How people use commercial office spaces has changed in recent times. Employers keen to boost business productivity now want more office time from employees. However, the issue of ‘workplace noise’ remains a major deterrent. Ben Hancock, managing director at Oscar Acoustics, explains why more companies are prioritising acoustic health and how architects can respond.
For many office staff, home working has been a haven from the ‘noisy’ workplace, enabling them to be less stressed and more productive. This has brought office acoustics to the attention of employers, who are keen to support the wellbeing of employees, ensuring that time in the office is as fruitful as it is at home.
In turn, the demand for premium office space has grown exponentially. Businesses looking to boost performance recognise the importance of a happy workforce and so are more willing to invest. The likes of ‘meditation rooms’, areas for quiet, focused work and ‘collaborative zones’ are now major draws. Global property experts, JLL, note this in its May ‘Office’ report – a ‘flight to quality’ is expected towards the end of 2023 as demand for ‘high-quality assets’ increases.
Whilst this is good news for businesses looking to boost bottom lines, it fails to acknowledge a wider issue – that UK office space is, by and large, failing spectacularly in terms of acoustic performance. This year, Oscar Acoustics’ research into office noise amongst finance professionals found eight in ten experience ‘negative performance’ due to excessive noise. 2022 results painted a similar picture – over half of UK office workers were left ‘stressed’ as a result of workplace noise.
Bums on seats
The problem with noise is becoming a headache for employers too – companies want their workers back. Recruitment agency, Monster, found that whilst half of employers have been happy with flexible working options, a third have changed their mind from a year ago.
Post-Covid, business performance is now a priority and many CEOs consider more office time as a route to greater profit margins. Tony Danker, the director general of the Confederation of British Industry, recently said: “You ask most bosses, everybody secretly wants everyone to come back to the office”. Should this be true, UK offices will need a complete noise-overhaul before workers are keen to get back to their desks.
How to make it happen
A focus on office surroundings has meant that both businesses and asset owners are waking up to the importance of acoustic design. So, what can architects do to ensure that peak productivity is possible?
Fortunately, there are a range of architectural acoustic finishes available, such as seamless sprays and plasters, that can help architects in their mission to create calm. These work by absorbing sound energy rather than reflecting it, restoring harmony to even the most tumultuous of office spaces.
‘Tried and tested’ products that have a history of exceptional performance are always a preference, this includes looking for third-party accreditation wherever possible, as a mark of quality.
Safety first
Beyond the obvious acoustic benefits, which can aid in cognitive and hearing health, fire-safety is also increasingly important – particularly in high-rise structures. It’s vital that acoustic products go above and beyond Approved Document B fire requirements (Class 0 to BS476 & B-s1, d0 fire rating). Should a fire breakout, it means they produce little to no smoke and absolutely no droplets. This technology has the potential to help save lives, helping occupants to escape buildings safely.
Some acoustic products, such as acoustics sprays, even contribute towards many sustainable design and health certification systems including the likes of BREEAM, SKA and Living Building Challenge, adding up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project and contributing to the Well Building Standard.
Profit booster
Architects looking to deliver value for clients should also be aware of the commercial benefits that go with acoustically balanced office spaces. As mentioned, it’s becoming increasingly important to establish major office hubs that bring in workers. This is driving the trend for the reconfiguration and repurposing of office spaces and investment in Cat-B fit-outs that offer flexible, long-term solutions.
Tailored office spaces that work with the ebb and flow of their workforce are also a bonus. This movement will become increasingly common, forming the basis of office developments in the months and years to come. Those that can offer this flexibility now, have an opportunity to secure greater profits than their less-equipped rivals.
What we’re seeing is a sea change in both flexible working and the role of the workplace HQ. Yet to be successful, UK offices will need to ‘level up’ their acoustic performance or continue to see a reluctant return from workers. Their happiness and ultimately business bottom lines, depend on it.