Picture this: You’re in the middle of an important sales call with a client, but the background noise makes it hard to hear. This occurrence is all too familiar in loud spaces, and excessive noise can lead to stress, decreased job satisfaction, and even low employee morale. But it doesn’t have to be this way. By rethinking the way your space is set up, it is possible to create workspaces that improve productivity across the board. In this article, we’ll dig into the five most effective and realistic strategies for reducing noise in the workplace.
1. Implement Demising Walls and Partitions
One of the quickest and most effective ways to reduce noise in the workplace is through demising walls and partitions. These modular solutions can improve privacy and significantly lower noise transmission between areas of your choice. At Allied Modular, we offer customizable walls that can be used to separate industrial space from administrative space, tenants from other tenants, and more.
2. Add Quiet Zones
Adding designated quiet areas within the workplace is a quick and practical way to give employees the peace they need to do good work. Quiet zones can be equipped with comfortable seating, soundproofing materials, and minimal electronic devices. These spaces may be used for tasks that require deep concentration.
3. Train Personnel
Training employees on noise reduction techniques is another way to keep a quiet workplace. Whether the noise is coming from an industrial setting or an administrative one, encourage a culture of quiet and respect by educating personnel on the impact of noise on productivity and well-being. Regular training sessions on noise hazards can help create a more peaceful work environment.
4. Re-organize Layouts and Plan Spaces
If your workspace layout is flexible, it might help to reorganize to reduce noise levels where certain types of work occur. As we mentioned above, you might consider using partitions of demising walls to separate noisy areas from quiet ones. Additionally, incorporating sound-absorbing materials into the design of walls, floors, and ceilings can further enhance noise reduction.
5. Create Green Spaces
Believe it or not, indoor plants can also help reduce noise in the workplace. Plants absorb, deflect, and refract sound, which helps to lower noise levels. Some of the best plant species for noise reduction include the rubber plant, peace lily, and fiddle leaf fig. Studies have found that strategically placing plants can reduce overall noise levels by up to 10 decibels. The decibel scale can be hard to understand, as the measurement is non-linear, but for reference, the sound of a passing subway train may be 90 decibels. So, while plants may not make a huge difference if the noises are particularly loud, they can still help lower the noise caused from loud conversations and similar office-related sounds.
The Bottom Line
Reducing noise in the workplace isn’t just about comfort—it’s a game-changer for productivity and employee satisfaction. We’ve explored five practical strategies, from installing modular walls to embracing the power of plants. The beauty of these solutions is their flexibility; whether you’re dealing with industrial clamor or open-office chatter, there’s a fix that fits your space and budget.
Ready to make your workplace the quietest and most productive it can be? Contact Allied Modular today for a free quote on our customizable demising walls and partitions to take the first step.
