Products that reduce noise in the office
Disturbing noise in the work environment is a common problem, not least in open-plan offices. A poor sound environment can have a negative effect on concentration and memory and reduce efficiency, but there are solutions. Equip your office with products that dampen sound and create a more pleasant work environment.
Reducing noise in the office
Locate the most disturbing sources of noise and install furniture and fittings that will absorb sound. Fans, copiers and other similar equipment produce noise that can be perceived as disturbing. Try to keep a distance between them and workstations, preferably in a separate room or with furniture in between.Open bookshelves filled with books, binders and other things help reduce noise, unlike closed storage with hard doors that reflect sound and can create annoying reverberation.
Textiles in all their forms dampen the sound level and the rule of thumb is the more fabric and pleats, the better. Curtains, draperies and carpets create a more pleasant and softer office environment while also absorbing sound waves.
Upholstered furniture, such as sofas, armchairs, and fabric-covered office chairs, also have a positive effect on reducing sound levels. Another option is sound-absorbent sofas with high sides that offer some privacy and reduce noise.
Screening out the sounds
Sound-absorbent floor screens break up sound waves in the room and improve the environment. Ideal locations for floor screens include between desks to screen off workstations and around a seating area where meetings and discussions often take place. They also work well as room dividers.If you want to use the screen for more than sound absorption, a magnetic glass writing board with a sound-absorbent back is a good idea. You can even write notes directly on the board and attach documents and printouts with magnets. Because it has wheels, it's easy to move it where needed most.
Desktop screens which are mounted on the table top take up less space than floor screens but have just as good a sound-absorbing effect. Desk screens are ideal for height-adjustable desks because the screen moves with the desk when it is raised and lowered. Desk screens are available in different colours and can be used as both a notice board and an inspiration wall.
Desk screen ZIP RIVET
€295.00
Mobile glass board MARY
€1,659.00
Acoustic panels for walls and ceilings
Using the walls of the room is a simple and effective way of dampening the noise levels in the office. Acoustic panels can be mounted on the wall to dampen noise and can be used as notice boards.Wall panels mounted at a distance from the wall allow sound waves to pass through, bounce off the wall and then pass through the panel again. That gives highly effective, double sound dampening.
In the right colours and shapes, acoustic wall panels also function as stylish interior features and, of course, this also applies in particular to sound-absorbent panels with printed motifs. They brighten up an empty wall while fulfilling an important function. Additional options including wall textiles with various decorative patterns.
If there is not enough space on the wall, acoustic ceiling panels are a good alternative. Whether the best option is a model that is mounted directly on the ceiling or a suspended panel will depend on the design of the room and the ceiling height. Cylinders that are hung at different heights create an exciting and dynamic impression.
Good habits make an impact
The sound of phones ringing and computers beeping can be annoying to colleagues, even if they don't disturb you. Show some consideration and perhaps put your mobile phone and desktop into silent modes. Instead, consider vibration mode for incoming notifications.Check that chairs on hard floors are provided with felt pads to avoid annoying scraping noises.
Avoid desk meetings if possible. Book a meeting room or go to an area where no one will be disturbed instead. Could the canteen be used a meeting room?
Would you like to make more use of your canteen?
Soundproof your office
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