5 Ways to Reduce Noise in Open Offices & Coworking Spaces

Some people like working against a background of noise, while for others it’s their worst work nightmare. The truth is, our relationship with noise depends on our own preferences and the nature of our work. 

Let’s explore the impact - good and bad - of noise in the workplace, and run through some solutions for how to reduce noise in an open office environment.

The impact of noise on office work

Noise plays a significant role in our desire to work from home. 

JLL conducted a survey titled ‘Is hybrid really working?’, where they questioned people on their thoughts and opinions on WFH versus working in the office. 

Over a quarter of respondents cited office noise and an inability to focus as a reason to work from home.

Non-stop background noise, emanating from factors such as phone calls, office equipment and conversations, can be significantly distracting for many, affecting their ability to focus on tasks. 

Noise can also hinder cognitive performance and cause oxidative stress - a condition that occurs when the body has too many free radicals and not enough antioxidants - leading to increased errors. 

Exposure to high levels of noise in the office can result in mental fatigue and even burnout, and it can have a negative overall impact on staff morale.  

Noise can be especially irksome for those whose job requires deep thinking, problem-solving or creative work, because it can wreak havoc with concentration. 

But it can also disrupt collaborative work, affecting our ability to communicate effectively and consistently in meetings, for instance. 

Can noise in the office be a good thing?

Another study by JLL on the science of work revealed that while noise can act as a roadblock to concentration, absolute silence can also be inhibiting. 

Some people find silence in an office environment isolating, particularly if they are working independently as a freelancer or as part of a distributed workforce. 

Gentle background noise can create a happy medium, with soundscapes and white noise commonly featuring both open office spaces and people’s headphones. 

It’s all about experimentation and finding what chimes with people. Ambient noise can be particularly beneficial when accompanying routine or mundane tasks, as it can actually enhance focus and break feelings of monotony. 

Background noise can even benefit those engaged in creative tasks, as it can spark abstract thought and problem-solving. Again, it depends on the individual and the context in which they are working. 

It’s important to remember that conversational noise can be positive, especially when it leads to new ideas or opportunities for team bonding.

Interestingly, noise can also be viewed as a privacy buffer because it prevents one-to-one conversations from standing out. A conversation in an otherwise silent office is conspicuous and can make participants feel self-conscious.  

At the end of the day, employers and workspaces can support different preferences and work styles with workspaces that combine collaborative and quiet areas, allowing employees to choose their ideal work environment at any given time.

Soundproofing coworking spaces

Reducing office distractions should be a priority for anyone who wants to encourage people back into the physical workplace. Using quiet workspace solutions can reduce distractions, and work wonders for the productivity and comfort of everyone who works within the building - regardless of their tolerance to noise. 

1. Acoustic panels

Installing acoustic panels is a surefire way to reduce noise levels in a coworking space or open office environment. Made from a variety of materials, including foam, fabric, wood, and mineral wool, acoustic panels work by absorbing sound. 

Acoustic panels are versatile from a design perspective - they can be placed on walls and ceilings and can also be used as a stand-alone solution to create designated quiet areas. Coworking spaces can choose from a range of designs and colours to ensure that the product aligns aesthetically with their own brand. 

2. Printed acoustic panels

Printed acoustic panels work in the same way as regular acoustic panels - the main difference being their aesthetic appeal! As well as minimising noise to create a more focused atmosphere, they are fully customisable. 

Coworking spaces can opt for artwork of their choice, or even get their branding printed on the panels’ facade. 

Again, they can be installed on walls, ceilings or as decorative partitioning systems. 

3. Acoustic office furniture

Office furniture can also reduce noise when built using sound-absorbing materials, such as acoustic felt (made from polyester fibres), acoustic foam (found in office panels and tiles), perforated wood and porous material like a cork. 

Acoustic desks, booths, partitions and seating minimise distractions by absorbing sound and improving speech clarity while maintaining an open, collaborative atmosphere. 

Most acoustic office furniture has a modern aesthetic, too, making it an ideal solution for design-conscious offices that want to blend functionality with design. 

• Acoustic pods 

Acoustic pods are becoming increasingly popular in shared offices and open spaces due to their versatility and flexibility. 

These work pods provide quiet and private spaces to focus on tasks. They are designed using sound-absorbing materials, making them suitable for video calls, and are available in a range of sizes and styles. 

4. Acoustic baffles 

An acoustic baffle is a panel that is suspended from the ceiling to reduce noise in large open offices and coworking spaces. 

By absorbing noise, they reduce sound reflection and echo, proving particularly effective in areas with hard surfaces or high ceilings that sound bounces off. 

Like panels, baffles are available in different colours and styles, and can be customised. Coworking spaces and open offices could also reduce noise by opting for an acoustic ceiling, which traps and dissipates sound through foam or mineral fibre materials. 

5. Acoustic flooring

Flooring can play a crucial role in sound absorption too. 

Instead of hard, noisy flooring, open offices can reduce noise by using acoustic flooring and carpets. Rugs and acoustic vinyl floors absorb sounds that can be distracting in an open workspace, including footsteps and dropped items. 

Acoustic flooring also reduces sound transmission between different floors of the building. Carpeted areas can help define spaces, too, creating a sense of privacy in otherwise social or collaborative areas.

Soundproofing plays a crucial role in enhancing the productivity and comfort of coworking spaces. Through acoustic panels, office furniture, pods, baffles and flooring, coworking spaces can effectively manage noise levels, creating an environment that supports both collaboration and concentration in equal measure. 

As the demand for flexible, dynamic workspaces grows, investing in effective soundproofing ensures that coworkers can thrive, work efficiently, and maintain a healthy work-life balance in a blended environment that caters to different needs.