Office Acoustics: Feeling the Noise

Where did your office productivity go? Follow the trail of workplace noise and you'll likely find the answer. More and more data is revealing that daily office clamor is the number one culprit behind poor quality work. As such, minimizing noise is something employers should take into consideration when selecting new office furniture and decor.

Many employers think of noise as merely irritating, but not as actually affecting work flow. Statistics suggest otherwise. A six-year study conducted by BOSTI Associates involving 13,000 office workers revealed that the ability to do quiet, unhindered work was ranked number one for productivity, team performance, and employee satisfaction. From this data, it's clear that creating a quiet, peaceful work environment could dramatically improve efficiency, excellence, and morale all in one fell swoop. Ready to get started? The first step towards a tranquil office setting is to understand the impact of the right office furniture on office acoustics.

How does office furniture figure into office acoustics, exactly? Is the path to serenity paved in cubicle systems? We wouldn't go quite that far. In fact, the major determinant of noise level in an open office environment is the carpet and ceiling material. That being said, the type of office furniture you purchase and its layout will affect the peace and quiet in your office. In the end, it comes down to a question of quality and design. Flimsy panel systems provide little protection from the clamorous conversational din, making it difficult to be productive. On the other hand, more high-quality cubicles systems place heightened emphasis on sturdiness and use thicker materials that block and absorb more sound. In terms of cubicle design, height is the key. It will not only determine how much sound is blocked (the higher the cubicle panel, the more sound blocked) but lower panels encourage more station to station conversations and more noise. If collaboration is your priority then low panels can work, but higher panels turn cubicle systems into sleek sanctuaries where employees can work productively and in relative peace.

Many factors in today's vocational climate imply that minimizing noise is more crucial than ever. For one thing, America's economic shift from a manufacturing market to a services market means busy work is being replaced by more strategic problem solving so concentration is a must! Noise-minimizing cubicle systems also enable the modern mandates for stellar customer service and efficient multi-tasking. Last but not least, due to the prevalence of electronic irritants in modern society, employees need noise-blocking cubicle systems simply as a partial refuge from ob-noxious ringtones and reoccurring PDA alerts. However you look at it office furniture that accommodates long periods of quiet concentration is a step towards minimizing these modern obstacles, and many others.

Many factors contribute to the increased need for noise minimization in the workplace, but the moral is, it's going to exist! Don't put off making your office more productive. Invest in a purchase of a quality well designed cubicle system, and a haven of hard work will surely ensue.