Though open-plan workspaces can improve teamwork and communication, they often come with a major drawback: noise. Without walls, things like conversations and ringing phones can quickly become a distraction, lowering productivity and making it hard for workers to get things done. In this article, we’ll discuss practical noise control tips using noise reduction systems that can help you create a quieter, more efficient workspace without sacrificing the benefits of an open layout.
Noise Dampening Products for Open Spaces
Noise tends to travel freely in open workspaces, and it can echo due to the lack of barriers. Noise dampening products like acoustic panels, screens, and ceiling baffles absorb sound waves, preventing echoes and reducing the overall amount of noise that can travel through the space. By placing these materials around your open workspace, you can improve communication and productivity. The best part is that noise dampening solutions are customizable, making them a great option for open workspaces like offices, warehouses, and event venues.
Why Do You Need Noise Control Equipment?
If open workspaces are so beneficial, why do you need noise control equipment? Since open layouts don’t have barriers to block sound, noise from conversations, phone calls, and office equipment tends to spread unchecked. This constant noise causes distractions and increases levels of stress, which can hurt people’s overall performance. Luckily, noise control equipment like acoustic panels and noise control curtains can help by reducing the transmission of sounds across large spaces.
Here, we go into detail on why you may need noise control equipment in your open-plan workspace.
To Boost Productivity
Noise can be distracting and make it harder for employees to focus. Noise control equipment like acoustic foams and fiberglass panels can help prevent sounds from spreading and create a place where people can concentrate.
To Improve Communication
Noise can make it hard for people to communicate, whether in person or over the phone. Reducing noise can make sure conversations are clear and reduce misunderstandings.
To Improve Employee Wellbeing
Studies have shown that consistent exposure to noise can hurt a person’s health. This is because constantly filtering out the noise of others can be stressful. Noise control equipment can create a calmer, healthier workplace, which can both improve employee satisfaction and morale.
To Support Privacy
Open-plan layouts often lack privacy, making it hard to hold private discussions or conduct sensitive phone calls. It’s one of the main complaints of open office spaces. Fortunately, noise control solutions like acoustic panels can provide you with sound barriers.
To Create Separate Work Zones
Not all employees thrive in the same environment, and some people need quiet zones for deep focus. Similarly, not all projects work well in open spaces, as some are noisier and more disruptive than others. Noise control equipment can help segment your workspace into different areas for different people and projects.
To Meet Regulatory Requirements
Some workplaces are required to follow occupational health and safety regulations concerning noise levels. Noise dampening products can help you meet these requirements.
Noise Control Tips for Large Spaces
Looking for noise control tips for open-plan workspaces? Here, we cover a few tricks you can try to reduce how easily sound travels.
Install Acoustic Panels
One of our first noise control tips is to place sound-absorbing panels on walls or ceilings to reduce echoes. You can also hang ceiling baffles to trap sound waves in high-noise areas.
Use Noise Control Curtains
You can install noise control curtains to create quieter zones and disrupt the spread of sound.
Lay Down Rugs or Carpets
Try using area rugs, carpet tiles, or similar soft flooring to minimize sound reflection from hard surfaces.
Strategic Furniture Placement
Another noise control tip is to arrange furniture like bookshelves, upholstered seating, or curtains to act as sound barriers. You can also add plants with dense foliage to help diffuse sound.
Address Machine Noise
For industrial spaces, add sound enclosures like modular acoustic screens to machinery to limit noise at its source.
Singer Safety’s Noise Control Equipment Options
Here at Singer Safety, we offer a wide range of sound options for open-plan workspaces, including modular acoustic screens, baffles, foams, and more.
Modular Acoustic Screens and Panels
Our modular acoustic screens and panels are made of pre-engineered metal panels that can be assembled into many different configurations. The screens provide both visual privacy and acoustic protection for employees, and they can be joined easily for flexibility.
Ceiling Baffles
Our ceiling baffles are a cost-effective ceiling treatment that can be hung from the ceiling to help reduce sounds from echoing in large spaces. They also help with sound clarity and speech intelligibility. They are made from quilted fiberglass material or poly-covered fiberglass and are proven to control noise.
Double-Faced Fiberglass Quilted Panels
Our quilted fiberglass panels give you sound absorption and noise canceling on both sides of the panel. The panels are made of quilted fiberglass, which is a lightweight, semi-flexible material that can be used against flat surfaces or as a standalone item. The panels are typically used to supplement our acoustic screens and ceiling baffles.
Acoustic Foams
Singer Safety offers high-quality acoustic foams that give you noise absorption for mid-to-high frequency noise ranges. Our acoustic foams can be used to line machines, equipment surfaces, guards, enclosures, walls, and doors to absorb noise. They come in either flat or convoluted surfaces, and they are easy to cut to any size.
DIY Noise Control Materials
We offer a line of DIY noise reduction materials to help control sound. Our products include quilted fiberglass material rolls and a vibration damper compound, both of which are effective and easy to install.
Learn More About Singer Safety’s Noise Dampening Products
Singer Safety’s noise control equipment can help control noise in open-plan workspaces. We’re proud to say that our products are made from only the highest quality materials, so if you’re looking to deaden noise at your workplace, you can trust our products.
Not sure where to start? Our experts are here to help you decide which of our noise control curtains and products are best for you. Contact us today to learn more.
