Workplace Acoustics

Acoustics are a top employee complaint in today’s office spaces—and can be a source of distraction that impacts productivity. To strike the right balance, organizations need to create energy in the workplace while minimizing noise that disrupts focus.

Nearly two-thirds of organizations have reported making major space changes in the past three years, with over half changing to reduce real estate costs and footprint. As hybrid work policies stabilize and bring people back into the office more often, organizations are finding themselves with more people in less space. Together, this has made acoustics a top challenge for organizations.

Spaces must be designed around how employees work, balancing collaboration with the need for quiet, focused environments. When focus comes easy, productivity improves and employees feel more engaged, valued, and fulfilled. Simply put, when employees can focus, organizations succeed.

To support employee engagement and performance, acoustic design solutions should consider the following:

• Absorbing sounds within the space ​

• Blocking sounds between spaces ​

• Covering intruding sounds with background sounds

• Diffusing sound energy evenly in a space

Acoustical design is a thoughtful integration of all elements in a space working together to support the intended activities of that space.

Shown above: The Cabana Lounge Sofa, Hand Knotted Degradé Rug and Pergola Workspace drapery Absorb sounds within the space. Pergola Workspace wall Blocks sound between the two spaces. Sound masking is used to Cover intruding sounds. The Immerse Table, Juli Soft Chairs, Storage System, biophilic elements, and Pergola Workspace panels Diffuse sound energy evenly in the space.

Haworth offers the solutions you need to address all of your acoustic challenges. Our architectural products give you the agility to shape spaces that offer the right balance of visual and acoustic privacy.

Hybrid work is here to stay. We’ve surveyed organizations worldwide to learn exactly how they’ve adapted their spaces to reflect these new work dynamics. Learn what’s working, what’s still evolving, and how acoustics impact the workplace.