B Office noiseB is much more than just a nuisance. It affects concentration, well-being… and overall business performance. In open-plan offices or shared spaces, the problem is amplified. Fortunately, solutions exist to improve acoustics without having to rebuild everything; from wall treatments to acoustic booths.
Photo by Alex Kotliarskyi on Unsplash
Why is acoustics a key issue in the office?
In the office, noise is a real problem. It hinders employees’ concentration, causing fatigue and stress. A consequence which, if left unaddressed, proves costly for businesses.
Noise causes productivity to plummet
“6 out of 10 employees say they are bothered by noise in their workplace” (Source: Noise, hearing health and quality of life at work – 2024 Survey)
The result is quite clear:
- reduced productivity,
- errors,
- demotivation.
“One in five employees loses more than 30 minutes of work time due to noise disturbance, including 29% of those under 35 and 32% of managers and professionals in higher intellectual roles.” (Source: JNA / Ifop Survey)
One might think that these figures mainly affect employees in the construction sector. And yet this is not the case. The study shows that whilst 88% of manual workers are exposed to noise, only 27% lose time. Compared to 42% overall.
Noise pollution has become an issue not only for quality of life at work but also for productivity.
However, it remains largely unaddressed by companies.
Indeed,56% of workers believe that noise is not given enough consideration by their employer.
Although measurable, noise is still far too prevalent in offices. In France, it costs 23 billion euros in lost working time each year.
Acoustic solutions
To reduce noise, there are numerous solutions available on the market:
- Acoustic wall panels: attractive, easy to install, highly effective.
- Acoustic ceilings: reduce reverberation in open-plan offices.
- Acoustic partitions: fixed or movable, they limit the spread of noise.
- Acoustic furniture: armchairs, alcoves and benches to create quiet zones.
Understanding acoustic problems
Noise pollution in the office
Noise pollution at work is ubiquitous, particularly in open-plan spaces. It includes:
- Conversations between colleagues
- Telephone calls
- Video meetings without headsets
- Phone ringtones
- Keyboards and mouse clicks
- Printers and photocopiers
- Coffee machines, vending machines
- People coming and going in the corridors
- Chairs being moved
- Noisy ventilation or air conditioning
- External noise (street, building site)
- Sound notifications from computers or phones
- …
Sounds that overlap and eventually create constant disturbance.
Hearing thresholds
Here is a reminder of some hearing thresholds:
- Quiet, closed office: 40 to 50 dB(A)
- Normal conversation: 50 dB
- Busy open-plan office: 60 dB
- Canteen or department store: 70 dB
From 80 dB upwards, noise exposure can pose a serious risk to hearing.
In open-plan offices, these levels are certainly ‘tolerated’, but not without consequences. Prolonged exposure to these levels can lead to non-auditory effects such as:
- fatigue,
- stress
- and reduced concentration.
A very real impact on employees and their work. In other words: you don’t need a jackhammer to disrupt employees’ comfort. An open-plan office without acoustic treatment is enough.
Overview of available acoustic solutions
There are numerous solutions for improving office acoustics.
Acoustic ceilings
Suspended baffles or integrated tiles: these solutions reduce overall reverberation. They are ideal for large spaces or noisy open-plan offices.
However, this solution remains highly technical, can be costly and offers little flexibility. Furthermore, they have a limited aesthetic impact.
Acoustic walls & panels
Decorative acoustic panels absorb reflected sound. They blend into the décor whilst improving acoustic comfort.
Once again, this solution depends on the available surface area, which is sometimes limited (e.g. windows, doors, etc.). The panels mainly absorb reflected sound, but do not block direct noise.
Smart partitioning
Screens, movable panels, acoustic furniture…
The acoustic booth
Some situations require more than just basic treatment. This is where acoustic booths come in. Enclosed spaces, designed for peace and privacy.
Acoustic booths: the all-in-one solution for acoustic correction
This is the simplest and most comprehensive solution. A soundproof booth immediately creates a quiet and private space. All without incurring costly building work to create or extend meeting rooms.
Optimal privacy
The Essentielle booths reduce speech levels by up to -30.3 dB. That’s enough to make a call without being disturbed — or disturbing others. A true, comfortable bubble of silence in the heart of the office.
Multiple uses
Phone calls, video calls, one-to-one meetings or focused work: the acoustic booth adapts to all everyday needs. It quickly becomes second nature for teams.
The practical benefits of the acoustic booth
- Immediate reduction in ambient noise
- No more customer calls ruined by background noise
- Quiet meetings, free from external interruptions
- A private space… without partitioning off the entire office
The booth solves all the problems of a noisy open-plan office. It improves comfort without altering the building structure. It boosts employees’ well-being and productivity. Mobile, stylish, flexible. The Essentielle booths fit in anywhere. They are mobile, attractive and easy to move. And above all: they deliver immediate and measurable results.
How to choose the right acoustic booth?
Before choosing your soundproof booth, ask yourself the right questions.
How many people will use it? Solo use for calls? Meetings for two? Coworking sessions? Choose a booth suited to your actual needs.
Essentielle booths can accommodate 1 to 6 people.
What level of comfort for your teams?
A good booth is more than just insulation. Check:
- silent ventilation,
- construction and durability,
- connectivity,
- built-in lighting,
- design (integration into your spaces),
What acoustic performance?
The key indicator: sound attenuation. Aim for a minimum of 28 to 32 dB for real effectiveness. Below this, confidentiality cannot be guaranteed.
On average, Essentielle booths guarantee a sound reduction of 30 dB.
What is the delivery time?
Some booths can be delivered within a few days, whilst others take several weeks. Plan ahead according to your urgency.
To conclude:
Acoustic treatment is no longer a luxury; today, it is a matter of well-being and productivity. It improves quality of life, concentration and professional communication.
Essentielle acoustic booths offer an immediate, soundproofed, sustainable solution with an effective design.
Do you also need some peace and quiet in your offices?
