The soundscape’s crucial role in workspace ergonomics

Office soundscape – tl;dr

• Sound is central to workspace acoustics, impacting employee well-being and daily performance. According to psychoacoustics, soundscapes that are partially biophilic and maintain a steady level of background sound with some variability foster a well-balanced mix of focused effort and mindful relaxation.
• Enhancing office acoustics should start with minimising external noise by introducing secondary window glazes and noise-cancelling landscaping. The second step is insulating sounds generated within the office itself with the use of different acoustic solutions, including sound-dampening panels and upholsteries. Last but not least, installing sound diffusers can be especially effective for teams who wish to reduce excessive noise in particular parts of the workspace.
• Acoustic office booths, such as the hushFree line, offer an excellent solution for open-plan workspaces as they can function as independent work and meeting environments. These booths are specially designed to provide employees with high-quality, pleasantly quiet spaces conducive to both focus efforts and effective collaboration, addressing the typical challenges of open layouts. Additionally, they contain speech made within, minimising noise on the floor and contributing to a more productive work environment.

Does your office foster focus or chaos?

A workspace where conversations clash, electronic devices beep unexpectedly, or humming machines disrupt one’s train of thought can seriously impede employee workflow. And when productivity declines, the overall well-being suffers, too. In an increasingly digital world, the level of distraction can be dangerously high, so focus is crucial. Addressing the noise problem in the workspace is indeed complex, but the effort is worthwhile. Creating an atmosphere of calm and relaxation significantly supports employee performance and well-being, often without them even realising it

– says Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

Therefore, investments in enhancing office acoustics are actually investments in long-term organisational success.

Sound has a profound impact on our thoughts and feelings.

Just as a well-organised orchestra creates outstanding music, a workspace with a harmonious soundscape drives efficient teams. High quality acoustics are integral to a well-designed space where employees can freely move and share their thoughts, allowing collective energy to thrive seamlessly.

The most common sources of acoustic distractions in the workspace

Office distractions range from obvious culprits, such as phone calls to more subtle thieves of productive workflow, including humming air conditioners. The key components of the office noise symphony can come in various timbres and volumes, and when combined, they can deprive employees of their efficient, productive efforts.

• Conversations. Overheard discussions belong to the most distracting sounds in the workspace. Since our brains have a natural inclination to process language, it is hardly possible to ignore nearby conversations making intelligible speech a serious obstacle to cognitive performance.
• Notification sounds like rings, beeps, and pings. Unexpected and irregular sounds disturb concentration and induce stress. Notification sounds can be startling, contributing to mental overload, reduced efficiency, and diminished employee well-being.
• Office devices and systems. Sounds generated by printers, copiers, or HVAC units may combine to create a continuous, low-level white noise which, depending on its volume, can increase employee mental fatigue and stress levels.
• Environmental noise. The acoustics plan for your workspace should also cover external sounds including traffic or construction noise. Once these noises permeate the building walls, they actually become part of the internal soundscape. Extended exposure to increased levels of environmental noise has been shown to negatively impact health, leading to cardiovascular problems and sleep disorders.

Maintaining balance between collaborative and focused spaces requires care and vision.

Sound is physiological, affecting both body and mind, and its impact can vary from person to person depending on their individual sensitivity to different noise qualities and levels. That’s why careful consideration is essential when optimising office acoustics.

How do you actually define the office soundscape?

The soundscape of an office refers to its unique auditory environment, which is a blend of backdrop, human, electronic, and environmental sounds. Metaphorically speaking, it’s the soundtrack of your office. Like music, it significantly affects employee mood and intellectual abilities.

The low hum of air conditioning units blending with tinkly keyboard clatter, interspersed with spontaneous bursts of conversation and the unexpected buzz of a phone. This complex variety of sounds significantly impacts both employee efficiency and their health. That’s why optimising the soundscape is a must. Excessive noise hinders focus, while complete silence seems unnatural and isolating to most employees. Introducing strategic solutions, such as soundproofing, white noise machines or office meeting booths like hushFree.M and demarcating quiet areas may turn the discordant office tune into a harmonious melody of collaborative and individual efforts. By ensuring a pleasant “office soundtrack” is played, an organisation can improve the overall work experience, transforming the office into a place where creativity is inherent and well-supported

– says Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

If you want to tackle environmental noise, eliminate external sound penetration into the building first.

Preventing external sound from entering the office is the first step toward creating a calmer workspace. To achieve it, consider treating windows with secondary glazes and applying noise-cancelling draughtproofing. You might also implement acoustic panels or mass-loaded vinyl on walls and ceilings. Additionally, outdoor measures such as fences and landscaping can provide an effective solution, as well.

Next, deal with internal auditory distractions.

To tackle internal noise, you can invest in acoustic panels, ceiling tiles, and carpeting that muffle sounds and minimise resonance. Treat hard surfaces with soft, noise-dampening solutions wherever possible. Additionally, you can consider using white noise machines and acoustic office booths, such as hushFree.S.

Audio diffusion can be an ideal finishing touch.

Diffusers are aesthetically pleasing surfaces designed to disperse acoustic waves evenly within a space to create a more peaceful environment. Since they reduce echoes and reverberation, they can substantially enhance speech clarity. When strategically installed, these panels may become pièce de résistance for your office acoustics.

Designing your workplace acoustics: shape the atmosphere of your office space.

Apart from noise reduction, soundscaping your workspace involves adjusting its sound levels, materials, and layout to shape the ambiance and create a successful work environment.

A perfect soundscape for both work and relaxation?

