Office noise is unfortunately part of everyday life in most companies. You are probably familiar with the endless small talk, the mouse clicks and the annoying noises of the coffee machine. The lack of soundproofing in the office makes it impossible for you to focus and complete your tasks in peace.
But productivity losses and dissatisfaction caused by poor office acoustics are definitely avoidable. With these 7 tried and tested tips, you can increase your focus and finally work in peace thanks to effective soundproofing.
What does optimal sound insulation look like in your office?
Tip 1: Choosing the right materials
With the right furnishings, you can do a lot to protect your office from noise. The choice of materials is an important foundation: while carpets absorb noise, hard floors amplify the sound. When it comes to furniture, wood and felt coverings are better for acoustics than metal or glass. In addition, carefully selected design elements can make your office more beautiful and inviting. Get free advice from acoustic experts on optimal soundproofing in the office .
Tip 2: Rooms must serve a specific purpose
Separate areas for communicating with colleagues and for quiet work create the basis for a better working atmosphere in your office. Meeting rooms, separate seating areas and meeting booths are great for conversations, but desks should be quiet. If that's not possible, you can set up a focus zone where employees can retreat for intensive tasks.
Tip 3: Telephone box in the office - The perfect place for undisturbed calls
Hybrid working increases the number of calls in employees' everyday lives. Coordination with colleagues is often no longer possible directly, but has to be done via video call or telephone. But if people are constantly talking at their desks, it is difficult for the rest of the team to concentrate. In addition, some topics are not intended for the ears of the entire workforce.
A telephone booth for your office is the perfect solution. In the soundproof booths, you and your colleagues can take part in meetings undisturbed without blocking meeting rooms. The telephone booths are optimally ventilated, illuminated and equipped with a power connection, so that even longer calls can be managed without any problems.
Tip 4: Meeting boxes create new meeting rooms
Ad hoc meetings in small groups often take place at the desk or in passing. But this is neither conducive to productive exchange, nor can employees continue to work in a concentrated manner nearby.
You can solve this problem with a meeting box in the office . In less than 3 square meters, you can create a soundproof meeting room that can accommodate up to four people. This way, you can exchange ideas in a small group without being disturbed and without distracting other employees.
These meeting boxes are often equipped with a height-adjustable table and can therefore be used while sitting or standing. With video conferencing technology, they are particularly suitable for hybrid teams, as colleagues from the home office can easily be connected to the box.
Tip 5: Partitions and decorative noise protection in the office
Many offices have cupboards and shelves as dividing elements anyway. However, specially developed acoustic panels or curtains are better suited for soundproofing in open-plan offices. If you place them cleverly, they can have a sound-absorbing effect thanks to soft materials such as felt. They also provide a little more privacy in the workplace, which leads to fewer distractions.
Other acoustic solutions can not only absorb sound, but also visually enhance the office. So-called acoustic pictures absorb noise and reduce reverberation. Houseplants have a similar effect and also have a positive effect on the room climate. Both elements are combined in moss pictures, which are definitely an eye-catcher on the wall.
Tip 6: Don’t forget the blanket
Especially in open-plan offices with high ceilings and wide areas, sound waves are often reflected from the ceiling directly back into the room. One solution to this problem is acoustic ceiling panels, which can be easily and discreetly mounted under the ceiling. They absorb noise and improve the acoustics in large rooms. Ceiling sails work in a similar way; they are usually covered with fabric or felt and are perceived as a design element.
Tip 7: Individual noise cancelling in the office
Finally, there is a simple but effective method for soundproofing in open-plan offices with noise-cancelling headphones. When employees put them on, they effectively block out ambient noise and conversations. In addition, they show their team that they are working on an important task and do not want to be disturbed. However, this should be seen as a short-term measure, as noise-cancelling headphones have no effect on the office acoustics, the room climate or suitable places to retreat.
Do you want to improve performance in the office? Start with soundproofing.
With a clever combination of soundproofing in the office and simple rules of conduct, you can ensure that your employees can work productively and happily. Telephone and meeting boxes form the basis for the range of retreats and meeting rooms. In addition, room dividers, ceiling sails and acoustic images help to improve the working atmosphere.
You want to improve your office acoustics but don't know where to start? We can help you find a suitable solution in a non-binding consultation .