Noise control tips for better workplace: Sound masking, quiet zones, and more for a productive office

Indoor plants: Having plants in your office not only improves aesthetics but also helps absorb sound. Green walls or clusters of plants act as natural sound dampeners, while also improving air quality (Image: Canva)

Offices today are bustling, fast-paced environments where noise has become a growing issue. While we often hear about air and water pollution, noise pollution in the workplace can be just as harmful to employees’ well-being and productivity. Just like noise-canceling headphones help you block out distractions, what if entire offices were designed to minimise noise?

It is important to  make your office a space where employees can focus, be more creative, and work more efficiently, says Sammeer Pakvasa, Managing Director and CEO of Eleganz Interiors. “Modern offices are hubs for collaboration, creativity, and innovation. However, amidst the energy of fast-paced offices, noise pollution has become a persistent problem. The inevitable interruptions, be it that of conversations, machines or movements, can create an environment that feels anything but productive. Striking the right balance between activity and tranquillity is essential to creating an environment where people can perform their best,” he says.

Pakvasa suggests the following effective and practical design strategies to combat office noise:

• Install sound-absorbing features: One of the most effective ways to manage noise is by installing sound-absorbing materials, such as acoustic panels and ceiling baffles. Acoustic panels, placed on walls or ceilings, can significantly reduce sound reverberations and improve the acoustic quality of a room. Ceiling baffles, which hang vertically in open spaces, help trap and absorb sound in large, high-ceilinged environments. These installations not only reduce noise but also contribute to a visually appealing workspace.

• Implement sound masking systems: Sound masking systems introduce ambient sounds like white or pink noise to cover up distracting noises. Though these systems do not remove noise, they make it less noticeable by blending it with neutral, calming background noise. This subtle approach helps employees focus more easily and increases privacy in open-plan offices where confidential discussions are common.

• Design quiet zones: Designating specific areas for quiet, focused work can provide employees with the retreat they need from noisy surroundings. Quiet zones can include soundproof booths or simply areas furnished with soft, noise-absorbing materials, such as plush chairs and couches. These spaces are essential for tasks that require deep concentration, and studies show that providing access to such zones can significantly boost productivity and employee satisfaction.

• Use noise-dampening furniture and flooring: The furniture and flooring in your office play a vital role in controlling noise levels. Upholstered chairs, fabric-covered dividers, and carpeted floors are all great options for reducing noise, especially in high-traffic areas. These materials absorb sound, minimise the clatter of footsteps, the hum of office chairs, and the chatter of nearby conversations, creating a quieter environment for everyone.

• Strategise office layouts: An intentional office layout can significantly reduce the chances of noise distractions. Place noisy equipment like printers, copiers, or coffee machines in areas that are separated from workstations. Additionally, ensure that collaborative spaces are positioned away from quiet zones to allow employees who need focus time to work undisturbed. This thoughtful zoning of spaces helps strike a balance between teamwork and concentration.

• Encourage noise awareness: Encouraging employees to be mindful of noise is key to maintaining a peaceful workplace. Promote practices such as taking phone calls in designated rooms, using headphones for audio tasks, and keeping voice volumes low in shared areas. Even simple programs or gentle reminders can reinforce this awareness, helping to create an office culture where noise is actively managed and respected.

• Introduce green elements: Having plants in your office not only improves aesthetics but also helps absorb sound. Green walls or clusters of plants act as natural sound dampeners, while also improving air quality. A biophilic design approach, bringing elements of nature indoors, creates a calming, quiet environment that supports both mental health and productivity.

• Leverage technology for noise monitoring: Monitoring the noise levels in your office regularly can help ensure that noise management strategies remain effective. Tools like decibel meters or IoT-based sound sensors allow managers to track acoustic performance and adjust strategies as needed. This proactive approach helps maintain a comfortable and productive work environment over time.