The art of acoustics: 5 reasons why it really matters in the workplace
Insight
The art of acoustics: 5 reasons why it really matters in the workplace
With their bright, open spaces, emphasis on social interaction, exposed brick and polished concrete, today’s offices are unrecognisable from their 80s and 90s predecessors.
We trust you’ll agree that this move away from endless rows of drab, beige cubicles is a vast improvement. Particularly when it comes to improving staff wellbeing.
However, despite the best intentions, there is one big drawback to all that open space, collaboration and minimalist design which, left unchecked, could end up doing more harm than good:
Noise. Anyone who’s worked in a noisy office will know that it’s a major cause of stress and dissatisfaction among staff.
However, all too often managing the din created by printers, chit chat, typing and phones ringing off the hook can become a bit of an afterthought during the workplace design process.
Of course, that’s not something our clients have to worry about.
In fact, achieving the perfect acoustic balance as a way of supporting staff wellbeing in the workplace is always high up on our to do list.
Here’s why.
5 benefits of great acoustics in the workplace
1. Better for staff health
While taking down the office walls to create open spaces where staff can interact is great for encouraging collaboration, it does expose staff to noise pollution that could have a negative impact on their health.
According to the acoustics experts at BuzziSpace, in today’s open plan workplaces, the level of noise ranges from 60 to 80 decibels. Considerably higher than the recommended background noise level of 45 dB.
When exposed to such high levels of noise pollution for a prolonged period, staff are at risk of developing listening fatigue. Symptoms of which include tiredness, discomfort, pain and loss of sensitivity.
Not only that, on top of workload and looming deadlines, noise is also a significant contributor to stress in the workplace.
Prolonged exposure to noise pollution triggers our bodies’ psychological stress response, which includes a spike in blood pressure and heart rate.
Research also shows that even intermittent exposure to loud noises could lead to an increase in stress hormone levels and hypertension.
So if you’re planning to open up your space, it’s vital that keeping noise levels in check is a key design consideration from the earliest stages of your project.
2. Better for productivity and concentration
We all know how exasperating it can be when the day-to-day clamour of office life makes it difficult to focus on the task at hand.
In fact, studies have shown that workers in open plan offices can be up to 66% less productive when exposed to just one nearby conversation. 1
When reimaging your space, it’s important to ensure that your efforts to encourage social interaction and collaboration don’t hamper individual productivity.
The right acoustic solution will enable you to create quiet spaces that are shielded from noise and allow for serious focus, without the need for noise cancelling headphones.
3. Better for privacy
Having little or no segregation within your space may be a great way to get staff sharing ideas. But some conversations and confidential meetings just shouldn’t be had out in the open.
In fact, a lack of privacy can cause stress among employees who perhaps don’t want the entire office knowing their business.
Acoustic products such as booths and meeting pods are a great option for businesses who want to go down the open plan route, but who still want to show that they respect the privacy and autonomy of their staff.
4. Better for communication
You know how frustrating it is when you’re in a crowded bar and you can barely hear yourself think let alone have a conversation?
Well, in an office environment where good communication is so crucial to success, it’s essential that staff can do this with ease and comfort.
Adding acoustic features to your office design is a great way to ensure that staff can not only have their say without needing to raise their voice, but can also listen to valuable input from their colleagues.
5. Better for safety
It may not have been top of your list of things to consider as you plan your return to the workplace post-COVID, but maintaining a good acoustic balance will prove to be a key factor in ensuring the safety of your staff during the pandemic.
Why?
Because while social distancing, masks and screens are all vital safety precautions, they will inevitably make it trickier for staff to communicate effectively.
Acoustic products could be the key to ensuring that staff can still be heard and enjoy social interaction while keeping a safe distance.
We hope we’ve given a good overview as to why we think acoustics should come much higher up on the workplace design agenda. The key thing to remember is that it isn’t so much about managing noise as it is about supporting your people. There’s a lot to say about this fascinating topic so be sure to come back next week when we’ll be exploring ways to achieve the perfect acoustic level in your workplace.
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