Open-plan offices are everywhere, and it’s easy to see why. They encourage collaboration, make communication easier, and help teams feel more connected. But while open layouts are brilliant for creativity and teamwork, they can quickly become noisy. A loud phone call, a constant hum of chatter, or the clatter of keyboards can all make it difficult to concentrate.
At Love Your Workspace, we’ve spent over 20 years helping businesses design workspaces that support wellbeing, productivity, and happiness. When it comes to managing office acoustics, we combine ergonomic expertise with thoughtful, sustainable design to transform even the busiest space into a calm, balanced environment where people can do their best work.
Why Sound Matters in the Workplace
Noise is one of the most common complaints in open-plan offices, and for good reason. Studies have shown that high noise levels can reduce focus, increase stress, and make everyday tasks more tiring. They can also make private conversations or calls difficult, which can add frustration and affect overall job satisfaction.
Good office acoustics are about more than comfort. They directly influence how people feel about being at work. We’ve seen time and again how the right acoustic plan can boost productivity, lift morale, and make teams feel more settled and engaged throughout the day.
Understanding Office Acoustics
Acoustic issues in modern offices often come from a combination of factors. Hard surfaces such as glass, concrete, or exposed ceilings reflect sound, creating reverberation that builds into background noise. In large open spaces, sound travels freely, meaning a single voice can carry across an entire office. A lack of quiet zones or meeting areas adds to the problem, as every conversation becomes part of the general soundscape.
Once you understand what’s causing the noise, it becomes much easier to create a space that works for everyone. The key is finding solutions that fit your layout, workstyle, and company culture.
How to Improve Office Acoustics
Soft Seating and Furnishings
Upholstered seating and soft furnishings are a stylish and effective way to absorb sound. Acoustic sofas, high-back chairs, and armchairs can help reduce reverberation while creating cosy corners for focus or informal catch-ups. They also add colour and comfort to your office, helping to balance hard architectural features. Many of our recommended options use sustainable materials and durable fabrics, so you can improve your acoustics and your environmental impact at the same time.
Room Dividers and Acoustic Screens
Freestanding screens and room dividers are an easy way to manage sound without committing to major construction. They visually define different work zones, reduce sound travel between teams, and can be reconfigured as your needs evolve. With so many contemporary designs available, you can achieve better acoustics without compromising your office aesthetic.
Meeting Pods for Privacy
Not every team has the space or budget for new meeting rooms, which is why meeting pods have become such a popular choice. They provide a private, acoustically controlled space for calls or small meetings, and they can be relocated if you move offices. They’re a quick and flexible way to introduce focus and privacy into an open environment.
Acoustic Wall Panels and Ceiling Baffles
For larger spaces or high ceilings, acoustic wall panels and ceiling baffles can make a huge difference. They absorb sound across a wide range of frequencies, reducing echo and background noise. These elements can be installed in almost any office and come in a range of shapes, textures, and colours, helping you achieve a polished, professional look that’s also functional. Our team often works alongside acoustic engineers to ensure every panel or baffle is perfectly positioned for maximum impact.
Smart Space Planning
How your workspace is arranged has a big effect on noise. Our space planning and interior design services take office acoustics into account from the start. By grouping louder activities and placing quieter workstations further away, we can help you create natural zones that balance collaboration and concentration. With thoughtful circulation routes and furniture layouts, we can build noise reduction into your workspace design from the ground up.
A Personalised Approach
Every business is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all solution to office acoustics. Our process begins with understanding how your team works, what your space looks like, and what challenges you’re facing.
We partner with trusted manufacturers who lead the way in sustainability and innovation, ensuring the products we specify are built to last. Our experienced installation team makes sure everything is fitted and functioning perfectly, with minimal disruption to your working day.
Ready to Transform Your Workspace?
If your open-plan office is feeling a little too lively, we can help. Whether you’re planning a full refit or just want to make a few acoustic improvements, our friendly team can guide you through every step. We’ll help you find practical, sustainable solutions that make your workspace calmer, more productive, and more enjoyable for everyone.
Get in touch to learn more about our services or to arrange a consultation with one of our experts. Together, we can create a workspace that looks beautiful, supports wellbeing, and sounds just right. Contact us today by calling 0330 332 0880 or dropping us an email at projects@loveyourworkspace.co.uk
