The Impact of Noise on the Workplace

Noise and poor workplace acoustics are frequent concerns we find when discussing office design with clients. Many struggle with the lack of private spaces for calls, focused work, or an environment that feels overly noisy. Addressing these issues is crucial for creating a productive and comfortable workspace. In this article, we delve into how optimising workplace acoustics can lead to significant improvements in your office environment.

A survey conducted by Gensler revealed that 53% of workers are regularly distracted by others while trying to focus. The rise of open-plan offices has only magnified this issue, leaving many employees feeling that their workspace is too noisy to concentrate effectively. This ongoing challenge calls for proactive acoustic solutions.

In recent years, office design trends have included providing diverse workspaces—quieter areas for focus or private calls and dedicated zones for team collaboration. While these changes have offered some relief, much more can be done to create the ideal sound environment. So, what truly is the optimal noise level for workplace productivity?

What is the Optimum Sound Level?

Sound levels are measured by a unit called decibels (dB) and according to a recent presentation from Acoustics by Design that we were lucky enough to attend, the ideal dB level is 35-40 dBA. The image below provides some idea of how loud this actually is, especially when you consider that a loud radio is approx. 80 dBA and a rock concert would be approx. 110 dBA.

This noise level is equivalent to the average home noise or a normal tone conversation between two individuals. However, the workplace is home to many more people so the question remains, how can office design help to create the optimum sound level?

How Office Design can Help Create the Optimum Sound Level

While we have mentioned introducing a variety of spaces so workers can work away from their desks, removing themselves from the noisy open plan, much more needs to be considered. Sound paths, location of potentially high-traffic or noisy areas i.e. breakout space or toilets, and critically the finishes, surfaces and textures used throughout the space can all have a major impact.

The ABC of workplace acoustics centres around these 3 principles:

• Absorb noise close to the source
• Block the direct path of sound
• Cover – mask unwanted sounds

Let’s take a look at each of these in detail and how office design can employ each.

1. Absorbing Sound at Source

One effective way to absorb noise is by installing acoustic products like panels or baffles. These can be mounted on walls, ceilings, or even furniture to help control the noise level.

Furniture can also play a key role. High-backed sofas and pods offer privacy while also absorbing sound, making them perfect for open-plan areas. Additionally, installing glazed meeting room walls with a low dB rating can prevent noise from large meetings from spreading to the rest of the office.

Material Selection Matters. Hard surfaces like concrete and glass tend to reflect sound, which can lead to noisy environments. Using noise-absorbing materials, such as acoustic tiles or upholstered furniture, can help reduce noise levels and create a more comfortable space.

To further expand on absorbing noise at the source, it’s important to understand the role of different types of acoustic panels and their applications. Wall-mounted panels are commonly used to absorb mid to high-frequency sounds, reducing echoes and reverberation. Ceiling baffles and acoustic clouds are ideal for spaces with high ceilings, helping to manage sound in large areas by reducing vertical sound reflection. Acoustic furniture, such as sofas with high backs, booths, and padded dividers, can be strategically placed to absorb noise at the point of creation, ensuring that open-plan spaces remain functional and comfortable.

Another key aspect is the use of plants and green walls. Vegetation not only adds aesthetic value to the office but also helps in absorbing sound, particularly in open-plan environments. The leaves, branches, and soil can all contribute to breaking up sound waves, reducing overall noise levels.

2. Blocking the Direct Path of Sound

Blocking noise is about placing barriers between the source of noise and the workspace. Desk dividers, screens, and fabric panels can be used strategically to block sound paths, particularly in open-plan settings.

Carefully defining the office layout can also make a significant difference. For example, locating noisy areas like breakout spaces or high-traffic zones away from quiet working areas can help reduce distractions. Even the ceiling can be utilised effectively with acoustic panels that serve both functional and aesthetic purposes (see for example, Netflix’s use of acoustic ceiling baffles).

When planning to block the direct path of sound, consider the height and placement of partitions. Floor-to-ceiling partitions are highly effective in creating acoustic separation between different zones, especially in environments where privacy is crucial. For more flexible solutions, mobile acoustic screens can be used to create temporary barriers, adapting to the changing needs of a dynamic workspace.

The use of corridors and buffer zones can also help block noise. By designing transitional spaces between noisy and quiet areas, sound transmission can be minimised. For example, placing a corridor between a collaborative space and a quiet zone can significantly reduce noise pollution. Additionally, using double-glazed partitions for meeting rooms helps to block sound transmission while maintaining a visual connection between spaces.