• Sounds of nature. Sounds of flowing water, rustling leaves, or singing birds strongly support relaxation, thus enhancing performance. Since they are familiar sounds with a soothing effect on the brain, they can enhance our mood and overall well-being. Of course, there is no need to design an outdoor fountain to enjoy such benefits. To tap into auditory biophilia, you can simply use private booths, such as hushFree.S to take a virtual nature break that has been proven to provide these natural advantages.
• Consistent background noise. An average level of steady background noise, such as white or pink noise can help muffle unexpected auditory distractions, creating a stable office soundscape conducive to concentration.
• Controlled variability. While consistency is paramount, introducing a certain degree of variability into the auditory environment helps prevent repetitive sameness and keeps workers engaged. The natural human need for variety – reflected in the preference for subtle changes in surrounding auditory patterns – is a compelling argument for creating pop-up workspaces in the vicinity of more dynamic office zones to allow workers to enjoy undisturbed focus amidst the office bustle.

A supportive soundspace includes beneficial sound and minimises noise.

What is the difference between the two? While the answer is often straightforward, sometimes making a clear division is far more complex. In such situations, make a list of all the noises in your workspace over the week and analyse their context, intensity, frequency, and duration. This will give you a complete picture of the acoustic environment of your office.

Just like excessive noise, complete silence should be avoided.

In completely silent environments, unexpected noises are even more disturbing. Conversely, raucous spaces tend to be overwhelming and stressful. The goal is to maintain a moderate sound level which is comfortable for most employees and thereby supporting a peaceful and focused work environment.

Relevant norms and standards related to office acoustics.

For a general summary, check the U.S. Green Building Council’s latest LEED parameters for acoustic comfort parameters or the International WELL Building Institute’s “The WELL Sound concept” guidelines.

How to create an effective acoustic environment in the office?

Once you’ve addressed external environmental noise, insulated internal noise, and implemented diffusers throughout the workspace, enhancing the “music” of your office involves striking the right balance between open and closed zones. This is the finishing touch that provides the most personalised treatment.

The right balance between openness and privacy is essential.

Nowadays, employees’ main demand is for autonomy defined as a freedom to choose where, when, and how they wish to work. This preference also concerns office acoustics – what employees need is access to various soundscapes: private spaces for calls, dynamic hubbubs for teamwork, and quiet areas for focused tasks.

HushFree acoustic cabins are the missing piece of the workspace acoustics puzzle.

HushFree is a line of three Class A office pods that significantly enhance the soundscape of open-plan workspaces. They not only provide employees with the speech privacy and discretion they desire but also offer unparalleled comfort with customisable lighting and ventilation. Thanks to their full mobility, they make an excellent flexible solution for every office. 

Noteworthy technological solutions for maintaining acoustic balance in the workspace.

There are various modern technological solutions that can enhance the soundscape by more effectively addressing sound masking and noise management.

There are plenty of technological solutions that can support office acoustics. For instance, Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) systems use advanced algorithms and microphones to identify and block out unwanted sounds. Another example can be adaptive sound masking systems dynamically adjusting the ambient sound level depending on background noise. There are also acoustic metamaterials with their unique properties that allow them to efficiently manipulate sound waves. Finally, of course, acoustic booths, such as our hushFree collection, provide a top-notch solution with their high-quality soundproofing and comfortable interiors, offering all the features that make up a convenient work environment. Summing up, the acoustics of open-plan offices are gradually making headway

– says Mateusz Barczyk, Senior Brand Manager, Hushoffice.

Office soundscape – summary

• Sound is central to workspace acoustics, impacting employee well-being and daily performance. According to psychoacoustics, soundscapes that are partially biophilic and maintain a steady level of background sound with some variability foster a well-balanced mix of focused effort and mindful relaxation.
• Enhancing office acoustics should start with minimising external noise by introducing secondary window glazes and noise-cancelling landscaping. The second step is insulating sounds generated within the office itself with the use of different acoustic solutions, including sound-dampening panels and upholsteries. Last but not least, installing sound diffusers can be especially effective for teams who wish to reduce excessive noise in particular parts of the workspace.
• Acoustic office booths, such as the hushFree line, offer an excellent solution for open-plan workspaces as they can function as independent work and meeting environments. These booths are specially designed to provide employees with high-quality, pleasantly quiet spaces conducive to both focus efforts and effective collaboration, addressing the typical challenges of open layouts. Additionally, they contain speech made within, minimising noise on the floor and contributing to a more productive work environment.

Office soundscape – Frequently Asked Questions

What should I do to prevent sound from entering the office building?

In fact, there are several effective solutions to consider, such as installing soundproof windows and doors, insulating walls and ceilings with dense materials, using draughtproofing to seal gaps, or implementing acoustic panels and mass-loaded vinyl barriers. Moreover, investing in soundproof curtains and secondary glazing may further enhance noise reduction. Finally, treat all openings or vents with acoustic sealant in order to reduce sound infiltration.

What does an office sound diffuser do?

An office sound diffuser is a device or material designed to disperse waves evenly within a space, preventing them from reflecting directly off surfaces. As a result, echoes and reverberations are minimised, contributing to a more harmonious and pleasant soundscape in the office.

What can I do to enhance the acoustics of my open workspace?

Start by reducing external environmental noise, and then focus on insulating internal distractions. Additionally, consider investing in diffusers and locate them strategically throughout the office space. To optimise the soundscape, create zones that balance open and closed areas. Together, these measures will contribute to a highly personalised, productive work environment. For a comprehensive solution, consider large conference booths, such as hushFree.L, which effectively reduce the teamwork-related noise in the open-plan office while providing workers with workspaces tailored to their needs.