Nowadays, open-plan offices are the most common form of office spaces.
And while that brings a sense of community and level-pegging, it does also create a noisy work space.
This can sometimes prove distracting when trying to do your best at work. Even the smallest of disturbances are enough to throw you off your game and affect your concentration. No noise isn’t ideal either, as this only highlights when sounds are then made, such as loud voices or phones. White noise is ideal, where you can hear people around you but not be able to make out what they are saying. There are therefore some simple ways to improve the acoustics in any office space.
Let’s take a look:
Acoustic products are effective sound traps
Acoustic products are a great way to improve acoustics within the work environment, and are possibly the most effective way to trap sound waves, stopping noise levels building up too high. You can choose from acoustic boards which can be wall mounted, free standing or suspending from the ceiling to brighten up space and improve concertation; or acoustic office screens which help to create designated office spaces that are obstructed from noise pollution.
Textiles help limit echoes
Office spaces are usually vast, and with that vastness comes echoes and louder sounds than usual. Textiles help to limit reverberations and echoes. Carpets and rugs are the perfect choice for floors, whilst wall hangings, and curtains or blinds can help create a more comfortable sound levels.
Open bookcases can muffle sounds
Choose open bookcases can be a great way to muffle sounds. By filling them with books and ornaments, even trophies, they will allow a free flow style of office and also help to create different areas, and temporary walls to prevent high noise levels.
Plants are natural sound absorbers
Believe it or not, plants are natural sound absorbers. And not only that, their air purifying abilities give them dual purpose to create a much more pleasant work environment. Whether you choose big plants or small potted plants, they will certain help improve office acoustics and your peace of mind.
Desk Mats create a softer and quieter work surface
Desk mats are great for reducing sound reverberations from the desktop, creating a softer and quieter work surface. It also feels like on the skin, making your work area much more comfortable to work in.
Upholstered furniture and soft feet are quieter to move
As with textiles, upholstered furniture such as sofas and break-out chairs are a great way to create a softer environment. Soft furniture feet, or even wheels, can also reduce scrapping noises from chair legs, which can feel a little jarring. They allow chairs to slide on hard floors and create a happier, and quieter working environment.
Desk screens block noise from adjacent workspaces
Some desk screens have sound-absorbing properties which can make a huge different to the sound around you. They block off noise from nearby colleagues and helps to create a more secluded and private working area.
Notice boards work as an acoustic damper
The softer surface of notice boards works as an acoustic damper by absorbing sound reverberations that would bounce off a harder surface. These are therefore a great choice within the office work space as the not only allow you to reduce noise levels, they also work well to share important information and events, and divide up the space to create effective office partitions. They are the more cost-effective option to acoustic panels for those businesses on a smaller budget. And they’re available in a range of options from desktop side to large concertina styles.
Light background noise can masks everyday louder noises
It might seem counterintuitive, adding to the noise, however low-level white noise can help to mask the sounds from the everyday. It works particularly well as it stops the office from being too quiet too, which can also be distracting when louder conversations or phone calls take place. Choose your white noise carefully, as you don’t want it to be too distinctive to create further distraction.
Choose Presentation Spaces to improve your acoustics
Bad acoustics is one of the most common problems within the workplace, but it is easily remedied. And at Presentation Spaces we can help! We have a brilliant selection of acoustic products and sound absorbing panels, perfect for creating spaces that are unobstructed from noise pollution. These acoustic designs are popular for meeting spaces, study spaces, offices and more.
We also offer a range of display systems and stands that are ideal to reduce noise. Available in a variety of sizes, from mini desktop sizes to large concertina room dividers; with a double-sided Loop Nylon fabric surface and a wide range of colours to complement any company colour scheme.
Whatever you are looking for, we are confident we are able to supply you with just what you need. Call us on 01382 913 913 or email us at info@presentationspaces.co.uk with an enquiry and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.
