Now, it can be agreed that no matter what industry it is, the offices are buzzing with energy—people chatting, phones ringing, keyboards clicking—. Still, sometimes that buzz turns into a full-on roar, and before you know it, productivity takes a nosedive. Generally speaking, it’s hard to focus when everyone around you is talking or making calls, and if you’re trying to join a video meeting, forget about it. Overall, it’s just hard to have meetings effectively due to all the constant noise there always is, right?

Nowadays, most offices seem to have an open-plan layout, with trendy shared spaces and long tables, which has worsened the situation (cubicles were an issue, but again, this is a lot worse). So, do you think you could get that noise under control and create a more peaceful, focused workspace? Well, thankfully, there are some strategies for business!

What’s the Trouble with Open-Plan Offices?

Okay, while open-plan offices might look sleek and modern, they have one major flaw: noise. Just think about it: without walls or dividers, every conversation, phone call, and keyboard tap becomes part of the office soundtrack. This is especially tough when trying to concentrate or have private conversations. The noise bounces around the room, making it hard to focus on the task or participate in a meeting without raising your voice or repeating yourself.

So, employees often find themselves looking for the quietest corner of the office, or worse, they put up with the constant distractions. While open-plan offices may be great for encouraging teamwork, they’re not ideal when people need to knuckle down and work peacefully.

Setting Up Quiet Zones

One of the best ways to reduce noise levels is to set up designated quiet zones. But why these zones? These areas offer employees a place to escape the chatter and get on with their work in peace. It doesn’t have to be anything fancy—just a few sound-dampening dividers or screens can go a long way in creating a space where employees can concentrate.

These quiet zones are perfect for tasks that need focus and minimal distractions. It’s about giving people a place to retreat when they’ve had enough of the noise. Plus, having these areas can make the rest of the office feel calmer, too, as there’s less foot traffic and chatter in the main space.

Consider Introducing Meeting Pods

Hiring a contractor and building some walls can be expensive; only some businesses can afford that. But there are some options out there. For example, you could look into meeting pods. But what exactly are these? Well, these soundproof pods are designed to give employees a private, quiet space to take calls, hold meetings, or join video conferences without being disturbed—or disturbing anyone else. 

So, if you’re on a tight budget but still want to keep the open-plan office, this is a wise investment since it offers private conversations that you wouldn’t be able to have otherwise.

Soundproofing the Office

If noise is a problem, adding soundproofing materials around the office can make a difference. It doesn’t have to involve a complete redesign. Honestly, all it takes is a few simple changes that can help. Things like carpeting or adding rugs in high-traffic areas can soften the sound of footsteps and chatter. Plus, acoustic panels on the walls or ceiling can absorb noise, making the office feel quieter and less echoey.

You’ll usually see YouTubers use them, and plenty of music shops will use them, too, but honestly, what’s stopping you? These materials cut down on the overall noise levels and make the space feel more comfortable. They’re not expensive, and you could even DIY the installation if you wanted to. 

Employees are more likely to stay focused when they’re not constantly distracted by every little sound bouncing around the office. And let’s be honest, a quieter office feels more pleasant.

Setting Up Noise Etiquette

Lastly, setting up some basic office rules around noise can help everyone work better together. It’s not about turning the office into a library but more about creating a shared understanding of what’s acceptable regarding noise levels. 

Ideally, you should encourage employees to take personal calls in meeting pods or designated areas. Reminding everyone to keep conversations at a reasonable volume can go a long way toward making the office more pleasant.

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Originally Published on https://www.breakfastleadership.com/

Michael Levitt Chief Burnout Officer

Michael D. Levitt is the founder & Chief Burnout Officer of The Breakfast Leadership Network, a San Diego and Toronto-based burnout consulting firm. He is a Keynote speaker on The Great Resignation, Quiet Quitting and Burnout. He is the host of the Breakfast Leadership show, a Certified NLP and CBT Therapist, a Fortune 500 consultant, and author of his latest book BURNOUT PROOF.