3. Covering Unwanted Noise

Covering noise means applying sound-absorbing materials to otherwise hard surfaces. For example, wrapping columns, walls, or even partitions in a soft fabric can help absorb unwanted noise. Additionally, working with an acoustics specialist, can ensure that these solutions are applied effectively throughout your space.

Coverings for Improved Comfort: From flooring to wall panels, all surfaces in the office can be optimised for better acoustics. Carpeted floors, fabric-covered panels, and other soft finishes can significantly contribute to reducing noise.

In addition to traditional coverings, acoustic artwork can be used to enhance the aesthetic appeal of the office while improving acoustics. These are specially designed panels that serve both decorative and functional purposes, helping to absorb sound while adding visual interest to the workspace. Acoustic ceiling tiles are another effective solution for covering large surface areas that would otherwise reflect sound, ensuring a balanced acoustic environment.

Another approach to covering unwanted noise is through sound masking systems. These systems emit a consistent, unobtrusive background noise that helps to cover up more disruptive sounds. By raising the ambient noise level in a controlled way, sound masking can make distracting noises less noticeable, enhancing overall comfort in the office.

Additional Considerations for Acoustic Improvement

While the ABC principles are foundational, there are other ways to enhance your workplace acoustics. Consider creating private noise-free rooms where staff can work undisturbed. Situate noisy teams – like sales or customer service – away from quieter teams, such as HR or finance. Educating employees about workplace noise best practices can empower them to take action and help maintain a comfortable environment.

For additional improvement, acoustic zoning can be highly effective. Acoustic zoning involves designing different areas of the office with specific acoustic characteristics based on their intended use. For instance, collaborative areas may be designed with moderate noise levels that encourage dynamic interactions, while focused work zones should be quieter, with materials and layouts that minimise noise.

Ceiling design is another important consideration. The use of acoustic rafts and baffles can help to reduce the reverberation time in spaces with high ceilings. Suspended rafts and baffles are available in different shapes and sizes, and they can also be used to create visually striking ceiling features that enhance both the acoustic quality and the aesthetic appeal of the office.

Acoustic Zoning – Tailoring Sound to Activities

Another effective approach to workplace acoustics is acoustic zoning. This involves tailoring the acoustic properties of different areas within the office based on the activities that take place there. Here’s a few examples:

• Focus Zones: Areas where employees need to concentrate should be kept as quiet as possible. This can be achieved through the use of sound-absorbing materials, partitions, and strategic layout planning.
• Collaboration Zones: In areas designed for teamwork and discussion, some level of background noise can actually be beneficial. It helps maintain a lively atmosphere without being overwhelming. Sound masking or soft background music can be used to maintain an optimal noise level.
• Social and Breakout Areas: These areas can be acoustically treated to allow for casual conversation without the sound carrying into quieter work zones. Using upholstered furniture and acoustic wall panels can help manage noise effectively.

Acoustic zoning also considers the placement of equipment and appliances. For example, printers and coffee machines can be located in designated zones that are acoustically treated to minimise the impact of their noise on nearby work areas. By strategically zoning the office, different activities can coexist without causing unnecessary disturbances.

Future Challenges and Advances of Workplace Acoustics

Improving workplace acoustics is a complex challenge that involves tackling various elements such as identifying noise sources, accommodating different types of activities, and meeting the unique requirements of employees. As work dynamics and office environment evolves, effective acoustic management has become more essential than ever. Leveraging technology and data analytics is key to designing flexible, comfortable spaces that boost productivity and support employee well-being.

Modern acoustic solutions extend beyond traditional materials like wall panels and ceiling tiles. They now form part of a comprehensive system that integrates innovative design, state-of-the-art technology, and real-time adaptability.

For instance, sound masking systems have advanced to utilise subtle frequencies that blend into the workspace, reducing distractions. Acoustic modelling software enables workplace experts and designers to forecast sound behaviour and customise work environments, ensuring ideal conditions for concentration and teamwork.

Virtual acoustic simulations have also transformed the design process by allowing stakeholders to experience how a space will sound, in addition to how it looks, before construction starts.

The introduction of smart sensors and wearable acoustic devices has further empowered workplaces to adjust to fluctuating noise levels and varying needs instantaneously. Smart sensors continuously track acoustic environments, offering data that can be analyzed to detect trends, anticipate potential problems, and suggest modifications.

In the end, the convergence of technology, thoughtful design, and real-time adaptability in acoustics goes beyond merely reducing noise. It focuses on creating spaces that enhance concentration, encourage collaboration, and improve the overall work experience.