We all know what a patchwork job looks like. With the intent of being aesthetically pleasing or performing optimally, someone makes a few additions here and there on their own instead of getting something professionally installed. The result is a mismatched conjunction of styles and materials that are supposed to look like the real deal but just miss the mark.
While going the cheaper route may be okay from an aesthetic perspective, when it comes to something that is meant to perform, then a subpar job may be more costly in the long-run. One area where performance really matters is the acoustical design of a workplace.
A handful of installed foam panels or sound-dampening blankets isn’t going to fix the larger issue. Office noise is a problem, one that can lead to reduced productivity, employee stress, and overall unhappiness. The solution won’t resolve on its own, either. Acoustic systems are necessary in modern workplaces that prioritize open-plan offices and collaborative working environments. These systems control noise, minimizing distractions, and supporting better mental health.
Here’s why “good enough” just won’t cut it in modern workspaces, plus the hidden costs of neglecting acoustic design.
Productivity Los
You’ve hired top-notch employees. You’ve built a brand that the marketplace is talking about. You’ve established good relationships with your vendors and customers. You’ve even gone the extra mile of providing great employee benefits. But you’re not seeing the productivity results you expected. If that’s the case, take a look around the office and watch what is going on.
There are several benefits of working together alongside coworkers in an office setting. Collaboration can increase, social interactions can combat feelings of loneliness, and there can be a real distinction between work life and home life, just because of the daily commute. Even still, workers in noisy open office environments have a harder time focusing on their work and spend more time distracted.
Research shows that background noise can lead to an upwards of 66% drop in productivity. Alongside this, it can be harder to regain focus after a distraction. A simple interruption of a colleague commenting about the weather can prompt a conversation around weekend plans, upcoming vacations, and more. Before you know it, several minutes have passed, and the idea you had before the interruption is long gone.
Higher Operational Costs
The impact of noise can be different for everyone. Some employees need to listen to background music to concentrate, while others may prefer pure silence to accomplish their to-do lists. Regardless, office noise exposure can increase stress, anxiety, and fatigue. The slamming of doors, the sound of your desk mate’s typing, and the office printer malfunctioning can be distressing.
You may not correlate the two, but office noise can lead to increased employee turnover or absenteeism. Employees will make up excuses to work from home in hopes of getting more done on their to-do list. They’ll complain that they don’t like coming to the office — no matter how beautiful it is — without recognizing that what they really don’t like is the stressful environment prompted by office noise.
Of course, turnover and absenteeism can be costly for companies. Replacing an employee often costs well over their annual salary when recruiting, onboarding, and lost productivity are factored in. That’s money that could be invested more strategically elsewhere, such as installing a proper acoustic system for the workplace.
The Shift Toward Systems-Based Thinking for Acoustic Design
Instead of fixing the noise issue with a few add-on products — installing wall panels or buying even more office plants — there is a shift to a more holistic, systems-based thinking strategy. With this approach, companies are addressing the sound problem head-on, thinking about sound absorption and isolation. This ensures acoustic performance is engineered in a professional way, rather than remediated down the road with one-off solutions.
For office spaces, this may mean adding acoustic diffusers to enhance sound quality and reduce distractions. These diffuser systems are designed to limit distractions in open spaces, while also improving speed and clarity in closed-off meeting rooms. They prevent echoing from happening, allowing for clearer communication without increased volume.
Acoustic rafts and ceiling tiles can replace hard, reflective ceilings that do little to absorb sound. Fabric panels and wall coverings can also absorb sound waves to reduce echoes.
Many of these solutions can add to the office space through their aesthetic beauty. Perforated wood can be decorative in a boardroom, while GFRG (glass fiber reinforced gypsum) can offer rigid, durable diffusion for high-end office interiors. For spaces with lots of windows, invisible acoustic solutions and panel systems are a great option. They allow for sound absorption without impacting the office’s modernized look and feel.
Why You Need Acoustical Design in Your Office
When it comes to the acoustic design of your office, “meeting the minimum” isn’t the best approach. A holistic acoustic system can do wonders for enhancing productivity and efficiency. Not to mention, employees will be happier when they have a space that allows them to focus on their work while also engaging with their colleagues and getting out of their home routines. While it may be an upfront cost now, designing an office with an acoustic system now can be less expensive than retrofitting it down the road.
