With at least 70% of organisations embracing the open office plan and people spending more than half their day working with others, it’s safe to say the workplace is a bit noisy. Modern design trends that include exposed ceilings and minimalist aesthetics add to how noise can reverberate and carry throughout a large space. Sure, it’s nice to interact with our colleagues, but the truth is, all that extra noise can create a stressful and distracting environment.

Research shows we need a healthy balance between quiet focus and face-to-face time. In fact, 38% of employees wish they had more access to private spaces for acoustic and visual privacy. But, with shushing frowned upon and conferences rooms often unavailable, how can people easily find a little peace and quiet during the workday?

Let’s explore noise barriers that can work in any floorplan.

1. Pods

Whether you need to make a phone call or have a small team meeting, pods can easily accommodate a variety of user needs. These easy to install, modular rooms act as freestanding workspaces with small footprints. Choose from a wide selection of sizes and styles from Orangebox ,Officebricks.

2. Steelcase Flex Acoustic Boundary

Need a quiet space in seconds? No problem. The Steelcase Flex Acoustic Boundary is designed to move with you. (After all, it is on wheels.) Each one improves acoustic performance and provides an on-demand boundary for space division.

The Steelcase Flex Acoustic Boundary will be available in Europe, the Middle East and Africa spring 2020.

3. divisio acoustic screen

The Divisio Acoustic Screen was developed to provide privacy and offer acoustic comfort to people working in the open plan. Free standing or part of a worksurface application, it offers a great sound absorption coefficient of 0.7. It’s available in a broad range of fabrics allowing you to personalise texture and color.

Want to dive more deeply into our acoustic research? Read Acoustics, Work and the Physical Environment where we share thought starters on settings that can enhance people’s wellbeing and performance at work.