While there are ongoing debates on just how many changes will continue post-COVID lockdowns, there is one that rarely features in the conversation: working from home. Even if COVID-19 were to become a part of our history today, the work-from-home trend that became a necessity during global lockdowns is not likely to go the same route.

For one, employers have come to see the benefits in having staff work from the comfort of their homes; if not every day, at least some days in the week. Also, as technology continues to improve and taxes in certain countries rise, more and more people are finding it easier to carry out their businesses from home as opposed to renting an office space that would reduce profit and increase expenditure.

Working from home has huge benefits, that is, until your roommate or family member decides they want to watch TV at the same time. Or your neighbour, for reasons no one will ever understand, turns up the volume of whatever it is they are watching or listening to. Add to that the worry that your Zoom calls might be disturbing other people or the noise of bored children playing around, and all you want to do is pick up your bag and run out of the house.

Japanese company, Pia Living, hopes it can help you out. It has created the Otegaroom, a small, enclosed, soundproof, one-person isolation box that can fit easily into your living room or whatever space you choose to put it in. Otegaroom, a compound word from Japanese ‘otegaru’ meaning easy or simple and ‘room,’ wants to give you all the privacy you need to not only work but also carry out private activities – such as official calls or gaming- in relative peace.

The walls of the Otegaroom contain sandwiched boards that work in tandem to keep you insulated from outside noises and stop sounds from the room going out. This means you’ll both be protected against and prevented from spreading sounds up to a volume of 15 decibels. The room is also equipped with a neat little desk to sit at for when you need to use your laptop, as well as LED lights, a ventilation fan and holes to pass electrical cords and extensions through.

Weighing a handy 50kg (110lbs) before the installation of the desk, this handy, soundproof workspace comes in two colours: antique white and bitter brown. The best part? You do not need a third party to set it up for you, although you could ask a partner to help you. And the worst part? Claustrophobes need not get excited..

The Otegaroom costs $1855 and can be purchased on Pia Living’s website.

Source: SoraNews