Noise is one of the most common complaints raised by
employees working in an office environment. If you have previously worked in a
similar environment, you are well are of all distracting factors a busy
workplace can have. A noisy workplace can be more than just an annoyance.
Multiple studies have shown noise in the office can seriously reduce
productivity and increase stress, not to mention lower job satisfaction and
employee morale. Research has also revealed that business owners are often
unaware that they have a noise problem.
For employees working in an office
environment, a noisy workspace is more than just an annoyance. It can cause
distractions, reduce productivity, and even increase stress, not to mention the
effects on employee morale and job satisfaction. Research shows that employees
working in noisy offices are more likely to leave their job within six months. More
than half of employees say they lack a quiet space for productive work. Workplace acoustics have grown over the
years and now include decorative options for improving the noise around your
workspace. There are many reasons to soundproof offices and is now easier than
ever.
Unwanted sound can take
several forms:
- Conversational noise: Conversational noise
includes conversations while the kettle boils, at the water cooler,
meeting and breakout areas and colleagues having telephone conversations.
Conversational noise can be highly distracting as it piles up.
- Machinery noise: From photocopiers to
scanners, kettles and printers to dishwashers, offices are often filled
with tech that often causes unwanted noise.
- External noise: If your office is based
next to a workshop, factory, garage or other business working
environments, this can lead to further distractions. This kind of acoustic
noise disturbances can prevent clear-thinking, decision-making and lead to
decreased productivity.
Sound Absorbing
wall tiles
They come in many different colours to mask with the
background of the office or stand out. The tiles are efficient for balancing
sounds around the office and can be arranged and attached according to your own
requirements. An alternative is sound absorbing materials that can be placed
around a room to reduce noise pollution, making acoustic wall panels a great
solution for soundproofing an office.
Rearrange your office layout
In some cases, noise pollution
can be managed with just a simple office rearrangement. For example, by placing
desks in a group, you can help balance noise around the entire office. Rearranging
noisy office equipment can reduce distractions too. Placing the printer,
photocopy machine, and anything else in a separate space can help reduce the
noise in your office, creating a more focused working environment.
Introduce plants
Plants have decorative features
and aesthetic benefits and help increase the well-being of employees and
improve air quality. Most importantly helps reduce noise within an office space.
Large living walls can be introduced to combat your noise problem and have now
become extremely popular in commercial design. The
larger the plant the bigger the impact, ideally placed on windowsills and
floors.
Explore your flooring options
Hard surfaces such as wood and ceramic can create an extremely
noisy environment. If noise is a serious problem in your office, try carpet or
a vinyl flooring solution, both are ideal for reducing noise in a office.
Noise-cancelling headphones
If re-designing your office isn’t a feasible option, or
if you’re looking for something a quick and affordable fix, then
noise-cancelling headphones could be ideal for you. But we recommend going for
the former options as it will maximise efficiency and ultimately there are
better alternatives.
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