As workers begin migrating back to the in-person office landscape, office soundproofing and noise reduction strategies are becoming more popular than ever. Remote workers have gotten a taste for having increased control over their workspace, which means that it is incredibly important to improve the modern office environment as employees return to the office. In addition to asking employees to work quietly, how can you create a comfortable space that delivers sufficient soundproofing? As it turns out, there are many ways to reduce office noise and create a quiet workplace – and significant benefits for doing so! Soundproofing Your Office: Why It’s Important Studies show that excess office noise can negatively impact employee satisfaction and productivity. Since Most modern office landscapes are turning into open floor plans, it’s clear that noise reduction office products should be a top priority. Not only do employees want to have a quiet and pleasant work environment, but data shows that they perform better under these conditions as well. Noise can lower work performance by up to 66% — even for basic tasks like proofreading and data processing. Soundproofing solutions are also needed to deliver a certain level of privacy. Vital for legal offices, financial institutions, healthcare services, and other organizations that deal with sensitive information, being able to contain conversations and avoid confidentiality concerns is incredibly important. Soundproof office partitions and other noise reduction strategies can help deliver the privacy needed in the workplace. Office Soundproofing vs. Office Noise Reduction Strategies Before investing in soundproof office glass or other noise reduction systems for offices, it’s important to recognize the distinction between these two methods. Understanding the difference between noise reduction and soundproofing can help you develop more realistic expectations to choose the best products for your team. Soundproofing is essentially the same as noise-canceling. It consists of products and design strategies that aim to contain noise as much as possible, with as little leakage from room to room as possible. Noise reduction is slightly less severe. While it aims to dampen sound and reduce noise levels, it does not aim to eliminate all sound leakage. Both soundproofing and noise reductions strategies can be useful, depending on the needs of the team. Most modern offices use a combination of these two strategies to create a comfortable work environment with minimal noise distraction. How to Soundproof an Office While the best office soundproofing strategies require a bit of remodeling, they are surely worth the effort! Here are the most reliable ways to create a soundproof office environment that supports better productivity and employee wellbeing. Create Smaller Rooms with Lower Ceilings In closed office spaces, properly sealing the rooms can make a big difference. Dropped ceilings with tile backerboard can improve sound control, but in most cases, it’s best to create more distinct, private workspaces that are easier to soundproof. Glass walls are a great way to create smaller rooms without isolating employees or eliminating the feel of an open office. Add Flooring with Sound Absorption Materials can affect soundproofing as well. Instead of smooth tile and other hard surfaces that rebound sound, consider adding carpet or floor rugs. Runners are another practical solution for soundproofing office hallways without committing to full carpeting. Add Acoustic Panels Both ceilings and walls can be outfitted with acoustic panels to help soundproof an office. Replace Hollow Doors Sound travels much easier through hollow doors than those with a solid core. Install Functional Glass Wall and Door Systems Certain glass wall and door systems are intentionally designed to create a soundproof office space. Modern acoustic glass wall and door systems come in a variety of styles and colors designs with stylish fixtures and framing, to provide exceptional aesthetic quality along with the practical benefits of a soundproof office. Soundproofing for Home Offices Smaller noise reduction strategies – like adding rugs, curtains, acoustic panels, and fabric wall decor – are a great first step for home offices. A basic door draft stopper can also assist with noise cancellation. It’s also recommended to preemptively silence distractions, like alarms, doorbells, and landline phones in order to create a quieter home office. Create a Soundproof Office While structural enhancements are the best way to soundproof an office, these items can also help create a quiet work environment: Dampers Soft upholstery (sofas, rugs, fabric decor) Door and wall materials that absorb noise Acoustic performance glass walls Floor protectors for rolling chairs Bonus Tips for Noise Reduction in the Workplace These ideas alone won’t soundproof an office, but they can definitely help block out noise and create a quieter atmosphere overall for employees to focus and avoid interruptions: Rubber or felt sliders for office chairs (tennis balls) Sound masking devices (soft music or ambient noise) Devoted conversation rooms Whisper zones Water feature for ambient noise Best Way to Soundproof an Office in a Stylish and Efficient Way Glass wall and door systems help seamlessly divide space, control noise, and create a beautiful aesthetic. At PurOptima, we specialize in bespoke glass wall systems with high-quality acoustic performance. Contact our team at PurOptima today to discover a variety of soundproof wall systems that will immediately enhance your office environment!
