TaskPod: Tiny remote working cubes are opening in Australian shopping centres to work on the move

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What really are the ‘mysterious’ orange pods that appear in shopping malls in Australia

  • Buyers have noticed orange and white pods in centers in Australia
  • They are actually spaces that allow workers to work remotely on the go.
  • TaskPod has seen a surge in usage as people juggle work and shopping

Australian shoppers have noticed unusual white and orange boxes popping up in their favorite malls.

And the purpose of the cubes has finally been revealed as remote workspaces that allow workers to catch up on work and join meetings on the go.

TaskPod costs $3.75 for 15 minutes of use and they’ve seen a big spike in usage in the run-up to Christmas as Australians shop at work.

Australian shoppers have noticed unusual orange and white boxes popping up in their favorite malls, remote workspaces that allow workers to join meetings and finish urgent tasks on the go.

Australian shoppers have noticed unusual orange and white boxes popping up in their favorite malls, remote workspaces that allow workers to join meetings and finish urgent tasks on the go.

Pods (left) cost $3.75 for 15 minutes of use

It is accessed by scanning a QR code and logging in online

The pods (left) cost $3.75 for 15 minutes of use. It is accessed by scanning a QR code and logging in online

There are now 11 hubs across Australia, in Sydney, Adelaide and Perth.

Several people or individual capsules can be reserved. They are soundproofed and have a desk, chair, WiFi and charging portals.

The busiest clusters are in central Sydney, which saw a whopping 750% increase in bookings in December compared to last month.

The Melbourne and Adelaide TaskPods have also doubled the number of bookings in the same time period.

TaskPod has seen a major surge in the run-up to Christmas as Australians squeeze Christmas shopping at work

TaskPod has seen a major surge in the run-up to Christmas as Australians squeeze Christmas shopping at work

“Some of our busiest pods have up to six hours of continuous use as Australians take advantage of the convenience of having a mobile office in the middle of a busy shopping mall,” said TaskPod co-founder Adam Morgan.

“With Christmas next week, retail stores are seeing tremendous usage right now.”

“We think this is because workers finish their last-minute Christmas shopping during work hours and enjoy the convenience of being able to take a call or two while on the go,” he adds.

Due to increased demand, two more modules are being installed at Westfield Bondi Junction.

Buyers are shocked by the new creation.

“I think I saw this in an episode of Futurama,” one woman joked.

One woman who tried one of the capsules said it was a “fairly comfortable place to work and very quiet and private.”

One man said that he “likes the idea, not the price.”

However, several people hinted that the pods would be used for something else.

‘You just know what those things are going to be used for,’ said one man.

How to work efficiently remotely:

* Keep a regular schedule: Having a schedule helps maintain a work-life balance.

* Create a morning routine: A morning routine can ensure that your day starts off in an organized and efficient manner

* Schedule breaks and take them in full; don’t forget to take breaks and get away from screens

* Get out of the house: You’ll be spending more time at home working from home, so make an effort to get out often.

* Have a dedicated office space – Don’t work in your room, have a dedicated space that you associate with work so you can relax in your other rooms

* Have a separate work phone number – this helps keep your work life and personal life separate

* Attend meetings and make an effort to speak up; make sure you attend the meeting even if they are online

* Socialize with colleagues: make an effort to meet colleagues and message them

* Take sick days – Don’t forget to take sick days just because you’re working from home

* Take advantage: you have more time to prepare a good lunch or go for a walk at home

(font: PC Mag Australia)