(Written by Jeroen Van Den Bossche, CEO of Buro International)
Noise in the office: an underestimated problem
Discover the collection, try it out for yourself and read our FAQ on acoustic solutions for the office. Our client Indie Group shares their experience!
As CEO of Buro International, I am constantly visiting offices where open-plan workspaces are the norm, and I keep hearing the same thing: people who cannot concentrate because of conversations, colleagues on the phone or simply background chatter. The figures confirm what I see in practice: more than 67% of employees say they work less accurately because of distracting office noise, for 40% noise even gets in the way of completing their tasks, over 30% notice a drop in productivity, and more than 64% experience stress from conversations and phones around them.
Every distraction costs time: on average it takes up to 15 minutes to regain your focus. And multitasking? It doesn't exist: our brain can only focus on one task at a time. In open spaces, it is mainly conversations that cause disruption. Not because they are loud, but because our brain automatically tries to follow what is being said. That is exactly why I am convinced that peace and quiet in the office is not a luxury, but a basic condition for working well.
That is why I chose to add the acoustic pods from the HushFree collection to our range: a practical and proven solution for open-plan offices where peace and quiet is hard to find.
With an ISO 23351-1:2020 A rating for sound attenuation, their performance is not only noticeable but also measurable, and that measurable aspect matters to me when I recommend a product to my clients. A well-designed ventilation system, high-quality finishing and short lead times on standard models also ensure reliability and ease of use. All production takes place in Europe, which for me is also a guarantee of quality and reliable supply.
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Smart technology for hybrid meetings without any building work
For me, the HushFree units go beyond sound insulation alone, and that is exactly what convinced me to offer this range. With the integrated HushAssistant (optional), users control the lighting and ventilation via a touchscreen. There are preset modes, but you can also adjust everything manually.
The HushAssistant also offers extra features such as energy saving when the pod is not in use, break reminders and the option to book spaces. For me, this technology turns the pod into a truly smart workspace that fits seamlessly into any hybrid working model or flexible office.
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An accessible acoustic pod for everyone: the HushFree.Access.M, an acoustic workspace that is also wheelchair accessible.
The HushFree.Access.M is a workspace within the HushFree collection by Mikomax, designed for people with reduced mobility. It is a model I am personally proud that we can offer: a low threshold, wider door and ergonomic handle provide easy access for wheelchair users, without physical strain. The space is ideal as a quiet focus workspace, for confidential conversations or hybrid meetings, and can be fitted out entirely to your wishes. Thanks to its well-thought-out design and powerful ventilation and lighting system (500 lux), this soundproof pod offers a calm, comfortable workspace for everyone, regardless of physical ability.
A sustainable acoustic office fit-out
For me, sustainability is not a marketing buzzword but a requirement for every product we add to our range. From 2025, all production of the HushFree collection is powered by renewable energy. The pods also carry GREENGUARD Gold certification, which protects air quality in workspaces. With EPD certification, the environmental impact over the entire life cycle is also transparent and backed by figures, which I am happy to present to organisations that want to furnish their spaces sustainably and be able to demonstrate it.
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What does our client Indie Group say about their acoustic workspace?
Indie Group was looking for a way to create calm in a busy open-plan office for employees who are often on the phone or in online meetings.
“We needed a quiet place where people can withdraw for a while. The hush units from Mikomax meet that need perfectly. They fit nicely into our interior, but above all they are functional and effective. Since they were installed, we have noticed that employees can work in a more focused and calmer way.”
Watch the testimonial here.
Jeroen Van den Bossche, CEO of Buro International
FAQ: acoustics in the office
1. Why is a soundproof pod essential in an open-plan office?
Acoustic pods bring calm to busy office environments. They reduce distraction from disruptive noise such as conversations and phones, which leads to less stress, better concentration and better performance, something I see time and again with our clients.
2. How effective are HushFree acoustic pods at reducing noise?
The pods in the HushFree collection carry the ISO 23351-1:2020 A rating for sound attenuation. This means their performance is both objectively measurable and noticeable. They combine top acoustic quality with comfort and ease of use.
3. Do HushFree pods also offer technology features for hybrid working?
Yes. With the optional HushAssistant, you control the lighting and ventilation via a touchscreen. You can switch on energy-saving modes, activate break reminders and even manage bookings: ideal for hybrid workspaces.
4. Are HushFree acoustic pods sustainable?
Absolutely, and for me that is an important reason to offer them. From 2025, production runs entirely on renewable energy. The pods have GREENGUARD Gold certification (for air quality) and EPD certification (for a transparent environmental impact).
5. How do companies experience acoustic pods in their open-plan office?
Companies such as Indie Group are positive: since the pods were installed, employees can withdraw more easily, work more calmly and make calls or hold meetings more efficiently, free from the noise of the open-plan office.