We face countless distractions at work — our phones going off, chats popping up, coworkers dropping by. If we’re especially distractable (or our neighbors are particularly loud), loud gum chewing, the tapping of fingers, or heavy sighs might also break our concentration. Despite this, more and more offices are moving to open floor plans, to maximize space. But there are multiple benefits to soundproofing an office and as the benefits of soundproofing increase, more business owners might start to wonder how to soundproof an office room to get the best of both worlds. Even if you work in an open office floor plan, there are still ways you can create a sort of soundproof office booth for employees. You still have collaboration, but the noise level will go down — often to many people’s relief.
What are the Benefits of Soundproofing?
Even building a small soundproof space like a soundproof phone booth where employees can go to do calls or a soundproof booth for quiet work can make a big difference. Concentration in a soundproofed office can increase by almost 50% and can get rid of over 50% of conversational distractions. Workers won’t notice other conversations happening around them as much with the help of soundproofing, so they can focus on their own work.
Because people are better able to focus, it can reduce work errors by as much as 10% and cut down on the stress levels of those working by almost 30%! These are significant numbers and can overall achieve a more productive and happier workplace.
Whether it’s getting a private phone booth for office or a designated space where people can go if they need to focus to totally soundproofing the right office, it’s becoming increasingly clear that this is a smart move for businesses to make.
How to Soundproof an Office Room
If you’re wondering how to soundproof an office room, particularly if you’re tackling an office floor plan, there are actually a number of creative ways available.
For those who work in an open floor plan, soundproof desk dividers can be a huge help. These are often made from noise-absorbing fiberglass, which cancels out noise by absorbing it, reducing echo and unwanted noise, and is usually available in an assortment of colors and styles that can easily match the design of your office. These usually come already fully assembled, so they’re easy to use and set up!
Sound reduction panels and hanging acoustic panels are two other ways to soundproof an office room effectively. These you will likely need some assistance in installing, but they’re low cost, effective options (as compared to having a remodeling contractor come in).
Soundproof paint is another unique new option that can help reduce noise transmission through walls. If your office is relatively quiet, but the room next door to you tends to be fairly raucous, soundproof paint can help with that!
And of course, there’s more full-scale soundproofing that would involve remodeling contractors and your office to be upended while the soundproofing occurred.
Who Can Help Soundproof?
In the case of the desk dividers — and even with some of the sound reduction or acoustic panels — you might be able to soundproof your office yourself or with the help of some colleagues. However, if there’s a painting job or a total overhaul of your office space, it’s best to get contractors in to handle it. They can do a quicker, more efficient job, and ensure that everything is taken care of safely.
Once you’ve ordered the materials you want, you’ll need to see who can come to install in your area. Usually, a quick online search can help, or if you bought the materials locally, the store might also be able to offer recommendations of companies or contractors they’ve worked with before.
Don’t let the noise of the office drive you crazy. Learn how to soundproof an office room and take care of the extra noise floating around — it’s simpler than you might think!