According to an Ifop survey, noise remains, even today, the number one irritant in open-plan offices. In an environment where every square metre is optimised and every investment must be justified, soundproof booths are no longer a luxury. They are becoming a concrete driver of performance for businesses. But what return on investment (ROI) can we really expect from this type of equipment?
This article draws on economic data, scientific studies and the technical specifications of Essentielle booths to answer this question precisely.
Noise at work: a real cost for businesses
Noise is not just a nuisance: it is a hidden cost for businesses.
86% of employees say they are bothered by noise at work (source: Ifop / JNA). This disturbance leads to errors, stress, fatigue, internal conflicts and even absenteeism.
The annual cost of noise per employee can be estimated at between €3,000 and €4,000.
Worse still: the loss of concentration caused by noise can amount to 86 minutes a day (source: Udemy).
A noisy environment reduces productivity, affects mental health and hinders internal communication.
Acoustic booths: the keys to a return on investment
Improved productivity
By eliminating distractions, an acoustic booth enables better concentration, allowing for confidential meetings and video calls without disruption.
The result: smoother, more efficient work.
Space optimisation
A booth takes up less than a third of the floor space of a traditional room: just between 0.9 and 3 m².
This allows you to:
- Free up traditional meeting rooms.
- Add individual workspaces without any building work.
- Increase flexible uses in open-plan spaces.
Reduced construction costs
Unlike a closed room, a booth requires no partitions, cabling or specific installation. It is delivered ready to use, with integrated LED lighting and ventilation.
- Estimated saving: 30 to 50% compared to an equivalent room.
- Time to commissioning (including delivery): 15 days, compared to several weeks for conventional building work.
Mental health and employer brand
The restored calm improves overall well-being, reduces stress and promotes talent retention. The booth thus becomes an HR tool as effective as a well-designed office or a well-structured remote working programme.
Comparison: acoustic booth vs meeting room
| Cost item | Essentielle L Booth (4 people) | Enclosed meeting room |
| Soundproofing | Included | + €2,000 – €4,000 |
| Ventilation + lighting | Integrated (LED + 8 fans) | + €1,500 – €2,500 |
| Fitting-out (partition, cabling) | None | €6,000 – €10,000 |
| Mobility | Yes (castors) | No |
| Set-up time | 15 days | 1–2 months |
| Estimated total price | €10,290 € excl. VAT | €14,000–€18,000 excl. VAT |
Conclusion: a cubicle is not only cheaper, but also quicker to install and more flexible in the long term.
Quantified return on investment
Let’s take a concrete example:
- Average price of an Essentielle S pod: €4,990 excl. VAT
- Payback period over 3 years: €139/month
- Cost saved in lost productivity per employee: up to €2,500/year
The pod pays for itself in under 2 years.
Add to that:
- Space savings in the premises
- Added value for flex office or co-working spaces
- Reduced stress and a better quality of life at work
Essentielle booths: a sustainable investment
Essentielle acoustic booths have been designed to combine performance, design and sustainability.
- Made in France in the Drôme region
- Eco Impact Score A (highest environmental rating)
- Recyclable materials, Cradle to Cradle approach
- 3-year warranty, after-sales service in France
- Express delivery on 4 standard models
Conclusion: a measurable and sustainable ROI
Investing in an acoustic booth isn’t just about buying furniture; it’s about improving the company’s overall performance.
- Productivity gains
- Reduction in hidden costs
- Optimisation of space
- Enhanced HR appeal
- Commitment to CSR
