The ABCs of Acoustics: Enhancing Workplace With Acoustic Seating

Office design choices affect how sound is created, how it travels, and how it can be managed. Acoustic seating is a go-to for modern office spaces as it uses sound-absorbing materials to reduce noise within seating areas. Before we explore the benefits of acoustic seating, let’s take a closer look at how acoustics play a role in the workplace.

The ABCs of Acoustics

There are three elements of acoustics in the workplace, namely:

A - Absorption: Acoustic solutions such as acoustic seating which absorbs sound waves to reduce noise levels in the workplace.

B - Blocking: Maintaining a balanced acoustic environment is crucial to keep background noise at a comfortable level.

C - Concentration: Acoustic design creates zones that cater to focused individual tasks where peace and quiet is needed.

Consequences of Poor Acoustics

Office noise escalates negative moods by 25% according to a study conducted by Cambridge University Press, which directly impacts the ability to perform well at work. Various studies have shown similar results, with office workers noting that noise causes stress and prevents them from completing their work accurately and timeously.

Poor sound management in the workplace has a negative impact on teams, resulting in:

• Reduced Productivity: Excessive noise and distractions hinder productivity and concentration.
• Increased Stress: Poor acoustics can elevate stress levels among employees, with long-term effects of fatigue, irritability, and elevated blood pressure.
• Impaired Communication: Inadequate acoustics make effective communication challenging, hindering collaboration.
• Poor employee retention: Noise can affect well-being and job satisfaction, leading to companies losing their top talent to find more conducive workplaces.

The Importance of Acoustic Seating

Acoustic seating reduces noise levels and enhances concentration levels. There are various types of noise which can impact the office, whether its intermittent, ongoing, impulsive, or low frequency.

By providing mindful seating options like pods and booths, employees can opt to work and meet in private spaces designed to offer greater focus and privacy. Acoustic seating is adaptable and mobile for optimum levels of flexibility to ensure that your workspace is agile.

Creating Spaces for Well-Being

Modern workplaces need to prioritise employee well-being and productivity by carefully considering the acoustics of a workplace. By understanding the ABCs of acoustics and investing in acoustic seating solutions, you can create workspaces that truly support employees.

Acoustic seating is a vital component in achieving a harmonious office environment and is therefore an investment in and for the workplace. By addressing noise-related concerns, levels of happiness, productivity, and performance increase among team members, which translates into greater business success.


For help bringing in acoustic seating to your workspace, write to us at info@ofis.ae.