designing for wellbeing in commercial spaces: the Oscar Acoustics way
In today’s dynamic work environments, prioritising wellbeing in commercial space design has never been more critical. With over 50% of workers reporting that their offices are noisy, the need for commercial office designs that support employee wellness is increasingly apparent.
Excessive workplace noise not only raises stress – leading to a range of health issues such as high blood pressure and anxiety – but also lowers productivity.
44% of workers say noisy work conditions increase their stress levels and impact their general wellbeing.
In a whitepaper, conducted by our Oscar Acoustics team, it was found that 81% of workers say excessive noise hinders their job performance.
Something needs to be done.
the noise challenges of commercial spaces
The move from individual offices to open-plan spaces has brought benefits but also significant challenges, particularly in managing noise levels. Studies have shown that over 60% of employees in open-plan offices report being disturbed by noise, compared to just 6% in traditional office layouts.
This demonstrates how vital it is for employers to control noise levels. Environments with balanced acoustics report a notable decrease in employee stress and increased productivity, underscoring the critical role of sound management in creating harmonious workplaces.
turning down the volume: the impact of acoustic treatments
In response, applying sound-absorbing acoustic treatments such as Oscar Acoustics SonaSpray® acoustic plaster spray is an easy, cost-effective way to transform noisy offices into calm, welcoming environments. SonaSpray® plaster spray absorbs sound energy, rather than reflecting it, significantly limiting reverberation and reducing unwanted noise, all without sacrificing design aesthetics.
real-life success story – Henrietta House
The transformation of Henrietta House, in London, into a collaborative commercial space highlights the future of office design, focusing on acoustic comfort and the wellbeing of its users. Noise control was crucial in this redevelopment, as the space includes several social areas designed to foster staff interaction but faced challenges with noise due to hard surfaces.
To address this, lead architect MoreySmith and fit-out contractor Faithdean chose Oscar Acoustics’ SonaSpray® K-13 for its noise control capabilities, colour compatibility and minimal environmental impact. Applied to ceilings, SonaSpray® stands out not just for its acoustic benefits but also its sustainability credentials. Made from recycled paper and other renewable resources, it boasts an M1 classification for low emissions, aiding the building in achieving its Platinum WELL Building Standard certification.
SonaSpray® in grey was used throughout various office floors of the building, complementing the building’s interior colour scheme without impacting the overall design.
towards healthier & more productive workplaces
With mounting evidence of noise’s detrimental impact on health and productivity, the imperative to reduce unwanted noise and prioritise employee wellbeing in commercial workspaces has never been more crucial.
It’s about creating spaces that resonate with the user’s needs, transforming the typical workplace into a haven for wellbeing.
Ready to reimagine your workspace? Get in touch with our team of experts today. We can help you foster environments where harmony and wellbeing allow every individual to thrive to their fullest potential.
