How to Improve Noise Reduction at Workplaces

Comprehensive noise management has become an integral part of interior design as it can impact productivity. Unlike individual productivity issues such as absenteeism, a negative workplace condition can affect a large number of employees on a regular basis (Carpet Cushion Council, SOUND ABSORBTION IN THE WORKPLACE, 2013). Hence, it is important to adopt proper ljudabsorbering measures at workplaces. One such company that can help with sound reduction is Kamak.

A 2014 study from the Harvard University found that a lack of sound privacy was one of the biggest drains on employee morale. Moreover, a 2015 study by Steelcase and Ipsos found that workers suffer from workers lost as much as 86 minutes per day due to noise distractions (Harvard Business Review, STOP NOISE FROM RUINING YOUR OFFICE, 2015).

Millions of European workers suffer from work-related hearing difficulties. Noise-induced hearing loss is amongst the most commonly reported occupational diseases in the European Union, and there are other concerns other than hearing loss from noise exposure (European Agency for Safety and Health at Work, NOISE AT WORK, 2015). Owing to these factors, many organizations are opting to adopt ljudabsorbering measures that can help to reduce the noise in their offices. Here are a few ways in which companies can reduce the noise at workplaces:

Provide Dedicated Spaces: While certain tasks require a quiet atmosphere, there are certain jobs that cannot be done without making noise. Due to this, companies can use an empty office or unused conference room and turn it into a ‘Quiet Room’ that employees can use when trying to focus on an important task or project. In contrast to this, businesses can also designate areas around the office that encourage interaction and discussion. Lunch areas, game rooms, etc. can help employee communication and can also encourage discussions to be taken place in these rooms instead of on employee desks.

Sounding Absorbing Equipment: In offices that are located in open spaces, or where the level of noise is high like call centers, it is important that the companies consider installing sound absorbing equipment. Hard surfaces might not be effective when it comes to sound absorption, hence companies could consider using softer materials like carpets. Moreover, cubicle partitions and ljuddämpande tak tiles are one of the most common ways to block and absorb sound. To make walls sound proof yet look appealing, companies can decorate the walls with pieces that double as both high-quality soundproofing materials and unique pieces of art.

Increase Background Noise:Although it may seem counter-initiative, but adding more sound to an environment can actually make it seem quieter. Research suggests that noise itself isn’t distracting, but unwanted speech noise is (Harvard Business Review, STOP NOISE FROM RUINING YOUR OFFICE, 2015). By adding a continuous low-level ambient sound to an environment can help make conversations for listeners that aren’t intended to hear them unintelligible and therefore much easier to ignore.

The physical environment of a workplace plays a major role in employee satisfaction and can have a direct impact on the productivity of the business. Hence, it is important that businesses adopt all measure to reduce noise at workplaces. A company that can help make workplaces sound-proof using ljuddämpande plattor and other sound absorbing equipment, is Kamak.

Mr. Winston Kumar is a writer who writes about sound proofing solutions. The author has submitted several articles on various platforms ranging from suspended ceilings to sound absorbing foams and many other topics.