In part one of this two-part blog, we went over some of the themes to consider when it comes to noise levels in an office space. While elements like walkways, movement and other physical characteristics are often top-of-mind when it comes to primary office design, how sound is directed and noise levels within the office are vital factors for productivity.
At New Life Office, we have a number of quality office furniture options to help you properly direct and promote sound, from office cubicles and file cabinets to desks, seating and many other choices. In today’s blog, we’ll go over a few broader themes when it comes to directing sound, utilizing the fixtures in your space, and other options for limiting noise if needed.
“Directing” Sound
If noise levels in certain parts of your office space are not where they should be, your goal shouldn’t simply be to deaden or increase the sound levels in this area – rather, it should be to direct the noise more effectively. In areas that require significant privacy and concentration, such as HR or accounting sections of the office, you’ll want significant cubicle and other partition areas to direct acoustics away and allow for this kind of privacy.
On the flip side, sales or customer service departments will involve significantly more conversation, both with customers and co-workers alike, and a more open plan with connecting areas is generally best for these groups. Separating these zones and smartly utilizing the space available plus the sound directors at your disposal can go a long way.
Using Fixtures to Your Advantage
The utilization of your surroundings doesn’t have to be limited to furniture pieces like cubicles or other partitions – you can also involve several other fixtures in smart, savvy ways. For areas with quieter needs, for instance, consider promoting fabrics and couch-style seats, if possible, to not only up the comfort, but also mute certain kinds of sound.
On the flip side, consider how various fixtures might amplify sound in certain areas. Large ceiling lights, for example, often reflect and reverberate sound across work areas, but floor or desk lamps can help remove the need for these kinds of lights in sensitive areas. You can even consider how signage, banners and similarly draped areas can impact your acoustics in several areas.
Sound-Masking Systems
Finally, certain workplace areas may benefit from sound-masking systems, devices that produce background noise at low levels. These systems are often used for departments where privacy or insulation from other areas of the business is required, or to limit which conversations can be heard by passers-by. There are even systems that raise or lower the noise level automatically depending on the environment.
For more on assessing and changing noise levels within your office space, or to learn about any of our quality office furniture solutions, speak to the pros at New Life Office today.