Understanding acoustic comfort: why it’s essential for open-plan offices

Noise distractions, lack of privacy, and the general hum of activity can undermine productivity and well-being if not properly managed. Understanding the principles of acoustic comfort and how to achieve it is crucial for creating functional and pleasant open-plan work environments.

The rise of open-plan offices has transformed the way we work, encouraging collaboration, creativity, and communication among employees. However, while these spaces offer many benefits, they also bring new challenges—particularly when it comes to acoustic comfort.

What is acoustic comfort?

Acoustic comfort refers to the overall quality of sound in a given environment and its impact on the people who occupy that space. In an office setting, this means creating an environment where sound is well-controlled, allowing employees to concentrate, communicate effectively, and work without undue distractions.

In open-plan offices, where walls and partitions are minimised, controlling noise becomes more challenging. Poor acoustics can lead to a host of problems, including stress, decreased productivity, and increased fatigue. Achieving acoustic comfort is about finding the right balance between allowing for collaboration and ensuring that excessive noise doesn’t overwhelm employees.

The impact of poor acoustics in open-plan offices

Inadequate sound management in open offices can lead to several negative outcomes. Noise is one of the most commonly cited complaints in modern office environments, and research shows it has a measurable impact on workers’ health and performance.

Distractions and reduced focus

Open-plan offices are often designed to foster collaboration and spontaneous conversation, but this can backfire when employees are constantly distracted by the noise of their colleagues. The sound of phone calls, conversations, and even background chatter can disrupt focus, leading to mistakes, slower work progress, and frustration.

Studies show that employees in noisy environments experience up to a 66% drop in productivity as their ability to concentrate on tasks diminishes with increased sound levels. This drop is especially pronounced in tasks that require deep concentration or complex problem-solving.

Increased stress and fatigue

Noise doesn’t just affect productivity—it also impacts employee well-being. Persistent noise pollution in the workplace has been linked to higher levels of stress, anxiety, and fatigue. The human brain is wired to respond to sounds as potential threats, and in a noisy office, this constant stimulation can trigger the body’s stress response.

Over time, this can contribute to burnout, as employees are less able to relax and recover during their workday. Even moderate noise levels can cause mental fatigue, leading to a decline in work quality and increased irritability.

Loss of privacy

Photo by Fotomohito from Małeccy Biuro Projektowe

In an open-plan setting, conversations are often overheard, which can be both distracting and uncomfortable. For employees discussing sensitive topics—whether personal or professional—the lack of acoustic privacy can cause anxiety.

Without the ability to have private conversations, employees may avoid certain discussions altogether, leading to reduced communication and potentially stalling important decision-making.

Collaborative challenges

While open-plan offices are designed to enhance collaboration, poor acoustics can actually hinder teamwork. Employees may struggle to hear or engage in meaningful conversations during meetings, or they may avoid speaking up altogether for fear of disturbing others.

Achieving acoustic comfort in open-plan offices

Creating an acoustically comfortable open-plan office requires thoughtful design and the implementation of noise-reducing strategies. Here are several key approaches that can help achieve optimal sound quality:

Sound absorbing materials

One of the most effective ways to improve acoustics is by incorporating sound-absorbing materials into the office design. These materials help to reduce the reflection and spread of sound, minimising noise levels across the workspace. Common solutions include:

Acoustic panels: These can be placed on walls or ceilings to absorb sound waves and prevent them from bouncing around the room.
Carpeting: Soft flooring materials like carpet reduce noise generated by footsteps and furniture movement, helping to dampen overall sound levels.
Acoustic ceiling tiles: Specialised tiles designed to absorb sound can be installed to control noise in large open areas.

Zoning and quiet areas

Another strategy is to design the office with zoning in mind. By dividing the space into different areas based on activity levels, businesses can create zones where collaboration and noise are encouraged and others where quiet, focused work can thrive.

Dedicated quiet zones: Creating designated quiet areas or focus rooms allows employees to retreat when they need a distraction-free environment. These spaces can be equipped with additional soundproofing to ensure a calm atmosphere.
Collaboration hubs: Grouping noisier activities, such as meetings or brainstorming sessions, in specific areas can help contain sound, keeping it from spreading throughout the office.

Acoustic furniture

Modern office furniture is increasingly designed with acoustics in mind. Acoustic pods, for example, provide small, enclosed spaces where employees can have private conversations or conduct focused work without disturbing others. These can be used for phone calls, video conferences, or solo work that requires concentration.

High-backed chairs, acoustic dividers, and partitioned desks are also useful for reducing noise. They offer both visual and sound barriers in open-plan spaces, giving employees a sense of privacy and minimising noise exposure.

White noise systems

White noise machines or sound masking systems can be effective in covering up distracting background noise without adding to the overall noise level. These systems emit a steady, unobtrusive sound that masks conversations and other distracting sounds, helping employees stay focused and maintain their privacy.

Research shows that white noise can reduce the impact of distracting noise in open-plan offices by up to 48%, making it an important tool for improving acoustic comfort.

Flexible work options

In some cases, providing employees with the flexibility to choose where and how they work can improve their acoustic comfort. This might involve offering remote work options, hot-desking, or the ability to move between different zones within the office, depending on the task at hand.

By giving employees control over their work environment, companies can help reduce the stress and frustration caused by poor acoustics.

The business case for acoustic comfort

Photo by Fotomohito from Trzop Architekci

Improving acoustic comfort in open-plan offices isn’t just about creating a better work environment—it’s also a smart business decision. Acoustic comfort is directly linked to higher productivity, better employee well-being, and stronger job satisfaction. In a highly competitive business landscape, where talent retention and employee performance are critical, investing in sound management pays dividends.

Employees who feel comfortable and can focus on their work without constant noise distractions are more likely to be engaged and productive. Moreover, offering a work environment that prioritises well-being helps attract top talent and reduces turnover, contributing to long-term organizational success.

Conclusion

As open-plan offices continue to dominate modern workplaces, the importance of acoustic comfort cannot be overstated. Noise control is essential for maintaining productivity, reducing stress, and ensuring that employees can work effectively and comfortably.

By implementing thoughtful acoustic solutions—from sound-absorbing materials to strategic zoning and quiet areas—businesses can create office space that encourage both collaboration and concentration, leading to happier, more productive teams.