The Importance Of Acoustics In A Workplace

Why do most workplaces have high noise pollution that impairs employees’ focus on work?  There is no single factor that explains high levels of noise. In a workplace, phones ring constantly, keypads click, people talk loudly to drown the sound around them, and this results in even more noise.

In an open-office layout, the noise reverberates because a larger number of people occupy workstations near each other. Its no wonder that after a point, when the noise levels become unbearable, employees begin to complain about it.

Why Are Workplaces Becoming So Noisy?

A dramatic makeover took place in office spaces, work practices, technology and office fitouts design in the last decade, making workplaces noisier than before. Some of these changes are listed here:

• Open workplaces replaced closed cabins or partitioned places to encourage better communication and contact between employees
• Greater focus on teamwork bringing employees together for discussion and deliberation
• Compact workstations to accommodate more workstations in the same space
• Introduction of a WIFI environment eliminating location-specificity of employees
• Noiseless temperature control equipment such as air conditioning, heating, etc. which exacerbates the noise created by employees’ conversations

Most businesses invested heavily in modern open workplaces little realising the possible increase in noise pollution, its impact on the work environment and need for better acoustics. Various studies have shown the serious effect of excessive noise on performance, productivity, and health of employees.

At 5 Star Builders we can handle all types of office fitouts projects. We offer excellent acoustic installations so you have a quieter office for improved productivity. Our team is here to help with every phase of the project, including conceptualisation, planning, and design. We provide detailed upfront quotes and make sure that every job is completed to code.

Why Is It Essential To Reduce Noise In The Workplace?

• Reduction in noise level in an office environment improves the comfort of the employees, enabling better focus on work. The results of a quieter environment show reduced stress and improved work focus.
• In modern offices with an open work environment, the employees use conference rooms, visitor’s rooms, small huddle spaces for collaborative work with co-workers or consultants. While designed for private work for a group or a team, they tend to become noisy as discussions gather steam. As noise travels to other workplaces around, it disturbs the work environment for others engaged in work.

• The office fitout design that actively reduces the impact of noise for employees is gaining popularity due to the environmental aspect. In Australia, managing internal as well as external sound level in a workspace plays a crucial role in receiving the six stars (highest Green Star accreditation).
• The younger generation feels happy to work in an open environment.  However, older employees may find partitioned workplaces more conducive for higher work output as open spaces impacting their focus on work.
• Studies show noisy workplaces are less productive and impair concentration required for higher cognitive performance.

For any more information on our office fitouts and acoustics solutions, contact 5 Star Builders at 02 9639 3673 to discuss details about your project. You can also send us a message via this Contact Us form.