Excessive noise has become an enemy of workplace productivity – and the design and construction of buildings has a key role to play in reducing it, says Ben Hancock, managing director at Oscar Acoustics
The issue of excessive noise, particularly within work environments, is worse than ever. After nearly two years working from home, the introduction of hybrid working has highlighted major design flaws in our office spaces. Often loud and full of distractions, they can significantly hinder people’s focus and concentration.
In fact, excessive noise has become the enemy of workforce productivity. Unchecked and unimpeded, it’s become a deterrent for employees, who instead are opting for the solace of their homes to escape unwanted commotion. This comes at a time when companies are trying to promote in-person collaboration – yet it’s driving a wedge between co-worker relationships and team morale.
For those working in the design and construction of workplace settings, it’s clear these specialists have a role to play in overcoming the UK’s growing “noise epidemic” and that more needs to be done. Priority needs to be given to the way offices sound, as well as how they look. So, what can construction professionals do to help, and what solutions are available?
Acoustic management during the design process
Placing acoustic management at the start of the design process is an obvious first step. If it’s specified earlier in the construction journey, it will be easier to address.
In today’s post-pandemic world, we see offices filled with hard surfaces, which exacerbate the issue. Reflected sound from walls, ceilings and furniture creates echo – which in turn, forces people to talk louder, until levels reach fever pitch.
We know the problem is widespread. In our latest research on the impact of excessive noise in the era of hybrid working, over half of employees said that their offices are too noisy, and a quarter felt more stressed as a result.
Incredibly, one in seven workers reported hearing loss as a result of constant exposure to overtly loud workplace noise, revealing the potential health risks to both employees and employers.
A sound solution: Decorative acoustic sprays
However, one of the most effective ways to reduce this effect is through decorative acoustic sprays. These seamless sprays can be applied to both walls and ceilings without compromising the interior design and can be used on nearly any surface type, including plaster, wood, metal and concrete. They also allow complete flexibility with Cat A and B configuration and reconfiguration, depending on the preference of the project.
While there are many types of acoustic sprays available, only a few adhere to strict fire safety guidelines. A mark of quality is third-party certification – proof that due diligence has been carried out and that it can perform under emergency conditions. Only acoustic sprays that go above and beyond Approved Document B fire requirement (Class 0 to BS476 & B-s1, d0 fire rating) should be chosen, not just within an office setting but on any type of construction project. Those that choose cheaper options are likely to find they’re unreliable, creating a risk to life in the event of a fire.
Acoustic sprays contribute towards sustainable design and health certifications
Acoustic sprays are not just effective in reducing echo and noise control. A premium spray will also contribute towards many sustainable design and health certification systems including BREEAM, SKA, Living Building Challenge and adds up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy & Environmental Design) rating of a project. Before investing in a spray, however, it’s important to establish if it is GREENGUARD Gold Certified compliance for indoor air quality, as this will mean it meets the highest welfare standards.
The future of office design is evolving
Companies now want environments that can be quickly adapted to the individual needs of their team on any given day. Reconfigurable office space is fast becoming the norm and employers want more bang for their buck as they look to downsize in line with rising overheads.
However, for this approach to be successful, attention and care needs to be given to acoustics. Solutions that can offer quiet time for focused work, as well as the option to work more collaboratively, are now in high demand. It’s a change that office designers and contractors would do well to recognise – offices that can cater to these diverse requirements will be able to charge a premium.
Given the forecast that more people are expected to return to offices as a way of saving on energy bills, it makes the issue of excessive noise all the more urgent. We now need to see a concerted effort on behalf of construction professionals to give acoustics the attention it deserves. If we ignore it now, we will be laying the foundations for another generation of unhappy workers, desperate to avoid uncontrolled noise levels but who ultimately miss out on the company of their co-workers.
Ben Hancock
Managing director
Oscar Acoustics
Tel: +44 (0)1474 854902
