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

What the ‘mystery’ orange pods popping up in shopping centres across Australia actually are

Shoppers have noticed orange and white pods in centres across Australia
They are are actually spaces to allows workers to work remotely on the move
TaskPod have seen an increase in use as people juggle working and shopping

By Sophie Finn For Daily Mail Australia

Australian shoppers have noticed unusual white and orange boxes cropping up in their favourite shopping centres.

And the purpose of the cubes have finally been revealed as remote working spaces 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 have seen a major increase in use in the run up Christmas as Aussies squeeze shopping around work.

Australian shoppers have noticed unusual white and orange boxes cropping up in their favourite shopping centres, they are remote working spaces which allow workers to join meetings and finish urgent tasks on the go

The pods (left) cost $3.75 for 15 minutes of use. They are accessed by scanning a QR code and signing in online

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

Multiple person or single pods can be booked. They are soundproof and come with a desk, chair, WiFi and charging portals.

The busiest pods are in downtown Sydney, which have experienced a whopping 750 per cent increase in bookings in December in comparison to last month.

Melbourne and Adelaide’s TaskPods have also both doubled booking numbers in the same timeframe.

TaskPod have seen a major increase in the run up Christmas as Aussies squeeze Christmas shopping around work

‘Some of our busiest pods are seeing up to six hours of continuous usage as Aussies are tapping into the convenience of having a mobile office in the middle of a busy shopping centre,’ said TaskPod co-founder Adam Morgan.

‘With Christmas next week, the retail locations are seeing enormous use right now.’

‘We believe this is due to workers finishing their last minute Christmas shopping during work time, and enjoying the convenience of being able to take a call or two while on the go,’ he adds.

Due to rising demand two more pods are being installed in Westfield Bondi Junction.

Shoppers are shocked by the new creation.

‘I think I saw this on an episode of Futurama,’ one woman joked.

One woman who tried out one of the pods said it was a ‘pretty comfortable place to work and so quiet and private’.

One man said he ‘likes the idea not the price’.

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

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

How to efficiently work remotely:

* Maintain regular hours – having a schedule helps maintain work/life balance

* Create a morning routine – a morning routine can make sure your day begin organised and efficiently

* Schedule breaks and take them in their entirety – don’t forget to take breaks and get away from screens

* Get out of the house – you will spend 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 bedroom, have a dedicated space 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 – make sure to attend meeting even if they are online

* Socialise with colleagues – make an effort to meet up with colleagues and message them

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

* Take advantage of perks – you have more time to make a nice lunch or go for a walk at home

(source: PCMag Australia)

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