Noise pollution is all around us. In the streets, at home and of course, at work. Offices are subject to a really wide range of sources of noise, such as the sound of people on the phone, electronic devices, nearby construction, street sounds, and much more. Quality acoustics are the best way to ensure that these sounds don’t affect your employees and derail your business.
Why are acoustics important?
There have been a number of studies on the impact of noise in the office. Research has shown time and time again that a loud office, with noise distractions, results in unhappy, unproductive, and inaccurate staff. In fact, this study showed that there was a significant decrease in the performance of employees when noise was consistently over 110 decibels.
Good quality acoustics in the office, which can come in a range of solutions, will help to minimise and dampen noise. This helps stop sound pollution from spreading around the office, and keeps your employees on track. It also helps them to be happier, less stressed and more accurate when they’re on task.
The benefits of good acoustics
- Higher levels of accuracy
- Much lower chance of damage to hearing
- Happier, more relaxed employees
- Improved productivity
- Employees are much more likely to say they like their workplace.
The negatives of poor acoustics
- Chance of damage to ears
- Higher stress levels at work
- Higher error rate in employees’ work
- Employees more likely to call in sick
- Workers will be looking around for better working conditions.
What can be done?
There are a number of elements that can be included in your Sydney office design that will help to reduce noise pollution. Most of these elements work to improve reverberation time (RT), which is the time it takes for sound to decay. Working with an expert Sydney office fit-out company is the best way to go. At Niche Projects, we can source and plan the best solutions for your office, including the following elements.
Partitions and desk dividers
Partitions come in a very wide variety of materials, many of which are specifically made to muffle noise in the office. The more stylish partitions tend to be crafted from wood, metal and glass, and these can be effective at stopping sound travelling from one part of the room to another. However, these materials tend to ‘bounce’ sound, increasing the reverberation time.
Many offices use fabric-covered partitions to great effect. These partitions absorb much more of the noise than metal or glass, and therefore creating a much quieter and more relaxing space. And they don’t have to look cheap either. Working with a seasoned office design company like Niche Projects means you’ll have access to the best partitions there are.
Desk dividers work in the same way, ensuring that noise from one desk doesn’t encroach on the employee next to them, or across from them. These dividers are often crafted from the same material as the desk itself, or built-in to the workstation. Therefore, they are often plastic-coated wood. Consider fabric-covered dividers for better noise absorption.
Wall coverings
The walls in your office play a huge role in exacerbating or minimising noise pollution. To be more specific, it’s all about what’s on your walls. If your walls are simply painted plaster, brick, concrete or something else, noise will bounce off these surfaces and reverberate through your workplace. That means increased noise levels in the office. There are, however, great ways to minimise this noise.
Many offices make use of upholstered panels, acoustic wall tiling, or entire sections of wall. These panels absorb noise, so that it doesn’t bounce off the wall and distract employees. Artwork can help with a similar effect, but is not as effective. If you’re considering upholstered panels on your walls, make sure you speak to a Sydney office design company.
Floor finishes
Like your walls, your floors also play a part in the war against noise pollution. Materials like hardwood, tiles, and polished concrete, will be poor acoustic options. While they often look excellent, these floors will be the bane of your employees’ concentration, as noise will bounce off them and reverberate in all directions.
This is one of the reasons as to why most offices sport carpet or carpet tiles. These coverings are not just more affordable, but they also help immensely with keeping your office free from unwanted noise pollution. Carpet tiles are also incredibly easy to repair if any damage occurs, and they come in a very wide range of colours and patterns.
Ceiling baffles
The ceiling is the third major surface that plays an important role in noise reduction. As more offices take on an ‘industrial’ style, businesses must contend with exposed concrete ceilings. Ceiling tiles are commonplace in most offices, but some buildings are unable to accommodate these. This is where ceiling baffles work well.
Ceiling baffles are specially designed fixtures that can be attached to your ceiling, with the aim of reducing noise pollution in the office. They can be shaped in many different ways, but they are crafted to stop noise from reverberating, thanks to the structure and materials used. Baffles can be custom-made to fit any style of office.
Acoustic doors
If you’re doing your best to keep noise out of (or in) one particular area, acoustic doors are a fantastic tool. They are ideal for meeting rooms, quiet areas or any other place you’d like to keep peaceful and relaxed. Acoustic doors are specially designed to both deflect and absorb noise, so it doesn’t pass through. Selecting the right acoustic doors for your office is best done with the help of a Sydney office design company like Niche Projects.
Plants
Plants have an incredibly wide range of benefits when it comes to office design and incorporating them into office fit-outs. While they clearly look excellent, and have been proven to increase happiness and reduce stress, plants also come with acoustic benefits. This is because leaves and fronds are very good at absorbing noise pollution, and ensuring it doesn’t bounce around the office.
Most of the time, plants are also very affordable, meaning they can be a great option if you are looking to save some money. The way in which you place them around the office is very important though, so do ensure that you consult a design professional to maximise their benefits.
Lighting
Even your lighting fixtures can contribute to reducing unwanted noise in your office! Making use of hanging light fixtures that consist of fabric or a softer plastic cover adds additional acoustic value to your workplace. Between lighting fixtures, carpeted floors, upholstered panels and partitions, your staff will be able to work without fear of noise distraction!
If you’re looking for expert office design in Sydney, get in touch with Niche Projects today. We can’t wait to hear from you.