Open plan offices offer a great way to encourage collaboration and better communication amongst team members.

They have become increasingly popular in recent years, with open plan designs that encourage idea sharing and social interactions often being prioritised over quieter, individual spaces.

However, too much noise can be detrimental to employee wellbeing and productivity, which is why having good acoustics in any open plan office is essential.

In this guide, we explore how to improve office acoustics in open plan spaces with key tips to ensure you can find the right balance between creative collaboration and focused concentration.

Why do Acoustics Matter in Open Plan Offices?

Open plan office acoustics matter because too much sound can negatively impact staff, even if they don’t realise it.

When noise levels are higher with several conversations going on at once, it’s human nature to listen to what others are saying. This type of distraction can ultimately compromise productivity levels which in turn leads to stress.

In fact, a 2022 survey revealed that 60% of office workers are unable to concentrate and deliver poorer work quality due to loud workspaces.

Total silence isn’t necessary either, it can be beneficial to have some noise happening in the acoustic environment. The important factor is balance and creating a space where employees can get everything they need to maximise their productivity and satisfaction at work.

Common Acoustic Challenges in Open Plan Offices

Open plan offices can present several acoustic challenges. The lack of privacy and physical barriers increases noise levels throughout the space.

Also, modern offices typically have a lot of hard surfaces, which only absorb around 5% of sound. That leaves 95% to reverberate around the room, lengthening unwanted sounds.

6 Ways to Improve Office Acoustics

If you’re looking for effective office noise reduction, there are several ways you can improve the acoustics in your open plan space.

It’s important to note that you will need to consider the building scope and constraints, statutory approvals, and landlord consent before any work can be carried out.

Add acoustic panels

Acoustic panels are one of the most effective ways of soundproofing office space.

Commonly installed in walls and ceilings, they are designed to absorb excess noise and reduce echoes in the room. They can also look visually appealing to fit in with any modern office style. 

Use soft furnishings

Hard surfaces such as glass and metal reflect sound, quickly amplifying noise levels in open plan offices.

A simple way to counteract this is by incorporating soft surfaces like carpets, rugs, curtains (if applicable) and upholstered seating. These materials are much better at absorbing sound, reducing echoes, and reducing the impact of footsteps and chair movements in busy areas.

Create different spaces within the office

It’s important to offer soundproof spaces within an open plan office to allow employees to take phone calls and have meetings without noise disruption. These areas can also be used when staff want to work quietly to boost their productivity, away from the main space.

Introducing pods or booths can be particularly beneficial in offices where privacy is limited. Sound is contained to sectioned parts of the office, reducing noise spill and helping to maintain a quieter atmosphere where it’s needed.

Optimise the office layout

How an office is laid out can make a difference to its acoustics and how sound moves through the space. For example, desk positioning, book shelves, storage units, and partitions to diffuse noise, and ensure there is a reasonable amount of distance between workspaces.

A well thought out layout builds acoustics into the office at a fundamental level, instead of just relying on added solutions.

Incorporate plants and greenery

It may seem surprising but plants offer a useful way to reduce harsh noise and diffuse sounds, especially when used in large clusters or as part of green walls.

In addition to their acoustic benefits, plants help in supporting mental wellbeing, reducing stress, and creating a positive work environment. This makes them an important element of any office.

Consider ceiling treatments

Ceilings can play an important role in balancing acoustics in an open-plan office. Sound absorbing ceiling screens (known as baffles), rafts, or suspended panels minimises airborne noise that travels through the environment.

These solutions are especially beneficial in offices with high ceilings or large open areas, where sound has a lot of space to travel freely. Similar to the wall panels, ceiling features can be designed to match the aesthetic of the office, combining function with visual impact.

The Role of Acoustic Design in Office Fit-Outs

Acoustics should be a considered part of any office fit-out. Surface-level fixes and added solutions can make some improvements to noise reduction. The best results occur when acoustic design has been integrated from the start. 

A well-designed open plan office involves carefully choosing materials, finishes, and any layouts that work together to control noise levels and balance the soundscape.

By planning the acoustics at the fit-out stage, common problems associated with open plan offices, such as too much background noise and a lack of privacy, can be avoided.

Build Acoustic Solutions into Your Open Plan Office

Improving acoustics in an open plan office is essential to ensure a positive work environment that supports productivity and wellbeing. There are several practical solutions that could make an impactful difference for office noise reduction.

At Base Interiors, we incorporate acoustic design services into every office fit-out we carry out. This helps to protect businesses from operational disruption, noise complaints, and costly follow-up work to fix the acoustics.

We balance technical compliance requirements with practical workplace needs to provide a finished space that ticks all the boxes.

Whether you’re planning a new office fit-out, a refurbishment, or you need help with relocation, talk to our team today , and we can support you.