It was reported by workplace sound specialists that 65% of employees find too much office noise hinders their ability to work effectively, and almost half state it negatively impacts their wellbeing.
In light of these alarming figures, sound control measures within the workplace are very important, and acoustics are at the top of the list.
How do acoustics work? You may ask!
Read on to get a comprehensive view of acoustics and how you can use them to reduce negative sounds.
In acoustics, there are three general strategies: absorption, blocking, and covering. For busy offices, acoustic panels, high-backed furniture, and suspended ceilings are popular options for absorbing sound.
Screens, partitions, and walls that form a barrier between the sound source and work areas can be used to block noise. Lastly, you can cover noise by wrapping hard surfaces, such as pillars and storage units, in soft fabrics.
Nevertheless, why do all of these things need to be done?
The following benefits are provided to employers and employees by acoustic solutions:
1. A well-functioning workforce
A 69% of the global workforce reported being negatively impacted by noise, which impairs concentration, productivity, and creativity, according to a recent survey by Interface, a global floor manufacturer.
Having good acoustics reduces distracting background noises, enabling employees to accomplish their daily tasks comfortably and on time. Furthermore, they reduce unwanted echoes from adjacent areas, resulting in clearer conversations between colleagues.
2. Maintaining a happy and healthy team
According to research, excessive noise levels at work can negatively impact the health of employees both physically and mentally.
According to a study by insurance company Canada Life, workers in open-plan offices take 70% more sick days than their counterparts.
Employee dissatisfaction is caused primarily by conversational distractions at work, and complete silence can also increase stress levels as many workers are afraid to speak up.
In order to boost employee well-being and morale, acoustic solutions can help organizations achieve the right balance between a collaborative workplace and one that is distracting.
3. Elegant office decor
Office space can also benefit from acoustic solutions from an aesthetic perspective. From vibrant panels to padded furniture to modern screens and ceiling grids, they come in a wide range of colours and designs.
4. Provide private meeting spaces
Having an acoustic hub in your office may be the perfect solution if you don’t have a dedicated private meeting area. These rooms are completely soundproof. You can use them as a conference room, a private meeting room, or for interviews.
Case Study:
At IT Lab’s Manchester offices, Coulter Office Interiors installed two acoustic meeting pods designed to serve as “quiet zones” to hold informal meetings between colleagues. Using acoustic foam padding, gray wool upholstery provides both excellent sound deadening qualities and an attractive finish that complements the corporate color scheme.
An important factor is an acoustics.
As Increasingly, acoustics will be a crucial aspect of the well-being and productivity of your employees as workplaces become busier and open spaces become more common. With a variety of designs available, these solutions can be tailored to your specific requirements, providing you with an effective and attractive solution to noisy workplaces.