The Complete Guide to Office Acoustics

Office acoustics describe how noise might travel within a workspace, which can affect the employees working within it. Considering acoustics and taking into account how sound might behave in any given area when designing an office environment is essential. As different materials and surfaces can affect the behaviour of sound waves, choosing wisely can make all the difference when it comes to providing a workplace environment that works for everyone.

In a typical workplace, noise can accumulate from a variety of sources, such as conversation (in person, over the phone or video calling), typing, movement, heating and air conditioning systems, and other sources. External sounds such as building work, other offices, and traffic may also be heard.

The sound waves emitted from these sources interact with surfaces such as metal, concrete or glass, which reflect the sound in the form of an echo. The fewer materials there are to absorb sound, the louder the echo, and the more likely people will find it distracting.

The Research Behind Office Acoustics

Research from the Leesman Index highlights poor acoustics as one of the top frustrations for office workers, and while 71% say that noise levels are important, only 33% find them satisfactory.. Constant background noise is linked to fatigue, stress, and reduced productivity. According to the World Health Organisation, exposure to sustained noise above 55 dB can impair concentration and mental wellbeing.

Designers, therefore, must take office acoustics into account when designing new workplaces and take steps to ensure that noise reduction measures are put in place, where possible, and space is carved out for employees to carry out focused work.

The shift to hybrid working has brought with it new and increasingly complex challenges for designers hoping to optimise office soundscapes. Open-plan layouts now serve as the backdrop for video calls, spontaneous meetings, and fluctuating occupancy throughout the day. The resulting noise levels can be unpredictable - at times quiet, at others chaotic.

One particularly disruptive phenomenon is the “halfologue” – this is the rather irritating occurrence of only being able to hear one side of a conversation. Studies demonstrate that experiencing halfaologue can increase a person’s cognitive load, making it much harder for them to concentrate. Employees with sensitivities to noise or with neurodivergent conditions particularly find this highly taxing.

The ability for noise levels to interfere with a person’s ability to effectively do their job means that action must be taken. But heading back to siloed cubicles with felt lined walls is surely not the answer.

Hybrid offices must balance openness and control. The creation of carefully curated zones that are tailored for different purposes (i.e; collaborative work or focused thinking), as well as soundproofed booths for small meetings, 1:1’s or confidential conversations can help provide spaces where noise is better tolerated, and others where not only has the space been tailored to reduce noise, but employees are expected to comply with the expectation that they will reduce their noise levels in these designated ‘quieter zones.’

Designing for optimal acoustic performance is strategic, scientific and measurable. There are several key metrics which one can use to determine how sound will behave in the workplace. These include:

• Reverberation time (RT60): The time it takes for sound to decay by 60 decibels. Open-plan spaces should ideally maintain an RT60 below 0.6 seconds.

• Sound Pressure Level (SPL): Measures overall noise intensity. Productive offices generally stay between 40–45 dB.

• Speech Transmission Index (STI): Indicates how intelligible speech is across a space.

• Absorption Coefficient: Shows how well a material absorbs versus reflects sound.

By understanding and accurately reading these measurements, decisions around material selection, zoning and additional design features can be made with confidence. Utilising tools such as CATT-Acoustic and EASE model can help provide further insights into how sound will behave according to different layouts. Smartphone apps can also be used for quick, indicative readings.

Understanding decibels and what readings actually translate to can be tricky, so simply put a good rule of thumb is as follows:

• Whisper: 30 dB

• Normal conversation: 60 dB

• Typical open-plan office: 70 dB

Getting noise levels right can mean the difference between calm focus and constant distraction. When undertaking a redesign project, taking acoustic measurements and planning around them must be part of the strategy to ensure your new workspace is designed for collaboration, productivity, and focus.

Effective acoustic design combines multiple strategies rather than relying on one fix. These can be grouped into three main categories: space planning, surface materials, and sound systems.

