Workers lose 66% of their productivity due to background noise. If you’re battling with the noise emanating from an adjoining office, or the work-related chatter from colleagues, it might be time to consider soundproofing your workspace.
Overheard conversations are the most troublesome noise of all. It takes an average of fifteen minutes to regain concentration after an unwelcome distraction.
What a waste of productivity!
Tips for soundproofing your office
Often, businesses opt for solutions such as suspended ceiling tiles or internal flanking through partitioning, but these are ineffective methods for complete soundproofing.
Acoustic Panels
Open-plan offices are particularly vulnerable with persistent ringing phones and a plethora of conversation. Acoustic furniture is often preferable in such instances. For example, acoustic panels hung from walls and ceilings absorb sounds and reduce echo. Once you have established the source of the noise pollution, there are bespoke solutions that can be applied to mute both internal and external noise, dependent on your requirements, as well as ensuring that productivity remains high.
If outside noise is an issue, a greater realm of soundproofing is achieved by adding air gaps between the source of the noise and the office area. The panels also offer a contemporary look to the office.
Acoustic Pods
Acoustic office pods offer a great solution for confidential meeting spaces, and are required more than ever due to rigid data protection laws. With 62% of office workers feeling bothered by a lack of opportunity for privacy in the workspace, acoustic pods are an obvious choice. This method can be utilised in numerous ways as panels can be shaped as required.
Flooring
Flooring is another important thing to consider; the height of your floors and chosen floor finish will all have a bearing on acoustics. Rooms that have hardwood or marble floors have a tendency to carry sound, so are anything but ideal. Acoustic battens or acoustic underlay can be used to overcome this issue while acoustic decks can soundproof all airborne sound.
A study performed by the Sound Agency highlighted a 46% improvement in concentration when soundproofing technology was introduced. With that in mind, consider your employees and how noise might be affecting their productivity, take a look at your workspace, dimensions, construction and flooring. Identify the source of the noise.
Every office has unique requirements. For bespoke solutions to soundproofing your office that really works for your business, contact us today.