Office Noise Pollution Effects & How to Reduce Noise Sustainably

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office noise pollution in open office

According to the Environmental Health Perspectives Journal, in the USA, 30 million workers are exposed to needless or extraneous noise on the job. The high level of noise pollution is associated with noisy offices, such as open offices. The open office concept was first introduced in the 1960s. These offices were originally designed to accommodate more people, optimize space, and boost collaboration. While the idea had good intentions, negative effects arose, specifically, office noise pollution. This led to employers and government agencies to explore the issues associated with noise and productivity. The issues discovered are concerning, but the effects can be offset through sustainable solutions. Before tackling the issue it’s essential to understand the noise pollution and the problems they cause.

The Effects of Office Noise Pollution

Excess noise in the office can have negative effects on everyone. When a workspace has too much noise, the mood, ability to concentrate, and communication suffers between employees and staff. These effects also impact the client and employee experience, productivity and health, and clarity of communication.

  • Employee Productivity

According to a study conducted by the South Asian Journal of Management Sciences, noise increase often leads to a decrease in employee productivity. Specifically, the study involved an experiment of nearly 70 subjects that worked for two days (days varied in noise levels). The study found that a noise increase leads to work deficiency. This is due to the lack of focus which occurs when an individual hears too much background noise or conversations.

  • Client Experience

Not only does office noise pollution affect the employee, but the client as well. When a client walks into a noisy environment it can ruin their overall experience.

  • Communication

Quality communication between two people requires each person’s undivided attention. Barriers such as echoes, noisy backgrounds, and loud conversations hinders the ability to hear one another.

  • Health Effects

Not only are external factors affected by noise, but internal. These are just a few of the most common health issues associated with office noise pollution.

health effects of office noise pollution

Sustainable Solutions to Poor Acoustics

It may seem challenging to resolve office noise pollution, but it actually can be simplified through these sustainable methods.

  • Furniture & Repositioning

Repositioning and adding furniture to fill up areas which produce the most noise is a simple and economical way to reduce noise pollution. Accessories that can further absorb reverberated noise includes thicker rugs, pillows, upholstered furniture, or acoustical decor. 

In addition, repositioning furniture can be a simple way to reduce noise with the resources you already have. For instance, moving large furniture against the wall counteracts the noise. Utilize items with a great density, such as a large bookshelf, credenza, or sofa.

  • Acoustical Decor

Acoustical decor is a unique way to reduce noise and make an office appear more modern. Through our eSCAPE line, we manufacture acoustical solutions that are inexpensive, versatile, customizable, and made in the USA. To achieve this we utilize PET material (known as Polyethylene Terephthalate). The material is made of 100% recycled plastic and other types of food packaging. This means we take what would otherwise be garbage and turn it into a product which increases productivity in the office.

In addition, SKUTCHI Designs, offers a variety of customizable acoustical products to choose from, such as ceiling baffles, cubicle extenders, wall tiles, decorative panels, desk dividers, modesty panels, free standing & hanging panels, and wall mounted acoustic panels. All products are customizable to fit the specific needs of each individual. Here is a showcase of some of these products we have created for businesses. 

Several businesses have utilized the eSCAPE line to minimize noise within office workstations. Here is an example of how our products resolved the problem of noise pollution and privacy with Buddy’s Kitchen.

acoustical solutions case study

Buddy's Kitchen Case Study

Click here to view the case on Acoustical Solutions

Sound dampening cubicles or privacy pods are additional solutions to reduce office noise pollution. The privacy pods are fully enclosed small spaces that dampen sound significantly. The pods available are fully customizable and come in sizes 3×3, 3×4, 4×4, 4×5, and 5×6.

Not only are privacy pods modern and functional, but sustainably designed. The privacy pods are made from the same material as our Sapphire line, which includes paneling made from material, such as aluminum and steel that are recyclable.

Reduce Office Noise Pollution With SKUTCHI Designs Inc.

Reducing noise pollution has amazing benefits from improving client experience and the well being of employees. However, reducing noise can be daunting when starting out.

Tackling noise pollution doesn’t have to be daunting; it can be simplified with SKUTCHI Designs. We have professional design services to create the perfect acoustic solutions for each business. If you’d like to find out more about reducing noise with our eSCAPE line contact us at (888) 993-3757 or email us at: [email protected].  Remember, you can also shop our existing catalog of PET products here:

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