Let’s be real, the office can be a noisy place. Between your chatty coworkers, the sound of keyboards clacking, and the occasional sneeze, it’s no wonder why you can’t focus on your work. But what if I told you that there’s a solution to this commotion?
Enter office soundproofing! Whether you’re plagued by the sound of your colleague’s chewing, or you’re one of the many people who suffer from misophonia, incorporating acoustic treatments into your workspace can help reduce the noise and increase your productivity.
But why do businesses choose to soundproof their offices? At AcoustiQ, we’ve been the experts in this field for over a decade and we’ve seen it all. From the loudest of sneezes to the most persistent of pencil-tapping, we’ve compiled a list of the most common reasons why people turn to soundproofing.
So, sit back, grab a pair of noise-cancelling headphones (just kidding!), and let’s dive into the world of quiet workspaces.
Why Soundproof the Office?
Protection of Private Information
Remember all the private conversations you had at work over the past year? How many of them would you be comfortable with the entire office overhearing? And what about your customers? Would they be thrilled if their confidential information was blasted for all to hear?
Many industries, such as health, finance, education, and construction, are legally obliged to keep speech private, whether it’s over the phone or in face-to-face meetings.
But how do you ensure that your office is up to snuff with these speech privacy regulations? The answer is simple: with some well-placed soundproofing and sound masking.
Reduction of Noise Pollution
Picture this: you’re in the middle of a high-stakes sales call, ready to close the deal of a lifetime, when suddenly, the office erupts into a chorus of shouting, laughing, and general ruckus. Sound familiar? Well, it’s not just sales calls that suffer from noise pollution. Whether you’re trying to work on a project, have a private conversation, or simply need to focus, a noisy work environment can be a real productivity killer.
Don’t believe us? Just ask any call center worker, who’s likely to have some hilarious stories about background noise ruining an important call.
Now, let’s do the math. According to a recent study, employees lose an average of 21.5 minutes per day due to noise-based distractions, which is a whopping 4% of the workday. That may not sound like much, but if you have 100 employees with a salary cost of $75,000, that 4% loss of productivity adds up to a staggering $300,000 a year. So, it’s time to start thinking about soundproofing that office, pronto!
Aesthetic Appeal
Acoustic treatments aren’t just about function, they can also bring a touch of style to your office space. With professional installation, you can say goodbye to bland, dreary walls and hello to a pop of color that not only looks great, but serves a purpose too.
If you’re working in a rented space or have contractual restrictions, don’t worry! Many soundproofing solutions are either semi-permanent or can be easily removed, giving you the freedom to make your workspace as stylish as you want.
Happier, Healthier Staff
Working in a noisy office can put a real damper on your day! Unless, of course, you’re a member of a heavy metal band. But for the rest of us, constant noise can take a toll on our mood and health.
Exposure to loud noise can lead to some serious issues, like high blood pressure, heart disease, and sleep disturbances. And let’s not forget about stress, memory impairment, and a drop in attention levels and reading skills.
But the real kicker? Studies have linked chronic noise exposure to more serious health problems, like preeclampsia in pregnant people. So, it’s safe to say that loud offices are not just bad for your mood, they’re bad for your health too!
So, just how loud is too loud? Well, that’s the million-dollar question. But, one thing’s for sure, keeping the noise level in check is crucial for both your health and your peace of mind.
How Loud is too Loud?
Alright folks, let’s talk decibels. If you’re having a normal conversation, you’re probably hovering around the 60-65 dB(A) mark, which is just about as loud as a gentle hum from your air conditioner. But if you’re in a loud environment and have to shout to be heard, chances are you’re at the 85-90 dB(A) range – about as noisy as a revving motorcycle.
Now here’s the thing: if you’re surrounded by 100 dB(A) of sound for just 15 minutes, you might start to feel a little deaf in the ears. So, unless you’re into the whole ‘listening to car horns up close’ kind of thing, it’s best to avoid that situation.
So, how do you know if your office is too loud? It’s simple! Just grab your smartphone, download a noise metering app, and take some decibel readings around the office. We recommend Sound Meter for Android or Decibel X for iPhone. Both apps are free and will give you a quick and easy way to map out the noise hotspots in your workspace.
No Need to Whisper!
But don’t fret, a peaceful and quiet office doesn’t have to mean a dull one. The good news is that these are just a few reasons why savvy office managers invest in soundproofing and acoustic solutions to create a comfortable and productive work environment.
In conclusion, it’s crucial to leave the task of designing an acoustically sound office to the experts. At AcoustiQ, we are at the forefront of providing soundproofing solutions for the corporate world. If you’re tired of co-worker eavesdropping or the loud slurping of your neighbour’s noodles making you go crazy, reach out to us and let’s collaborate to create a serene work environment.
