If your open office design is a little too loud, you’ll love these tips to reduce noise!
Noise is one of the most common complaints for employees in open office spaces. Not only is constant noise annoying, studies have pointed to a loss in productivity and an increase in stress as reasons why sound reduction should be a priority for office managers. While it’s virtually impossible to completely eliminate noise from your office setup, there are a few tips you can utilize to help your employees and positively impact your bottom line.
Choose Noise Friendly Flooring
Hard surfaces like wood and ceramic can create a large amount of sound pollution within a work setting. Carpeting can help cancel the sound but is also hard to maintain and keep clean. Vinyl flooring, on the other hand, is easy to clean and is great at absorbing sound.
Dedicating a Space for Quiet Time
Quiet rooms are becoming popular in office design and companies are using them as a way for their employees to decompress. If you don’t have space right now, you could designate use of your office’s conference room as a quiet space during particular hours of the day.
White Noise
It seems counterintuitive, but you can use noise to fight noise! Ambient sounds played at a consistent level will help mask other sounds in your space. Consider the sounds of rainfall or waves at a beach – these are proven to work.
Noise-Cancelling Furniture
Your office furniture choices can have an impact on the noise level in your office. Couches, lounge chairs, acoustic partitions, and cabinetry can all have a positive impact and absorb sound from the office.
Plants
Plants, placed in the proper areas, are also effective in reducing sound levels in an office space. Not only do they absorb sound, but they also provide a nice splash of natural color to your design and improve overall air quality!
Sound Insulation
If you’ve been thinking about an office redesign, consider installing sound insulation material as part of that process. This is the most effective option for reducing noise in your space.
Ready to Transform Your Office Design With Some New Furniture?
American Design Associates, Inc. is a furniture dealer and design firm serving clients throughout the Mid-Atlantic region. We strive to ensure that every customer ends up with the office design and furniture to help their business run for years to come. We have the expertise and resources to help you get your move off to a great stress-free start. Visit us online to see what we can do for you, or give us a call at (410) 823-5500. To see examples of our work and get more advice on furnishing your office space, follow us on Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Pinterest, and Google+.