Top 5 tips for soundproofing your office

When designing a new workspace, it is, of course, important to consider how you can best cater to your employees’ working needs. Noise distractions are a common issue within the workplace, particularly amongst busy or open plan offices. It’s important, therefore, to consider incorporating noise absorbing materials during a re-design; these will act as a preventative measure. If you’re not currently planning a renovation, though, there are still ways you can reduce the impact of external noise to encourage minimum disruption of employee productivity.

 

 

Use partitions

Partitions are a great way to minimise distractions, helping to create a focus area for those who need it. However, it’s a good idea to avoid reverting back to dated ‘cubicle’ style designs, since these fail to cater to a wide range of working styles. Instead, try incorporating flexible, movable partitions that can be adjusted to suit – for example, these could be used to temporarily section off an area of the office for private group work. Textured desktop partitions can also work to add an aesthetic element, whilst minimising noise and creating privacy for those focusing on individual work.

 

 

Soundproof paint and tiles

If you’re considering a complete renovation of your office, consider using soundproof paint to coat your walls. This acts as a base coat that works to reduce sound transmission, and can be particularly useful for those working with thinner wall material. Soundproof tiles can also be added to walls, with their varying colours and textures working simultaneously to add an area of visual interest. These tiles are often made with sound-trapping materials, such as wool, and work to absorb incoming noises.

 

 

Carpets and upholstered furniture

If noise distractions are a prevalent issue within your workplace, consider placing carpet down wherever possible. Sounds can bounce off hard, reflective surfaces, so it’s best to avoid these wherever possible. It’s also a good idea to incorporate upholstered furniture, since the padding and soft materials work to absorb sounds within the workplace, having maximum impact when paired with carpet flooring.

 

 

Use acoustic panels

Acoustic panels can also be used to control noise distractions, minimise sound transfer and prevent echoing. In turn, this improves the quality of existing sounds by reducing unwanted reverberations, ultimately being beneficial to individual work, as well as group and client meetings. Acoustic panels don’t have to be an eyesore; they can be seamlessly worked into the interior design.

 

 

Incorporate acoustic friendly furniture

Soundproof booths are great options for workplace interior design, since they not only prevent the infiltration of external sounds, but they also trap sounds – creating a private enclosure, ideal for group work. Individual pods can also provide an escape for those who need to work on a project without any distractions. You could also incorporate chairs or sofas with alcoves, which don’t completely close off the user; rather, they offer an element of privacy whilst also encouraging collaboration.

 

 

Although noise distractions are a common issue in the workplace, developments in technology and interior design mean that employees no longer need to suffer. Simply planning for preventative measures can transform a usually noisy office space into a quieter one that promotes focus and productivity. To discover more about how you can soundproof your office, don’t hesitate to speak to a member of our team.