Acoustic solutions in the workplace 

Noises in the workplace can be disruptive but there are many great acoustic solutions you can sell to change the sound landscapes of offices

Noise in the offices can play a major role in lower productivity. According to a research report on noise in open-plan offices by Knoll, nearly 75% of employees feel that noise levels are important to creating an effective office. In offices that maintain a reasonable noise level, concentration is easier, there is better collaboration and less distraction across the office. However, unwanted levels of noise can cause difficulties with both concentration and communication in the workplace, which can result in increased stress levels and lost time – Knoll states that professionals lose up to 86 minutes a day due to noise distractions.

However, open-plan offices are growing in popularity; according to Sound Zero, they account for a staggering 73% of all offices in the UK. This means that workplace solutions suppliers need to be looking for acoustic fixes to manage unwanted levels of noise and mitigate the negative impacts this creates in the workplace.

Examples of acoustic solutions

Acoustic furniture and hubs can be used in the workplace to lessen distractions, increase productivity and offer a sense of seclusion for private meetings or personal calls; it also provides a calm setting for professional and in-depth conversations with colleagues and clients. Acoustic solutions can be approached using three techniques: absorbing, blocking and covering. 

• Absorbing: without absorption materials, noise in the office will resonate more and may even have echo. Absorbent materials – such as carpets, acoustic tiles, fabric-wrapped screens and even plants canlessen reverberation.
• Blocking: noise management can be improved by blocking sound in specific areas. Walls and dividers can make a big difference.  

• Covering: noise in the workplace can be ‘covered’ by organic sounds, such as the sound of water, or flowing air. This can make it harder to hear the individual speech and noise of others. 

With so many open plan offices now in operation – and the growing emphasis on staff wellbeing and collaboration – dealers should take a keen interest in these acoustic solutions which should be attractive to end-users facing noise-related problems.