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People often need a quiet environment to get their work done, but there's no denying that offices can get noisy. Apart from the usual
sounds of typing and other related noises, there can be people chatting, printers and other equipment running, and even noise coming from outside. An office is never going to be completely silent but there are times when it gets a bit too loud. It makes it difficult for people to concentrate and can bring down productivity. But is there really anything you can do about it? Fortunately, there probably are some steps you can take to reduce noise in your office.
Encourage Office Etiquette
Some issues with noise in the
office are simply a matter of etiquette. Some people might decide to stop and have a chat about something, but meanwhile, their voices are carrying and disturbing other people. Encouraging everyone to follow good etiquette and be aware of the other people around them can help to cut down on noise. It might help to hold a meeting, email reminders, or put up signs that gently remind everyone to keep their noise levels to a minimum. It can help everyone to be a little more mindful of others.
Improve Sound Insulation
Sound might travel a little too easily through your office, which can make anything seem louder than it really is. There are multiple things that you could do if you want to improve the soundproofing in your office. Installing
suspended ceilings is an option that many businesses choose to help cut down on noise. If you need to reduce noise coming from outside, improving your windows could help to make the office quieter. Acoustic wall panels and ceiling panels also offer an option to improve sound insulation and can reduce the noise in your office.
Image from Pixabay - CC0 Licence
Provide Quiet Space
It's not really possible to make your whole office space quiet, especially when some people need to speak to each other or spend time on the phone. But you could create quiet areas where anyone who needs a quieter space can go to work. This could include separate, closed-off office spaces or perhaps pods that allow people to work quietly. Alternatively, you can have spaces where being louder is allowed including
meeting rooms or pods. This will allow people to be louder, especially when working in groups, without the risk of disturbing others.
Ditch the Open Office Concept
Open-plan offices may have been all the rage, but many businesses are now turning against them. They can often end up being detrimental to productivity thanks to how they allow noise to carry. If your open-plan office isn't working out for you, you might want to rethink it. You don't have to put everyone in individual cubicles, though. There are ways to break up the office while still making it possible for people to work and socialise together.
If your office is too noisy, you can find ways to cut down on noise. A quieter office can be a more productive one and a healthier place to work too.
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