Colleagues talking on the phone or discussing matters, nearby printers working overtime... These are all sources of noise pollution in open-plan offices that are perceived as disruptive and distracting. Poor acoustics in an open workspace can lead to loss of concentration, reduced work performance, and even burnout, as recent research has shown. It is therefore important for both employers and employees that office design makes optimal use of acoustic solutions in open-plan offices.
What does acoustics mean?
The dictionary defines it as: the properties of a space with regard to the reflection of sound or the study of sound.
The question then, of course, is how to create good acoustics in an open-plan office space. Various studies have been conducted on this topic, and many results have shown that a combination of different acoustic solutions is required. These range from acoustic ceiling panels to individual acoustic desk screens.
What acoustic solutions are available for an open-plan office?
There is a suitable solution for every space and disruptive noise source:
acoustic desk screens Do you have a colleague sitting opposite you who often talks on the phone and likes to gesticulate wildly? Then desk screens are the solution. The advantage of a high desk screen is that there are fewer visual distractions. The fewer stimuli there are, the less disturbance and/or loss of concentration.
acoustic partitions Are you seated near the printers, or do colleagues from the adjacent department frequently engage in discussions? In that case, partitions may be an option.
acoustic furniture Want to relax undisturbed in the lounge? We offer a range of acoustic soft seating solutions .
acoustic flooring Sound-reducing (vinyl & linoleum) flooring prevents footsteps or active machines from echoing.
acoustic ceiling panels Ceilings often reflect sound. You can prevent this with acoustic panels.
telephone booths Want to avoid noise pollution from colleagues on the phone, or do you want to make calls in peace and quiet yourself? Then use acoustic telephone booths.
enclosed acoustic space Need to have a quick chat with colleagues or are you expecting unexpected visitors? Then an acoustic space is useful: acoustic walls combined with ceiling panels and double glazing.
Acoustic diagnosis for your office?
If you experience acoustic problems in your office space, Wout Monseurs can visit you, without obligation, to assess the situation and determine whether an acoustic diagnosis is necessary. This involves taking measurements to determine the reverberation time and sound absorption. We can then provide appropriate advice on how to improve the situation with our wide range of acoustic solutions.
Would you like more information about this? Please feel free to contact us!