Sound Solutions for Office Acoustics

One of the primary benefits of using acoustic pods in the office is providing spaces that deliver speech privacy. Pods create speech privacy for the user as well as eliminate distractions for those in the surrounding area. Many different standards are used to measure aspects of acoustic performance, including ISO 23351, NIC, NRC, STC, and CAC. Which criteria are most relevant to acoustic pods?

Here’s a synopsis of what you need to know to choose the best acoustic pod for your space.

Understanding Noise Reduction Standards for Pods

The International Organization of Standardization (ISO) develops standards for everything from healthcare solutions to transport systems. In 2020, ISO also created a standard for measuring the reduction in the noise level that guarantees speech privacy.

Exploring ISO Classifications

ISO standard 23351-1:2020 details 5 classifications for speech level reduction: A+, A, B, C, or D. The classes are distinguished by the amount of decibel reduction provided.. While every classification level provides some noticeable reduction level, speech privacy is only guaranteed for classes A+, A, and B.

Classes A+, A, and B all guarantee speech privacy for a typical office with 40-50 dB of ambient noise level, regardless of the environment where the pod is placed.

Speech privacy for Classes C and D depends on the environment where the pod is placed and the background noise level in that space.

Here’s a comparison of the five Classes:

Choosing the Appropriate Class

Most ready-made acoustic pods are Class A or B, and they are guaranteed to provide speech privacy. So how do you choose? Consider your choice in context of price, ease of relocating the pod, safety, how much quiet you want to achieve, and your office noise level.

Class B acoustic pods represent the best overall value. They provide speech privacy but are also lighter in weight than other pods, making them easier to move within the office. And they’re also less expensive.  

There are 4 reasons Haworth brand partner Hushoffice designs their pods to the Class B standard:

• Affordability – Makes noise reduction accessible
• Agility – The pods' light weight allows for floor plan flexibility
  
• Acoustics – Provide speech privacy, while letting in an adequate level of outside sound
  
• Safety – Alerts, like fire alarms, can be easily heard inside the pod 

Importance of Background Noise

One caveat when choosing an acoustic pod: An environment that’s too quiet can feel unsettling and decrease productivity.  

It’s important to know the level of background noise in your office when choosing an acoustic pod. The average office produces 40dB–50dB of background noise which means Class A+, A, and B acoustic pods will all deliver speech privacy. Working with a knowledgeable designer or dealer will help ensure you get the pod that meets your needs.

The use of acoustic pods is growing, especially in open-plan layouts, because they provide spaces that block distracting sounds but are comfortable for users because they do not block out all sound, allowing people to focus or hold conversations without disturbing others.