Noise exposure and soundproofing in the office are among the most pressing issues in modern working environments, especially regarding coworking spaces. While open workspaces offer a flexible and collaborative atmosphere, noise levels can quickly become a distraction. Effective soundproofing in coworking and conventional office spaces is crucial to creating a productive and enjoyable working environment.
The Importance of Soundproofing in Coworking Spaces
In conventional offices, special measures are often in place to control background noise. Soundproofing using acoustically insulated walls, partitioned rooms, and noise-isolating materials is widely used. In coworking spaces, on the other hand, characterized by their open office architecture, sound insulation is a particular challenge.
Noise levels in a coworking space are influenced by various sources: Phone calls, conversations, keyboard noise, and even background noise such as coffee machines or music all disrupt work. We often underestimate noise exposure in such environments, even though it directly affects the productivity and well-being of coworking members.
Office Noise Regulations Explained
When setting up or managing coworking spaces, it’s essential to consider compliance with various noise protection standards to ensure a safe and productive work environment. Key regulations such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) standards in the USA, the European Union Noise Directive, the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) guidelines in the UK, and World Health Organization (WHO) recommendations all provide important benchmarks for maintaining appropriate noise levels in the workplace.
For example, in the UK, the HSE recommends that you should keep noise levels in office environments below 50 dB for tasks requiring high concentration. The WHO further advises that office noise should ideally remain below 35-40 dB to support a conducive working environment, particularly in spaces where concentration is critical.
When planning a new coworking space or renovating existing facilities, it is essential to evaluate and, if necessary, update the sound insulation measures in place. This may involve obtaining a new sound insulation certificate to reflect any modifications, ensuring compliance with relevant local regulations. Key considerations include general soundproofing as well as specific measures like the installation of partition walls that meet these standards.
By adhering to these noise protection guidelines and implementing appropriate sound insulation measures, operators can create a quieter, safer, and more pleasant working environment. This not only aligns with professional and regulatory standards but also enhances the overall appeal of the coworking space, making it more attractive to potential clients.
Sound Insulation vs. Sound Absorption
It’s important to understand the difference between sound insulation and sound absorption – two important but different concepts in acoustics. Sound insulation prevents noise from being transmitted from one area to adjacent areas by using structural measures such as thick walls or special insulating materials. In contrast, sound absorption reduces the noise level within a room by minimizing sound reflections and reverberation using materials such as acoustic panels or fabrics. While sound insulation blocks the spread of noise, sound absorption ensures more pleasant acoustics in the space itself. Both measures are crucial for effective noise reduction but have different areas of application.
Effects of Inadequate Sound Insulation in Coworking Spaces
Insufficient soundproofing in coworking spaces can have several negative effects on members working in a coworking space:
1) Reduced concentration and productivity: Without effective soundproofing in the office, members find it difficult to concentrate. Constant distractions from noise can have a significant impact on productivity.
2) Poor communication: Without adequate office sound insulation, background noise in a coworking space often interupts conversations and phone calls.
3) Dissatisfaction and loss of motivation: High noise levels and an absence of soundproofing in the office will negatively impact member satisfaction. If the working environment does not meet members’ needs, they’ll most likely look for alternatives.
Measures To Effectively Soundproof Coworking Spaces
To solve the problems mentioned above, there are various measures that coworking spaces can take to improve soundproofing in their office areas.
1) Acoustic Optimization of the Space with D.I.Y. Acoustic Panels
Acoustic optimization plays a central role in office soundproofing. The use of acoustic panels, carpets, fabrics, and sound-absorbing furniture can help to reduce noise levels. Partition walls and soundproof rooms for telephone calls and meetings also help to reduce noise.
In our rooms, we’ve opted for a combination of art and noise protection. We had Lotti Szymanski (Instagram @bedspace) create a picture to match our rooms on canvas insulated with sheep’s wool.
2) Use Modern Technology
Modern technology can improve sound insulation in the office. Noise-canceling headphones and noise meters are simple but effective solutions. In addition, soothing background noise can be used to mask distracting noise.
3) Behavioral Guidelines for Office Noise
Clear behavioral guidelines are important to ensure effective soundproofing in the office. These guidelines should include rules for phone calls, conversations, and the use of common areas. Consistent communication and enforcement of these rules is crucial.
4) Flexible Workplace Design and Quiet Zones
Flexible workspace design is also an important aspect of office soundproofing. Coworking spaces should offer different work areas that meet the differing needs of members, for example, quiet zones. These are areas of strict silence and are an essential part of office soundproofing. Such quiet zones in coworking spaces are ideal for concentrated work and help minimize noise in open areas.
5) Partition Walls to Effectively Soundproof Coworking Spaces
Soundproof partitions are an extremely useful option for ensuring soundproofing in a coworking space. These partitions not only provide a physical barrier but are designed to reduce noise levels and muffle conversations in neighboring workspaces. In addition, mobile office partitions offer a flexible solution that allows workspaces to be quickly adapted as required. These can also be used as room dividers to create different zones within an open workspace. The use of partitions not only improves acoustics but also increases privacy, which is vital for members’ concentration and productivity.
6) Soundproof Doors in Coworking Spaces
Soundproof doors are also another measure to effectively reduce disruptive noise between different rooms. These special doors significantly reduce the sound transmission value, and contribute to a quieter and more productive working environment. Particularly in areas where discretion and concentration are important, soundproof doors provide a reliable barrier against noise. By using soundproof doors in a coworking space, operators can ensure that confidential conversations remain private and overall noise levels remain low, promoting enhanced comfort and efficiency among members.
7) Regular Feedback on Noise Levels
Finally, it is important to gather regular feedback from members. This way, coworking spaces can ensure that the measures taken are effective and make adjustments where necessary.
Conclusion
Efficient soundproofing in the office is essential to create a productive and pleasant working environment in coworking spaces. Through targeted measures such as acoustic optimization, the creation of quiet zones, the use of modern technology, and the introduction of clear behavioral guidelines, coworking spaces can reduce noise exposure and meet the requirements of their members. Soundproofing not only contributes to member satisfaction and productivity but also strengthens the positioning of the coworking space as an attractive alternative to conventional offices.