Recent studies indicate that noise pollution in offices is one of the main reasons for low productivity. In a study conducted by the University of Sydney, the main complaint by employees was noise pollution. Additionally, lack of sound-related privacy was one of the key factors affecting workplace morale.
With offices increasingly adopting the modern open-plan office design, productivity of employees is on the decline.
The open-plan design uses large open spaces and minimises the use of smaller private offices.
A research also indicated that almost 62% of office workers faced difficulty in finding privacy and space at work. Additionally, 57% of them did nothing to address the problem of noise in their workplaces
Here are a few factors contributing to workplace noise.
Significantly higher workstation densities with more people occupying the same physical space
The widespread use of speaker phones and the tendency of office workers to speak loudly while using them
Greater use of video conferencing equipment, which concentrate noise levels in specific areas of the workspace.
Research further states that a good acoustic environment can improve performance during tasks by 50%.
Here are some ways in which offices can address the problem of noise
Intelligent layout
The design should ensure noise-producing areas don’t overlap with noise-sensitive areas.
A simple example is meeting rooms should not be located close to server rooms or cafeterias.
This provides employees dedicated a quiet space to discuss ideas. A sound-absorbing ceiling as well as sound-absorbing screens that divide sections of the office for groups are important. For brainstorming, a room with a sound-absorbing ceiling and wall absorbers covering at least one wall, but preferably two adjacent walls, should be provided.
In a phone-intensive work environment, a room that offers a sound-absorbing ceiling with best absorption at all frequencies and sound-absorbing screens dividing people into groups and wall absorbers, wherever possible, is ideal.
Acoustic telephone booths will allow you to make phone calls with an acoustic and visual protection, without disturbing your colleagues.
For formal meetings, where the participants should be able to hear each other clearly as well as participate in discussions, a sound-absorbing ceiling with good absorption qualities for low frequencies and wall absorbers covering two adjacent walls would be beneficial.
Sound absorbers
Sound-absorbing materials can be introduced in workplaces where it might not be possible to make make major changes to the interior design and architecture.
a) Noise-arresting flooring: Hard flooring surfaces like natural wood, porcelain and ceramic add to the noise at a workplace.
While carpet is an ideal flooring solution for noise reduction, vinyl flooring is another alternative, providing a variety of design options and the additional advantage of easy maintenance.
b) ‘Acoustic’ furniture: Couches and lounge chairs, wall partitions, and filing cabinets can all have an impact on the acoustics of an open office space — especially high-backed couches or enclosed booths that essentially separate a person from the rest of the room.
(Sudeep Kolte is Vice President — Sales & Marketing at Saint Gobain India Pvt Ltd – Gyproc Business)
