Open-plan offices may encourage collaboration, but they’re also notorious for noise. From ringing phones to impromptu meetings, the constant clamour can wreak havoc on productivity and employee well-being.
Fortunately, there are proven strategies to create a quieter, more focused workspace without sacrificing the benefits of an open office. Here’s your ultimate guide to reducing noise and reclaiming productivity.
#1 – Soundproof Office Booths
Soundproof booths are like a cheat code for office noise problems. These compact, self-contained pods offer an instant escape from the cacophony of open-plan chaos. Whether it’s for a quick call, a one-on-one meeting, or a deep work session, these booths create private, noise-free zones that don’t require expensive construction or disruptive renovations.
What makes them genuinely indispensable is their versatility. They’re modular, sleek, and designed to blend into modern office aesthetics without becoming an eyesore. Plus, they’re mobile – so when your office layout changes, the booths can move right along with you.
💡 Pro Tip: When shopping for soundproof booths, prioritise models with high decibel reduction (28 dB or more) and incorporate proper ventilation to ensure comfort during longer stays.
#2 – Acoustic panels and ceiling tiles
Acoustic panels and ceiling tiles might not scream innovation, but they’re a silent powerhouse when it comes to reducing noise. These materials absorb sound waves, cutting down on the echoes and background noise that make open offices unbearable. Think of them as noise sponges for your walls and ceilings.
Acoustic panels are also incredibly versatile. Available in a range of colours, patterns, and textures, they can double as design elements, adding style while taming the soundscape. Ceiling tiles, on the other hand, tackle vertical sound reflections, ensuring that conversations don’t bounce around like a ping-pong ball.
💡 Pro Tip: Place panels strategically in high-traffic areas or collaborative zones, and use ceiling tiles to combat sound travelling overhead.
#3 – Soft furnishings and rugs
If your office feels like a concert hall whenever someone speaks, blame the hard surfaces. Concrete, glass, and hardwood may look great, but they’re a nightmare for acoustics. Enter soft furnishings and rugs – simple additions that make a big difference.
By breaking up the reflective surfaces, items like high-pile rugs, fabric-covered chairs, and cushioned sofas absorb sound and soften the acoustics of your space. They’re also a win for aesthetics, creating a cosy, inviting vibe that employees will appreciate.
💡Pro Tip: Prioritise soft furnishings in communal areas and large open spaces to minimise overall noise levels.
#4 – Zoning with partition walls
Partition walls are the unsung heroes of noise reduction. They’re not just dividers – they’re sound barriers that can transform a chaotic space into a collection of manageable zones. Use them to separate quiet work areas from collaboration hubs or to create a buffer around high-traffic spots like kitchens or copy machines.
Modern partition walls come with added functionality. Need a brainstorming surface? Opt for walls that double as whiteboards. Want a touch of style? Go for fabric-covered panels or designs with built-in shelving.
💡 Pro Tip: Place partitions strategically to balance noise control and flow, ensuring employees can move freely without compromising quiet areas.
#5 – Plants
Plants not only add warmth and a welcoming touch to an office environment, but they also serve as natural sound absorbers, making them ideal for reducing noise in open-plan offices.
Their leaves, stems, and soil help to absorb, deflect, and diffuse sound waves, minimizing echoes and overall background noise. By strategically placing larger plants or green walls around workspaces, offices can create a quieter, more focused atmosphere, improving employee concentration and productivity.
💡 Pro Tip: While plants are a bit more needy than other suggestions, there's services like Plantclub that deliver as well as take care of your plants, making it a no-brainer for any office.
#6 – Separate social and quiet zones
Every office needs a place where the noise stops. Dedicated quiet zones give employees a sanctuary for focused work, free from interruptions. These spaces are especially valuable for introverts, who often struggle in the sensory overload of open offices, but extroverts benefit too when it’s time to buckle down on a deadline.
Creating these zones doesn’t have to be complicated. Soundproof booths, smaller enclosed rooms, or even well-labelled sections of the office can do the trick. The key is enforcing the quiet: set clear expectations so employees respect the space.
💡 Pro Tip: Pair quiet zones with comfortable furnishings and minimal distractions to maximise their effectiveness.
#7 - Noise-masking technology
Noise-masking technology might sound counterintuitive, but it’s genius in action. By introducing consistent, ambient sounds like white noise, it drowns out unpredictable distractions such as loud conversations or ringing phones. The result is a calmer, more focused office environment.
Unlike earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, noise-masking systems work for everyone in the space, creating an even playing field of sound. They’re also unobtrusive, blending into the background without adding visual clutter.
💡Pro Tip: Look for systems specifically designed for open offices, as these offer optimised frequency ranges for workplace acoustics.
#8 – Flexible work policies
Sometimes, the best way to reduce noise is to reduce the number of people in the office. Flexible work policies, such as hybrid schedules or remote work options, naturally lower noise levels by spreading out occupancy. Fewer people mean fewer distractions – and happier employees.
But flexibility isn’t just about working from home. It’s also about adapting the office itself. Introducing quiet hours or designated focus times can create a rhythm where collaboration and concentration coexist.
💡 Pro Tip: Use scheduling tools to manage hybrid workdays and ensure a balanced office presence throughout the week.
#9 – Educating employees on noise etiquette
Even the best noise reduction strategies can fall flat without employee buy-in. Educating your team on noise etiquette fosters a culture of mindfulness and respect for shared spaces. Simple practices, like keeping phone calls short or using headphones for music, go a long way.
Visual reminders can help, too. Posters, desk signs, or even Slack messages can reinforce the idea that noise control is everyone’s responsibility.
💡 Pro Tip: Combine etiquette training with physical solutions for a well-rounded approach to noise management.
Conclusion
Reducing noise in open offices isn’t just about creating a quieter workspace – it’s now more about building an environment where employees can thrive.
While solutions like acoustic panels, soft furnishings, and noise-masking technology play a significant role, soundproof booths stand out as the ultimate multitasker. On top of reducing noise, they also create private sanctuaries for focused work, confidential calls, and stress-free collaboration.
Obviously, we’re biased, but soundproof booths solve the problem on multiple levels. They’re flexible, stylish, and effective – a rare trifecta that makes them a no-brainer for modern offices. Start with soundproof booths as your cornerstone solution, and build from there. Because let’s face it – a quieter office is the foundation for better work and happier teams.
