How to reduce noise in an open-plan office

Open-plan offices are designed to encourage open communication, creativity and collaboration, making them a popular choice for many modern workplaces. However, noise from ringing phones and impromptu conversations in an open space with poor acoustics can take a toll on focus, productivity, and even employee well-being.

But with the right strategies, it’s possible to strike a balance between openness and acoustic comfort. In this blog, we’ll share top tips for managing workplace acoustics in open-plan offices, so your team can enjoy the best of both worlds – connection and concentration.

Why are proper acoustics in the workplace important?

Proper acoustics in the workplace help contribute to a more productive and focused work environment. Excessive background noise and poor sound control can lead to distractions, stress, and fatigue, ultimately reducing focus and efficiency. This is especially important for open-plan offices where the sounds of collaborative working can travel and create distractions for those focusing on individual work.

By prioritising proper acoustics, businesses can boost both performance and morale, making the office a more effective and enjoyable place to be.

Tips for reducing noise in an open-plan office

Luckily, there are many ways to help reduce noise in open workspaces, and a lot of them may surprise you. From the materials of your furniture to incorporating greenery, below you can find the most effective ways of improving the acoustics in your office.

Use sound-absorbing materials

Using sound-absorbing materials is one of the most effective ways to reduce noise in an open-plan office. Hard surfaces like glass, concrete, and metal can reflect sound, causing echoes and amplifying background noise. Incorporating soft furnishings into your office, such as a rug or these Ashley fabric sofas, can help absorb excess noise, prevent sound from bouncing around the space and create a more balanced acoustic environment.

Not to mention the high back option for the Ashley sofa can provide a quiet seating area as the tall fabric walls help to muffle the sounds around it, making it a perfect solution for reducing noise. This also works in reverse; any noise from colleagues conversing while sitting on this sofa will be softened and less likely to be overheard by the rest of the office, causing less distraction.

Use strategic furniture placement

Strategic furniture placement plays a key role in managing noise levels in an open-plan office. Thoughtfully arranging desks, partitions, and furniture can help control how sound travels through the space. Positioning high-backed chairs, bookshelves such as this Naya bookcase, or acoustic screens between work zones can act as effective sound barriers, breaking up noise pathways and reducing overall sound transmission.

For example, try to block off the break areas or collaborative zones with bookshelves, upholstered pieces or even a few large plants to reduce the noise travel. However, we understand that planning and designing an office space in a way that fosters efficiency and productivity isn’t an easy task. Getting help from experts, like with our free 3D space planning design service, can help take the weight off your shoulders and give you peace of mind that your workplace will be optimised for both comfort and workflow.

Create designated quiet zones

While using noise-reducing materials and moving furniture around to dampen noise can help, sometimes it’s not enough for those looking to undertake some deep, focused work. Creating designated quiet areas within an open-plan office is an excellent way to give employees a retreat from the constant buzz of collaborative spaces. These zones provide a place for focused work, confidential conversations, or simply a moment of calm away from distractions.

A great way to create a quiet area is to invest in office pods, such as this Safaa Four and Six Seater Pod, and office booths, like this Ulric Private Phone and Meeting Booth. These designated, sheltered spaces enable people to take private phone calls, engage in small group collaboration without causing disturbance to others, or take themselves away for a distraction-free focus session. By designing these spaces, businesses can support different work styles and improve overall productivity. Encouraging employees to use these areas when they need concentration helps maintain a healthy balance between teamwork and individual focus across the office.

Incorporate plants and greenery

This one may not be one you’ve thought of, but plants naturally absorb, deflect, and diffuse sound. By placing large potted plants, planter dividers, and vertical gardens around the workspace, you can create natural sound barriers with the added bonus of improving air quality and overall well-being. Beyond their acoustic benefits, greenery adds warmth and a sense of calm to the environment, helping employees feel more relaxed and focused – making them a great addition to any modern office environment.

Use carpets and rugs

As said previously, swapping hard surfaces for fabrics helps to dampen noise travel, reducing echo and distractions. If you’re not up for swapping all your furniture, then a good way to reduce noise all around the office is to swap hard floors for carpets or to incorporate big rugs around the space. Sounds are absorbed by the fabric, creating a quieter and more comfortable environment. Carpets can also define specific work zones, add warmth to the space, and enhance overall aesthetics while minimising disruptive noise. If this isn’t an option, then even smaller textiles like cushions and throws in the appropriate areas can help to dampen sound a little bit.

Use acoustic sound panels

If you’re looking for some full coverage acoustic solutions for your office, then investing in sound panels not only adds a modern office design flair, but it also helps to reduce noise. These panels are designed to absorb and dampen sound, reducing echoes and minimising the impact of conversations, phone calls, and other background noise. They can be installed on walls, ceilings, or even as freestanding dividers, making them a versatile solution for a variety of open-plan office layouts.

Reduce noise in your open-plan office with Auraa Design

Managing acoustics in an open-plan office is about creating a balanced environment where collaboration and concentration can thrive side by side. By combining smart design choices like sound-absorbing materials, thoughtful furniture placement, quiet zones, and even a touch of greenery, businesses can transform noisy, distracting spaces into productive and comfortable workplaces.

Here at Auraa Design, we have everything you need to create an office that meets the needs of your employees and helps to reduce sound travelling for a more focused and productive environment. Browse our booths and pods to create an effective quiet area or discover our range of breakout seating, and grab some sound-muffling fabric sofas.

If you want more help and guidance before purchasing any noise-reducing furniture, visit our free 3D space planning page to get expert help on strategic furniture placement.