling-hung sliding screens are another creative way to add scalable privacy and acoustic control without compromising openness. We favour the Friends of Wilson collection, given their use of completely natural, 100% biodegradable wool felt fibre and part-recycled polyester PET. These materials offer effective noise absorption without creating a disconnect in an office. You can see these screens in-situ in a case study for The Brennan & Co Group, within our case studies page on our website.

A Modern Approach to Privacy and Focus

Today’s acoustic furniture strikes a balance between collaboration and concentration, all without the dated look of traditional screens. Whether it’s pods, panels or movable solutions, there are countless ways to future-proof your workspace while supporting employee wellbeing.

If you’d like to explore how these solutions could work in your office, our workplace specialists are here to help. From space planning to product selection, we’ll guide you through the options so you can visualise and achieve your ideal workplace.