Our ROOM private call booths are one of the most popular features at Groover Labs.
What are they?
ROOM private call booths are soundproof booths that sit in our hotseat area. They are engineered to reduce noise by up to 30 decibels using soundproofing materials such as sound-absorbing PET made from recycled plastic bottles and breathable wool lining the walls. This ensures that users can make and take calls without interruption.
Who can use them?
All our members are welcome to use the private call booths at no extra cost. We bought them because we thought they’d be great options for our hotseat members, who don’t have physical barriers between their workspaces. But we see all membership levels using them.
Can I reserve them?
The ROOM private call booths are first-come, first-served, meaning that if a booth is open, it’s yours. If it’s not, you have to wait until one becomes available. If you’re looking for more private workspace, our members can reserve any of our private conference rooms.
How long can I use them?
We’ve seen people spend several hours in the private call booths. They’re not that big, so we’re rather impressed with our members’ ability to sit still for extended periods of time. We do ask, however, that our members try to be cognizant of others’ needs.
Are they actually soundproof?
A 30-decibel drop is impressive. We tested them with 100 people in the hotseat area and coffee bar and felt that, even with all of that external noise, we could still hold an uninterrupted call. On occasion, you might hear muffled sounds, whether you’re inside or outside of a booth. The calls or conversations are unintelligible and sound more like the adults in Peanuts cartoons.
Here’s how ROOM describes them:
What does that mean for those of us who aren't acoustical engineers? Simply put, our soundproof Phone Booths are designed to create an ideal environment for phone and video calls while protecting the privacy of the user. Users inside the soundproof Phone Booth will hear muffled sounds from the outside, and this is because we’ve found that ambient noise provides the best experience for the user. Coworkers outside the booth will not be able to hear the conversation taking place inside.
What is it like in the booths?
They have small desks where you can set your device with enough room for a notepad and cup of coffee. There are power outlets in each booth, along with overhead lights. ROOM provides a customized stool you can use, but we’ve also seen people set the stool outside the booth to take calls while standing.
What else do I need to know?
Members at any membership level can use them, but they are most convenient for hotseat members ($75/mo.).