Assessing 7 top ways to ensure better office productivity and focus
In today’s era of open office designs, collaboration and flexibility reign supreme. Yet along with the benefits of increased interaction and a more dynamic work environment come challenges – one of the most significant of which is noise.
The open office’s cacophony of conversations, ringing phones, and clacking keyboards can create distractions that hinder productivity and focus.
Thankfully, there are effective soundproofing solutions which have been tailored specifically for open office spaces.
1) Acoustic panels and partitions
Installing acoustic panels and partitions strategically throughout an open office layout can help absorb and deflect sound, reducing reverberation and controlling noise levels.
Acoustic panels come in various shapes, sizes, and designs. This allows for seamless integration into the existing workspace aesthetics while providing tangible noise reduction benefits.
2) Desk dividers
Simple yet effective, desk dividers can create individualised workstations within an open office layout. These dividers give employees a sense of privacy and serve as barriers to sound transmission, minimising distractions and improving concentration.
3) Sound masking systems
Emitting a low-level background noise, sound masking systems help to mask or cover up distracting sounds, effectively reducing their impact on office employees. By introducing a consistent ambient noise, these systems create a more uniform acoustic environment, which makes it easier for individuals to focus on their tasks without being disrupted by sudden spikes in noise levels.
4) Sound-absorbing flooring solutions
Hard flooring surfaces can contribute to noise amplification in open office spaces by allowing sound to bounce and reverberate. Installing carpeting or utilising sound-absorbing flooring materials can help mitigate this effect, reducing overall noise levels and improving acoustic comfort.
5) Designated quiet zones
Incorporating designated quiet zones within the open office layout gives employees dedicated spaces for focused work and concentration. These areas can be equipped with soundproofing materials such as acoustic panels and noise-cancelling furniture, to create an environment conducive to deep work without the distractions of surrounding activity.
6) Furniture selection
Choosing furniture with sound-absorbing properties, such as upholstered chairs and sofas, can help minimise noise transmission within the workspace. Additionally, arranging furniture strategically to create barriers and break up sound pathways can further enhance soundproofing efforts.
7) Strategic office layout design
Careful consideration of the office layout can also contribute to effective soundproofing in open spaces. Positioning noisy areas away from workstations, such as meeting rooms and communal areas, can help minimise disruptions to employees’ focus and concentration.
Talk to Avenue about acoustic panels and more for your office
Open office spaces offer numerous benefits in terms of collaboration and flexibility, yet they also present challenges in terms of noise control.
By implementing a combination of soundproofing solutions (such as acoustic panels), tailored to the unique needs of the workspace, organisations can create a more harmonious environment that promotes productivity, focus, and employee wellbeing.
For more information about noise control solutions for your office space, reach out to Avenue Interior Systems on 1300 827 177.