1. Absorption – Using panels, carpets, and fabrics to soak up sound reflections.

2. Blocking – Introducing walls, partitions, or acoustic glazing to prevent sound transfer.

3. Diffusion – Installing baffles and curved surfaces to scatter sound evenly.

4. Masking – Adding controlled background sound to make speech less distracting.

Contemporary and intelligent acoustic design ensures that these solutions are seamlessly integrated into the space. Sound-absorbing materials such as cork, felt, and acoustic greenery are strategically incorporated and will combine performance with a warm but modern aesthetic.

How Much Does it Cost to Improve the Acoustics of an Office?

Sound influences far more than comfort. It also plays a part in employees ability to focus, their stress levels, and even how included people feel in their work environment. Prolonged exposure to unpredictable noise elevates stress hormones and hinders sustained attention. For neurodivergent individuals or those sensitive to sensory input, this can be especially challenging.

Designing with wellbeing in mind isn’t about eliminating noise altogether, or insisting on absolute silence -it’s about giving people a choice. With designated quiet zones and controlled levels of background noise, individuals can work in ways that best suit their preferences as well as the task at hand.

This means that those who enjoy gentle ambient sound can do so, while those who need require for deep concentration can also find space where this is possible.

Good acoustics contribute to wellbeing frameworks like WELL and BREEAM, improving mental clarity and reducing fatigue.

Sustainable and Long-Term Acoustic Design

Acoustic comfort can go hand-in-hand with environmental responsibility. Recycled and renewable materials like PET felt, cork, and hemp offer excellent acoustic absorption while minimising environmental impact. Many modern solutions are designed with a changing work environment in mind. This means they are flexible, easily reconfigured and ready for disassembly, making it easier to amend office layouts or recycle panels and partitions during future office refurbishments.

Durability also plays a role in sustainability. Choosing quality acoustic products that are durable and hard-wearing will continue to perform for years. With lower replacement costs and less waste offices become more sustainable.

At Area, we design your workplace with sustainability in mind, and produce a design framework that brings together performance, aesthetics, and responsible sourcing, ensuring every solution lasts as long as it sounds good.

To assess the acoustics in your workplace, you need to work through the potential issues where sound could be affecting your team’s ability to concentrate. Use this quick five-point check to assess your workspace:

1. Conversations are easily overheard across desks or rooms.

2. Employees mention fatigue or distraction from background noise.

3. Meeting rooms echo or make speech hard to understand.

4. HVAC or outdoor sounds interfere with focus.

5. Acoustic finishes are minimal or poorly placed.

If you unearth several issues, a professional acoustic audit is the next logical step. Doing so can help to zone in on problem areas and provide you with a priority list of solutions to help reduce noise levels in the office. Even small adjustments such as adding ceiling baffles can help provide measurable improvements.

The return is clear: better concentration, lower stress, and improved wellbeing. Area’s acoustic consultancy helps organisations audit, plan, and implement practical upgrades that enhance everyday performance.

Common Acoustic Mistakes to Avoid

If you want to optimise your workplace for acoustic performance, it can be tempting to attempt quick fixes that don’t actually address the root cause of issues. Common misconceptions include:

• Carpet fixes noise – it only reduces footfall, not airborne sound.

• More panels mean better results – effectiveness depends on placement and material quality.

• Soundproofing means silence – total isolation is impractical and unnecessary in most offices.

Ignoring mechanical noise, overlooking speech privacy, or treating acoustics as an afterthought are frequent pitfalls. Poorly applied fixes can block airflow or breach compliance standards. Involving specialists early prevents these issues and delivers better long-term results.

Acoustic design transforms how offices feel and function. It’s about creating quiet without losing energy, maintaining focus without isolation, and supporting wellbeing without compromising creativity. A well-tuned workspace promotes communication, comfort, and sustained performance.

Area blends measurable science with office design expertise to craft workspaces that help your employees focus and perform their best. Through acoustic audits, tailored materials, and strategic design, Area helps organisations create environments where people can collaborate and thrive - get in touch to see how we can help today.