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All About Office Acoustics- - - - - - -
By Jason Jackson
Several surveys of various workplaces identify noise as the single most negative factor impacting employee productivity. In fact, a recent study completed for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) revealed that 70 percent of business decision makers believed their office productivity would increase if their offices were less noisy.
Many companies have said goodbye to individual offices, opting instead for open office designs that minimize communication barriers and make managers more accessible to their staff. Not surprisingly, as the use of open offices has increased over the past several years, so have complaints from workers about the negative impacts of noise on their productivity. However, problems arising from increased noise can be reduced substantially by incorporating acoustic-friendly designs in all offices -- even open office environments. (For more information on open offices, refer to our guide to space planning.)
Acoustic solutions devised to reduce office noise rely on four products, each playing a distinct role in lessening noise-related workplace distractions:
From an acoustic standpoint, the primary role of the ceiling system is to absorb sound waves that strike the ceiling so they cannot reflect back into the workspace. Ceiling material is rated using a standard called "articulation class," which refers to its ability to absorb sound waves that reach the ceiling. The generally accepted articulation class for normal privacy is a rating between 180 and 200.
Other ceiling material may also impact noise absorption. For instance, large plastic light coverings that hide fluorescent fixtures actually reflect sound waves. However, these can be replaced with recessed parabolic lay-in fixtures that are more acoustically friendly.
Workstation panels prevent sound from moving from workspace to workspace. Acoustic panels are graded using a performance rating called a sound transmission class (STC). In order to effectively block sound from leaving a workstation, panels should have an STC of 20 or greater. However, papers, calendars, and other items tacked to panels can reflect sound waves and significantly reduce their ability to absorb noise.
The height of workstation panels also impacts their effectiveness in reducing sound. Panel heights lower than 53 inches are ineffective in blocking or absorbing normal conversational noise. To maximize sound blocking and individual privacy, panels should be at least 65 inches tall. For more information on workstation panels, refer to our guide to workstations.
Your office layout also contributes to the ability of your workstation panels to reduce noise. Wherever you spot an open visual path between two workers, sound waves can navigate that path and disrupt both of them. Avoiding line-of-sight layouts between workers reduces this phenomenon. Also, consider enclosing teams of workers within full-height panels or walls to keep noise from escaping to other parts of the office.
Sound-masking systems generate a low-level background sound similar to that of an office's ventilation system. The main component of sound-masking systems is an electronic device that creates a sound, which is then distributed to an array of speakers installed in the ceiling plenum. Used in conjunction with high-performance acoustic ceiling and panel systems, these systems generate enough noise to keep private conversations from being overheard and understood. Sound-masking systems typically emit sound at approximately 48 decibels, which experts say maintains conversational privacy without becoming a distraction in itself.
Carpeting absorbs airborne sound and reduces surface noise generation. The addition of cushion underneath the carpeting strongly impacts the acoustic properties of a flooring system. Different grades of carpet cushioning have different impact insulation classes (IIC), which identifies its sound absorption abilities. The higher the IIC, the greater the cushioning can absorb noise.
Originally published March 2001 on ReferralXpert.com.
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