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How to design for better acoustic ergonomics in the workplace
Sound is present in every office environment. The clatter of keyboards, video calls and everyday conversations may seem harmless on their own, but together they can create an acoustic environment that quickly becomes draining. By incorporating sound-absorbing furniture and materials, you can design a workspace that’s more comfortable, more ergonomic and better for focus and wellbeing.
Why acoustics matter in the workplace
Seven out of ten employees say the acoustic environment at work is important, yet only three out of ten are satisfied (Leesman Index, 2022). Office noise is one of the most common source of stress and can lead to headaches, fatigue, high blood pressure and reduced performance. For businesses, this can result in more errors, lower productivity and higher costs.
What is sound, really?
In simple terms, sound consists of vibrations that travel through the air in the form of waves. In an office, these waves reflect off hard surfaces such as walls, windows and ceilings, amplifying the sound and creating echoes and reverberation.
Soft materials such as textiles, carpets and acoustic panels help absorb sound waves, reducing the overall noise level in the room.
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Sound dampening hanging panel CIRCLES
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How to improve acoustic ergonomics in the workplace
To create an office with less disruptive noise, start with a few simple principles:
- Acoustic design: Use sound-absorbing materials such as screens, textiles and panels.
- Zoning: Create quiet areas for focused work, collaboration zones and separate meeting rooms.
- Behaviour: Encourage good acoustic habits, such as minimising phone rings and holding meetings in enclosed spaces.
Effective acoustic ergonomics comes from thoughtfully combining materials, furniture and behaviour so that sound levels remain comfortable throughout the working day.
Discover our blogs about ergonomics in the workplace
How to block and reduce noise
Soundproofing in open-plan offices helps create a balance between openness and focus. Floor screens break up sound waves in the room, improving the overall soundscape. Placed between desks or around seating areas, they reduce noise and create a sense of privacy during meetings and discussions. They also work well as room dividers.
If you want the screen to do more than absorb sound, a mobile glass writing board with an acoustic backing is a smart option. You can write notes directly on the board and attach documents with magnets. Thanks to its wheels, it can easily be moved wherever it’s needed most.
Desk screens mounted directly onto the desk take up less space than floor screens but offer the same sound-absorbing effect. They fit perfectly with height-adjustable desks, as the screen moves up and down with the table.
Acoustic panels for walls and ceilings
Using the walls and ceiling is an effective way to reduce noise in the workplace. Acoustic wall panels should ideally cover about 10-15% of the wall surface and be placed at ear height. Panels mounted slightly away from the wall provide extra absorption, as sound waves pass through the panel, bounce off the wall and pass through again.
Acoustic ceiling panels plays a key role in open spaces, as the ceiling is often the largest surface in the room. Whether direct-mounted or hanging models are best depends on the layout and ceiling height. Cylinders installed at different levels can create a dynamic design while improving sound control.
With the right design, acoustic wall panels can also enhance the interior. Colourful panels and printed acoustic wall panels bring both calm and inspiration to the workspace.
Acoustic panel IMAGE
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Invest in an ergonomic sound environment and improve concentration by up to 50%
Research shows that the right acoustic environment in the office reduces stress and improves focus, leading to higher productivity (Haworth, The Effect of Sound on Workplace Productivity, 2024).
Products for acoustic comfort
Reduce noise with textiles and furniture
Sound-absorbing curtains, rugs and other textiles contribute to a softer acoustic environment. The more fabric and folds, the better the absorption. Upholstered furniture such as sofas, armchairs and fabric-covered office chairs also helps absorb sound.
There are even acoustic sofas with high backs and sides that create privacy for conversations while contributing to a calmer atmosphere.
Practical tips for a quieter office
- Place noisy machines such as printers and copiers in separate rooms or behind acoustic screens.
- Divide open offices into zones, with quiet areas for focus and designated spaces for calls or meetings.
- Prevent scraping sounds by using felt feet on chairs and tables, or opt for chairs with glide feet that slide smoothly across the floor
- Book meeting rooms instead of having spontaneous discussions at desks.
- Use vibration mode or visual notifications instead of ringtone alerts on phones, laptops and other devices.
- Add open shelving with books, binders and plants to help break up sound waves.
Summary
A comfortable acoustic environment is essential for both wellbeing and productivity. By reducing noise with textiles, screens, wall and ceiling panels and soft furnishing that absorbs sound, you can create a calmer, more focused workplace. Combine these solutions with quiet zones and mindful everyday habits, and you’ll have an office where it’s easier to concentrate, collaborate and feel good.
Would you like to know more about how sound, light and movement work together to create a healthy workplace?
Need help? Ask our experts!
We at AJ Products are always available to help you with solutions suited just for your business. Contact us if you have questions on the choice of fabric, need some inspiration or want to know the alternatives that would best suit your premises. We can then tell you more about your choices.Discover our blogs about ergonomics in the workplace
FAQ
- Sound affects both health and performance. Too much background noise can cause stress, fatigue and difficulty concentrating. A well-balanced sound environment makes it easier to focus, collaborate and feel well.
- Sound ergonomics is about designing a workspace where sound levels are comfortable rather than distracting. It involves reducing noise, minimising echo and creating zones for different types of work.
- Start by identifying the main sources of noise, such as printers, conversation areas or hard surfaces that reflect sound. Use acoustic screens, wall and ceiling panels, and textiles like curtains and rugs. Even small changes can make a big difference.
- Soft materials such as fabric, felt, foam and upholstered furniture are best at absorbing sound waves. Hard materials like glass and metal reflect sound and can increase echo.
- Yes. Even small spaces can become noisy if the walls, floors and furniture are hard. Adding just one rug, curtain or wall panel can significantly improve the acoustics.
- Irregular sounds, including conversations, ringtones and keyboard clicking, are often the most distracting. That’s why it’s important to combine acoustic furnishings with good sound habits, such as keeping phones on silent and using meeting rooms for discussions.
- Yes. Research shows that the right acoustic design can improve concentration by up to 50% and significantly reduce stress levels. That leads to fewer mistakes, higher productivity and healthier employees (Haworth, The Effect of Sound on Workplace Productivity, 2024).
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