A modern office space should not only fit in with current trends but also promote comfortable and efficient work. In practice, it is common for offices, especially open spaces, to be noisy, which causes difficulty in focusing and is one of the main factors in job burnout. For this reason, more and more companies are choosing to incorporate acoustic booths into open spaces to provide a place for one-person or collaborative workers to concentrate. However, are such pods able to effectively eliminate outside sounds and provide comfort during videoconferences, presentations, or team meetings? In the following article, we take a closer look at the acoustics of office soundproofing booths. We invite you to read more.
Permissible noise levels in offices
Noise is a common problem in office space. It is generated not only by people but also by any equipment, such as printers, shredders, or even the hum of fans in computers and air conditioners. Too noisy an environment leads to fatigue, lower productivity, and stress. According to the current Polish standard PN-N-01307:1994, noise intensity in offices must not exceed 65 dB. At the same time, it should be noted that workers whose tasks require a high level of concentration and analysis should be in rooms with an acoustic comfort of 35-40 dB or less. For comparison, it is worth mentioning that a whisper is about 10-20 dB.
What is the effect of noise on concentration and productivity?
Noise levels above 50 decibels filling an office space can cause nervousness, hinder concentration and lead to employee fatigue. This is one of the factors categorized as negatively affecting productivity and efficiency at work. People who perform professional duties under such conditions make more mistakes, making it harder for them to maintain focus. That is why it is so important to consider the right solutions, such as Hushoffice acoustic booths when arranging office spaces. They will make work or breaks for relaxation and tranquility more comfortable. Less fatigued staff are more productive and more profitable for the organization.
Solution for noise in the office – acoustic booths for individual and teamwork
Acoustic booths increase the flexibility of arrangements. Smaller office booths such as the hushHybrid can be used as an individual workstation. They ensure that employees will not be disturbed by others during videoconferencing or training. Modular hushAccess.L booths, on the other hand, will successfully replace traditional conference rooms. They are ideal for brainstorming, interviews and collaboration in groups of up to 6 people. The booths can be equipped with the necessary accessories and furniture, such as sofas or tables, to match the dynamics of the work. They are available in a variety of sizes and upholstery colors to easily fit in with the style of the office.
Is there complete silence in the acoustic booth? Acoustic standards
To measure the sound level of acoustic booths, telephone booths, and other acoustic office furniture, the ISO 23351-1:2020 standard is used to give them an acoustic class of A+, A, B, C, or D. Office booths whose class in the test is specified as A+, A and B provide the best privacy. This means that conversations and meetings inside them cannot be overheard by those outside the pod. Sound insulation blocks noise and other stimuli in both directions – both from the office to the booth and from the booth to the office. Therefore, they are ideal for confidential and private conversations in the office, as well as for tasks that require more focus. At the same time, the design of a good acoustic booth allows you to hear, for example, a fire alarm without any problems.
Complete silence is unnatural
Complete silence may seem like an ideal way to relax or focus on work, but it is actually an unnatural and unhealthy situation for the body. Our body and mind are constantly receiving signals from the environment, and sounds are an important part of perception. For this reason, total noise reduction leads to feelings of anxiety or disorientation. The acoustic booths receive muffled noise of about 40 dB from the open office. At the same time, layered high-quality particleboard, glass, foam, and fabric guarantee the discreetness of conversations inside.
Acoustic booths – a way to have an extra workstation in the office
Acoustic booths are practical solutions for creating additional workstations for individual work, videoconferencing, or team meetings in limited office space. These small, enclosed spaces are constructed of materials with good insulation and soundproofing properties. By varying the size and functionality of the acoustic pods, they meet today’s space design needs. In addition, when changing office locations, we can take them with us to the new site.
