A Vancouver-based start-up is redefining wellness in the workplace by introducing soundproof meditation pods into office buildings and co-working spaces across British Columbia. Branded as 'MindHaven,' the company has rolled out over 100 pods since January, citing growing demand from employers and freelancers looking to combat burnout.
Each pod is a sleek, modern capsule equipped with ambient lighting, noise-canceling insulation, and guided meditation options accessible via touchscreen. Sessions range from five-minute resets to full 30-minute deep-breathing programs. The design allows users to decompress without leaving the workplace.
Co-founder Julian Ng says the idea came from his own struggle with stress while working in tech. “People need a quiet space that doesn’t require them to leave the building or explain their absence,” Ng said. “We wanted to normalize rest like we do coffee breaks.”
The start-up has partnered with major Vancouver co-working chains and recently signed a pilot agreement with a provincial ministry to install pods in government buildings. Employers who install the pods are given usage analytics (anonymized) and mental wellness workshops for staff.
For many users, the pods are more than just functional—they're a symbol of shifting workplace culture. “It tells me that my company values my mental health,” said Tamara Singh, a data analyst who uses the pod twice a day. “That’s powerful.”
Each pod costs around $6,000 to purchase, or can be rented through a subscription model. MindHaven also offers customization, including culturally sensitive content in French and Indigenous languages. A mobile app allows users to schedule sessions and track wellness habits.
Health professionals have taken notice. Dr. Leila Amar, a psychologist at UBC, says the pods address a real need. “They provide instant access to stress relief and reduce the stigma around taking breaks. It’s a small intervention with potentially big returns.”
MindHaven is now eyeing expansion into Alberta and Ontario, with early talks underway with universities and public libraries. The company recently secured $2.4 million in seed funding from a mix of private investors and federal innovation grants.
Critics have raised concerns about access and cost, noting that smaller companies or community centers may struggle to afford them. In response, MindHaven has pledged to offer a 30% discount to non-profits and educational institutions.
The initiative comes amid a broader shift toward workplace mental health support in Canada. From mental health days to on-site counselors, employers are increasingly expected to play an active role in staff well-being.
According to a recent survey by Mental Health Research Canada, 72% of employees believe mental wellness programs improve workplace satisfaction. Products like MindHaven pods are part of a growing ecosystem of tech-based mental health solutions.
For Ng and his co-founders, the goal goes beyond business. “We want to make mental clarity as accessible as coffee,” he said. “If one person walks out of a pod feeling grounded instead of overwhelmed, we’ve done something right.”
MindHaven will unveil its latest model—complete with aromatherapy and posture sensors—at the Vancouver Wellness Expo next month. The company is betting that the future of productivity starts with stillness.