Good acoustics improve stress levels, concentration and productivity

Good acoustics improve stress levels, concentration and productivity

Noise pollution is one of the biggest complaints in the office. This can be due to a number of factors, such as: colleagues talking loudly, clicking on the keyboard, or office equipment (printers, computers) that produce a buzzing sound. All this noise means that employees have to talk louder to drown out the noise. And that in turn worsens the working conditions in the office.

Acoustics are often forgotten‍

Many companies often forget the acoustics of the building and the spaces when they renovate or renovate. The attention then often goes mainly to the aesthetics of the spaces. It then does not take into account the fact that it has been proven that a high noise level increases stress levels, lowers concentration and negatively affects productivity.

Acoustic solutions that also look good‍

There are many good solutions for tackling high noise levels in the office without affecting aesthetics. Compared to a few years ago, there are now many effective products that offer a solution to the noise of your office. And in many cases, that also looks very good!

Read more about three important reasons why good acoustics in your workplace is essential and what solutions are available:

-1- Good acoustics improve well-being‍

It has been proven that noisy offices increase employee stress levels. Loud noises and exposure to prolonged noise lead to physiological stress reactions in our body, such as increased blood pressure and heart rate.

Sound influences us psychologically, cognitively, and behaviorally, even though we are not aware of it.

Julian Treasure, CEO of The Sound Agency

-2- Good acoustics offer privacy‍

Acoustic products offer privacy, for example in meeting rooms or private offices. This ensures that conversations cannot be heard by other employees and that clear communication can therefore take place. Think of having an awkward conversation with a co-worker; it can save you a lot of annoyance.

-3- Good acoustics promote work productivity‍

Noisy offices can negatively affect workplace productivity. Continuous interruptions can lead to an inability to focus on work. This is also related to the issue of well-being because it can cause employees to feel stressed.

How do you deal with high noise levels in the workplace?

Absorb sound at source‍

This is particularly useful in open office spaces and meeting rooms. You can install acoustic panels walls, ceiling, desks and even on furniture install. Another way to absorb sound at source is to use benches/chairs with a high backrest, or cubicles that provide privacy and mute the sound from that area. These are lockable, acoustic spaces. Think of a cubicle as a “bubble” where an employee can focus on work without being distracted by coworkers' conversations, and your colleagues won't be distracted by you, either! Cubicles are easy to install and, if desired, easy to move.

Blocking sound‍

This can be done by tactically placing screens, barriers and walls between the sound source and the work areas. Desk panels are very effective at blocking desk-to-desk sound in open offices, and as noted above, can cubicles are also used to block sound. The noise level can be reduced enormously by partitions and room dividers, because they block the noise that goes through the office. The use of acoustic ceiling panels can also block sound transmission to other rooms.

Cover hard surfaces‍

Through hard surfaces such as walls and ceilings coating with acoustic material reduces unwanted noise in the office. Hard surfaces do not absorb sound waves, which means that every sound in a room with many hard surfaces “bounces” and creates an echo effect. Properly covering hard surfaces in an office space is essential for optimal acoustic levels.

Get to know Akoesta's effective approach‍

Every situation and space is different and requires a specific approach. The effective Akoesta's approach covers all aspects of acoustics such as acoustic measurements, acoustic advice, 3D visualizations and editing. Akoesta creates customized acoustic solutions and has a wide range of acoustic products for work environments.

Want to know more?‍

Do you also want to create a comfortable work environment by improving acoustics? You find partitions, cubicles and others acoustic solutions customized. Let us know.

Or check it out here project at Alkmaar Sport where we have improved acoustics and at the same time the space corona-proof have created.

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