the hidden productivity killer: why noise control for offices matters more than ever
Thanks to the fact they’re often open plan, modern offices have become a minefield when it comes to acoustics.
Workplace noise isn’t just an inconvenience; it can (not so silently) kill productivity. A poor quality of sound affects how well staff can concentrate and communicate. It can also severely impact employees’ wellbeing, and it’s costing businesses more than they realise.
At Oscar Acoustics, we’ve been in business for almost five decades and specialising in architectural acoustic finishes for nearly three decades. We help designers create calm and inviting spaces that sound as good as they look.
In this blog, we explore why noise control for offices has never been more crucial, and how our products can change everything.
office noise: the problem hiding in plain sight
When people think of workplace distractions, they often picture overflowing email inboxes or too many pointless meetings. But according to multiple studies, noise ranks among the top distractions for office workers, particularly in open-plan environments.
From clattering keyboards and a loud sales team to the constant ping of notifications, too much office noise can lead to:
- Difficulties focusing and completing tasks well
- Increased stress
- Health issues including high blood pressure, tinnitus, and diabetes.
- Poor communication and frequent misunderstandings
- Greater employee turnover
Unfortunately, noise is often treated as an afterthought in office design. Because sound is invisible, so it’s easy to overlook. That is, until it becomes a problem.
why open-plan offices make it worse
Open-plan offices were originally meant to improve the way we collaborate and communicate. But without proper acoustic treatments, they create the opposite effect. High ceilings and minimal partitions amplify sound, leading to too many reverberations.
This creates what’s known as the Lombard effect, where people raise their voices to be heard over background noise, causing an escalating feedback loop of sound. The result? A stressful, tiring environment that’s anything but productive.
the rise of hybrid working—and the new soundscape
Unfortunately, the shift to hybrid working hasn’t fixed the problem. In fact, it’s made it worse in some ways. With more meetings happening via video calls and fewer people physically in the office at once, acoustic clarity has become more important than ever. Echoes and poor sound quality now disrupt both in-person and virtual communication.
Without proper noise control, every call becomes a source of distraction, not just for the person making it, but for everyone around them.
why noise control is about more than sound
Reducing noise isn’t just a technical fix; it’s an investment in the wellbeing of your staff and visitors. Calm environments mean clearer thinking and better staff morale. For clients paying a visit, a well-treated acoustic space feels polished, considered, and professional.
Did you know noise control is increasingly a part of building wellness standards, such as WELL and BREEAM? These frameworks recognise that acoustic comfort plays a crucial role in the overall health of a space, and the people who use it.
a better way to manage noise: acoustic sprays and plasters
Whether you’re an architect, designer or office fit-out professional, Oscar Acoustics can help you tackle office acoustics without compromising on aesthetics.
Our range of fire-rated and recycled acoustic sprays and acoustic plasters are designed to blend into the fabric of a building, delivering high-performance sound absorption without the need for bulky panels or visible grids.
Whether you’re working on a new building or retrofitting an existing space, our solutions can be tailored to suit a wide range of interior design schemes, from industrial minimalism to modern corporate.
Key benefits include:
- High acoustic performance – drastically reduces reverberation and echo
- A range of seamless finishes from smooth plaster to deliberately textured sprays.
- Sustainably made – using recycled materials that sequester carbon and meet modern environmental expectations
- Fire safety as standard – with Class 0 to BS476 and B-s1, d0 to EN13501-1 fire ratings
real results across Great Britain
Over the past 47 years, we’ve worked with businesses across Britain to create acoustic environments that work. From co-working spaces in London to corporate HQs, our acoustic sprays and plaster have transformed offices into productive, comfortable places to work.
Our acoustic sprays and plasters are installed by our in-house specialist teams and we offer complete quality control and expert advice from start to finish, ensuring that every project delivers the results it promises.
ready to quieten the noise?
If you’re designing, managing or refurbishing an office and need to address the acoustic challenges head-on, we’re here to help. Oscar Acoustics combines technical expertise with a knowledge of different architectural spaces and we have a finish to suit every interior and budget.
Get in touch with our team to talk through your project.
Great office design doesn’t just look good: it sounds good too.
