Open-plan office noise common issues and fixes in UK workplaces - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
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Open-plan office noise common issues and fixes in UK workplaces - London Business News | Londonlovesbusiness.com
"Open-plan office noise is one of the biggest frustrations for people working in shared spaces. From ringing phones and nearby conversations to the constant tapping of keyboards, staying focused throughout the day often feels like a challenge. If that sounds familiar, you're not alone, and the good news is there are practical ways to make your workspace feel calmer and easier to work in. Continue reading to explore simple but effective ways to reduce noise and improve your daily working environment."
"Open layouts remove physical barriers, which also removes natural sound blockers. Large rooms with hard floors, glass partitions, and bare walls reflect sound rather than absorb it. As a result, noise travels further and seems louder than expected. Another issue is activity clustering. Printers, coffee points, and meeting tables are often grouped together, creating local noise hotspots. Over time, staff in these zones may experience ongoing disruption that affects comfort and concentration."
Open-plan offices amplify noise because open layouts remove physical barriers and hard surfaces reflect sound, allowing noise to travel further and seem louder. Activity clustering around printers, coffee points, and meeting tables creates local hotspots where ongoing disruption affects comfort and concentration. Common offenders include phone and video calls, typing and office equipment, foot traffic, and breakout conversations. Identifying the biggest offenders enables targeted interventions. Sound-reducing strategies include zoning noisy tasks away from quiet desks, using sound-absorbing materials, and planning layouts to shield focused work areas. These measures reduce distractions and improve workplace comfort and productivity.
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