Offices can be noisy places, especially when the work begins piling up. Whether it is the sales team taking phone calls, the web team speaking to clients, or the general banter in the workplace, it can be hard to concentrate on the work at hand. That’s why improving office acoustics is important, as it helps to mitigate sound without forcing your team to change how they operate.
Beyond the problems with noise, privacy is another issue in shared office spaces. Sometimes a team member needs to take a sensitive call with a client, or even make a call on their behalf, making it vital that they can take these calls in peace. This sense of privacy and noise reduction should be considered in the designing stages of the office fitout to provide the best possible benefit for your workplace.
If you are seeking entire fitout solutions, give us a call on 1300 368 461, request a quote, or access our online contact form.
5 Ways for Improving Office Acoustics
Build With Sound-Absorbing Materials
When planning for ways for improving office acoustics while still in the designing stages of your workplace, consider using sound-absorbing materials for your surfaces. As harder surfaces aren’t as effective at absorbing sound, reinforce your walls with strategically placed acoustic panels to prevent unwanted sound from spreading. This also applies to flooring, as carpet is a great option for keeping sound contained within the room.
Use Sound Masking Systems
If noise in your office is unavoidable, there are ways you can counteract these intrusions to lessen their impact on your workplace’s productivity. Playing ambient noise with sound masking systems is one such way to achieve this, as these devices play a low-level ambient sound that covers low-level noise and makes it easier to concentrate. These devices function like white noise machines and adjust their volume to match the level of noise in the office.
Plan Your Space Accordingly
You should have a good idea of which departments and spaces within your office are going to generate the most noise even before work begins, so it is recommended that you plan accordingly during the design phase. The loud areas, such as the sales department and meeting rooms should be kept separate from quiet zones, where employees expect to work in peace. Take it a step further by investing in quiet rooms where workers can go to concentrate.
Use Partitions and Room Dividers
When you operate an open plan office it can be hard to keep departments separate, especially as conversation often spills over into other work areas. A way to help mitigate this while improving office acoustics is to place partitions and room dividers across the space. These can take the form of portable walls, bookshelves, and filing cabinets, and provide a visual divide while also blocking sounds from traveling across the room.
Place Plants Throughout the Office
More and more workplaces are embracing the green revolution, investing in plants and placing them throughout the workplace. Not only are plants calming as they conjure images of nature, but they also absorb sound. This makes them a vital tool for combatting noise. Ferns, figs, and palms are some of the best plants for eliminating noise, while we also recommend starting green initiatives in the office to encourage workers to bring in their own plants from home.
Seeking Assistance with Improving Office Acoustics?
At Future Fitouts, we offer everything from office renovations to commercial fitouts. Whether you are looking to refresh your existing workplace or build a new one to meet your needs before you move in, our fully licensed team possesses the necessary skills and experience to deliver you the perfect space.
If you’re ready to get started, request a quote, get in touch through our online contact form, or give us a call on 1300 368 461 to chat to a member of our friendly staff.