Office Soundproofing Tips to Boost Productivity
Published February 11, 2022
When a workplace is too noisy, it can have a negative impact on productivity. According to a research, a noisy office space can decrease productivity by 66%.
Why Have Office Soundproofing
Loud noises can reduce job satisfaction and have a negative effect on the body. WHO discovered that long-term exposure to 65 decibels (equivalent to a classroom or an open office floor plan) might increase someone’s heart rate to that of a heart attack.
While soundproofing would not remove all noise in an environment, it will reduce it to a more tolerable level and prevent employees from being unable to hear themselves think.
Ways to Apply Soundproofing To Your Office
Office soundproofing methods have changed over the years, and you have more options when it comes to minimizing office noise. Consider the following tips:
Sound masking
This adds sound to the area, effectively masking out other sounds. It is a type of ambient noise that is delivered using a speaker system. The noise will have the same frequency as human speech, and you may choose white noise or other variations.
Acoustic panels
These act as a sponge for sound in large offices. Acoustic panels are ideal for open office layouts where noise can bounce and magnify. They can be suspended from the ceiling or hung on the wall.
Upholstery and carpet
Upholstered items and carpets can absorb sound and keep an office quieter.
Soundproofing paint
This method is relatively new; however, it is an affordable and effective way to reduce sound.
Tips for Soundproofing New Office Buildouts
Consider materials with a high NRC value (noise reduction coefficient). This number is between 0 and 1 and indicates the percentage of sound it will absorb. For instance, an NRC value of .8 indicates that it will block 80% of the sound. Ideally, materials having an NRC of between .5 and .9 should be considered.
Electronics should be strategically placed. Anything that generates noise, such as a television or a phone, should be located in a non-distracting area. For instance, avoid placing these devices near people who are always on the phone.
Determine if the office will need window coverings. Install double-pane windows if a lot of street noise is present. If you’re near the ground level or in an echoing corridor, you may consider adding curtains as a sound dampener.
Tips for Soundproofing Existing Office
You may be able to replace materials that allow for excessive noise circulation with quieter ones. For instance, you may replace outdated doors, cubicles, or wall dividers with materials that have a higher STC rating.
The term “STC” stands for “Sound Transmission Class,” and it refers to the effectiveness with which materials reduce sound. Each material has a particular STC rating, and the higher the number rating, the more noise it will block.
Tips to consider:
- Increase the thickness of the carpeting and cover both sides of common walls with soundproofing paint.
- Incorporate couches and plants to help absorb noise.
- Divide open spaces with partitions to separate noisy areas.
- Install a suspended ceiling with noise-absorbing ceiling tiles.
- On the wall, install acoustic panels.
(Related: 11 Best Dual Monitor Computer Desks in 2022)
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About The Author
Krizzia Paolyn is an SEO Specialist and holds a bachelor’s degree in Psychology. She started her professional career as a writer for various digital magazines and renowned publications. It has always been her passion to share her voice, and at the same time, to encourage other people to speak up.
