Optimising acoustics in offices is essential for minimising distractions and boosting productivity. Here are some essential office design tips to manage noise levels in the workplace.

Adrian Norman

Head of Design

24th Jun 2024

3 minutes read time

Concentration is the driver of acoustic design. With designs shifting to open plan layouts, boosting productivity and wellbeing is important to create a fit out that absorbs as much sound as possible, otherwise conversations, music and the coffee machine can be heard across the floor. Our survey of 2,000 office workers found that 33% couldn’t find somewhere quiet to work. To add to this, research shows that it takes an average time of 23 minutes to refocus after an interruption, with the average time between interruptions being an alarming 11 minutes.

When designing a space, consider the room’s purpose. A meeting room, for example, may need more soundproofing to ensure privacy but in open plan spaces where this isn’t possible, opting for soft-furnishings, high-backed booths and seating pods helps absorb noise. Carpets, desk partitions and wall panelling are also common ways to reduce sounds reverberating around the office. It’s important to understand the value of these features so they’re not forgotten when budgets are tight.

The more decorations and furnishings added to a fit out, the better the acoustics, but that doesn’t mean spending lots of money on soundproofing materials. Integrating plants into the design not only improves air quality and aesthetics but absorbs sound.

Kobalt's agile office
Kobalt's trendy breakout space
Booth seating at Kobalt

Activity-based acoustics at Kobalt

Promoting productivity

Another cost-effective alternative is a strategic layout. There are two models that can improve concentration – distributed and zonal. The distributed model scatters quieter areas, dedicated to focus, around the open plan office; a zonal layout is like the quiet carriage on a train, separating loud communal areas from the main workspace, providing everyone with a space that suits their task without affecting the productivity of their co-workers. Kobalt's kitchen and breakout area implements the zonal layout, dividing the open plan office with a wall, utilising soft furnishings and a suspended ceiling to minimise noise.

Kobalt's trendy kitchen and breakout space with colourful furnishings

Zonal layout at Kobalt

New Look's Whitechapel office adopts a distributed layout, spreading workstations out, meaning less people grouped in one place talking and making calls. The thick carpet, upholstered seats and partitions all help keep noise levels at a good level.

Fancy a chat about your office acoustics? Get in touch with one of our designers today.

Distributed layout at New Look's Whitechapel office

Distributed layout at New Look's Whitechapel office