How to reduce Office Noise Levels

We’ve already discussed the benefits of an open plan office design in a previous post. They promote collaboration and generally create a more relaxed, social atmosphere in your workplace and even giants such as Pixar and Google have implemented it in their offices. However, with this open design comes the possibility of office noise becoming a distraction for some employees. While being a good platform for bouncing creative ideas around and collaborating with colleagues, some employees may find the noise of an open office a little bit too much.

So, what can you do if you want to benefit from an open plan office design, but want all your employees to be happy with the noise level? Before you begin enforcing a noise level rule, take a look at some of our top tips to reduce the level of office chatter and keep everyone working productively.

Install Plants

Who doesn’t want to add a bit of nature to your office? We’ve previously covered the topic of how incorporating nature into your office space can make your colleagues more productive and happy, but can plants really help combat the noise in a busy workplace?

The addition of plants changes the acoustics of the room, with the plants absorbing some of the noises which can ultimately distract other workers from their tasks. Strategically placing plants around areas which are affected by higher levels of sound such as meeting rooms or reception areas will greatly reduce the sound level and in turn will reduce the distraction of workers in and around the area.

Custom Design

Each working environment is different and will have varying needs and requirements. Employing a professional office designer will allow you to raise the issue of noise distraction and your designer will work with you to come up with a solution which fits your company perfectly.

These solutions can range from simply giving your employees the opportunity to work by themselves if they wish, or choose the direction that they sit to help them combat any office chatter that goes on, to creating a completely mobile office design that can be moved and adapted by the employees themselves so that they can work in an environment that they can make comfortable. The options are endless!

There are various different ways you can approach the reduction of office noise in your workplace and the experts that we have on hand here at Officescape are available to help your business combat excessive noise levels to keep your workforce working productively.

Whether you are looking to reduce noise levels in your open plan office or simply find a balanced solution where your workforce can still collaborate and not be distracted, contact our dedicated team today by calling 01553 811 833 and we will be happy to help you with your queries.