Sound insulation in the office reorganized: Proven solutions for improved room acoustics

Since approximately 70 percent of all working people are employed in offices, sound insulation in the workplace is becoming increasingly important. In modern work environments with open-plan areas and few opportunities for retreat, noise levels are constantly rising. Studies confirm that acoustics are indeed one of the most important factors for our well-being.

There is reliable scientific documentation on the harmful effects of poor office acoustics. The consequences can include headaches, exhaustion, difficulty concentrating, stress, anxiety, and even depression. Therefore, the importance of acoustic elements in the office is continually increasing.

Office acoustics can be optimized through a variety of measures, ranging from inexpensive acoustic panels at €130 per square meter to comprehensive acoustic ceilings. This article presents proven concepts for soundproofing in the office. It also illustrates how well-designed room acoustics not only ensures peace and quiet but also promotes employee productivity and health in the long term.

Why soundproofing in the workplace is becoming increasingly important

In today's office environments, noise levels pose a significant problem. The impact of noise on concentration and work atmosphere is often underestimated, especially as open-plan offices and large open-plan layouts become increasingly common. In fact, 31% of employees report feeling disturbed by noise in the workplace.

Ensuring sound insulation in the office presents a key challenge for companies that want to create an efficient working environment.

Noise sources in the modern work environment

The modern office contains numerous noise sources that can combine to create a significant noise level. A survey by the blog OFFICE ROXX ( HAUFE reported * ) shows that office workers find the following noises particularly disturbing:

• 66% of respondents cited longer meetings in the same room
• 54% find other people's phone calls very annoying
• 39% are disturbed by conversations with colleagues
• 30% suffer from the noise of office equipment such as printers
• 28% are bothered by keyboard clatter and mouse clicks

Conversations between colleagues are particularly problematic. The physician and psychologist Markus Meis from the Hearing Center at the University of Oldenburg explained to SPIEGEL Gesundheit * :

Our brain automatically adapts to language processing.

If we only hear half of a dialogue, our brain automatically tries to fill in the gaps – we can hardly tune out, and our concentration suffers *.

Contrary to popular belief, two-person offices are not quieter, but rather up to 88% louder than team offices or open-plan spaces. However, the issue of soundproofing in offices less about adhering to noise regulations and more about the reduction in service quality caused by poor office acoustics * .

Consequences for health and performance

The consequences of inadequate office acoustics Furthermore , sleep problems, hypertension, gastrointestinal complaints, and cardiovascular problems have also been mentioned.

The German Federal Environment Agency confirms that noise, as a psychosocial stressor, not only impairs subjective well-being but also activates the autonomic nervous system and the hormonal system. According to the Federal Environment Agency's information on the effects of noise, be detrimental to health.

Equally significant are the effects on work performance. Studies show that office noise can reduce employee productivity by five to ten percent. Particularly complex tasks are severely affected.

"It is almost impossible to write scientific texts or perform complex calculations in an open-plan office."

Georg Brockt from the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Health explains . *

Currently, the average workday lost per employee due to noise pollution exceeds 40 minutes. Employees in noisy environments also need more time to complete their tasks and make more mistakes. Even the Association of German Engineers estimates that loud noise in offices can reduce team productivity by up to 30 percent. *

Occupational health and safety regulations recommend a maximum noise level of 55 decibels to ensure adequate acoustics in offices. It is recommended that noise levels in small offices should not exceed approximately 35 decibels and in open-plan offices approximately 45 decibels. For focused work, the overall noise level should remain below 55 decibels. *

Implementing soundproofing ideas in the office is becoming increasingly important. Careful planning of office acoustics affects not only comfort, but also the health and productivity of employees. Companies that invest in optimizing office acoustics reap the benefits of more relaxed, healthier, and more productive staff. *

Understanding what it's about: Room acoustics compared to sound insulation

improve the sound in the office sound insulation in the office .

What is room acoustics?

Room acoustics refers to the properties and characteristics of sound in a specific room. It deals with how sound waves are reflected in a room,

This field of study deals with how sound propagates in a space. It investigates how sound waves are reflected, absorbed, or scattered within a space and how we perceive this. Unlike in nature, where sound can travel freely, indoors it is reflected by surfaces and even amplified in corners and along edges.

The main goal of these efforts is to create an acoustic environment precisely tailored to the specific needs and functions of a room. A conference room, for example, has different acoustic requirements than an open-plan office or an isolated private office. Improved room acoustics ensure that we feel comfortable in a space and can hear sounds clearly and distinctly.

Acoustic elements such as wall panels , ceiling sails , acoustic pictures or room dividers each offer different functions and advantages to improve room acoustics by absorbing sound waves and thus reducing reverberation time, according to office furniture experts (see https://www.bueromoebel-experte.de/akustik/ ), who offer noise-reducing acoustic elements in all these segments.

Difference to building acoustics

While room acoustics deals with the sound behavior within a room, building acoustics focuses on sound transmission between different rooms or between interior and exterior spaces. The following comparison illustrates the key differences:

aspect	Room acoustics	Building acoustics
focus	Sound propagation within a room	Sound transmission between rooms
Location of the sound source	Inside the room	Outside the area under consideration
Requirements for components	Proper sound absorption	Good sound insulation
Key figure	Reverberation time	Sound insulation values ​​(in dB)

Building acoustics aims to reduce unwanted noise transmission between different rooms or from outside to inside, while room acoustics aims to improve the listening experience within a room. Both disciplines are important for creating a comfortable and functional acoustic environment in office buildings.

Reverberation time and speech intelligibility

Reverberation time is the most important measurement in room acoustics. It describes the time required for the sound pressure level in a room to drop by 60 dB (to one thousandth) when the sound source suddenly stops. Reverberation time is often represented by the abbreviation RT60 . The reverberation time value in offices should be in the range of 0.5 to 0.8 seconds, depending on the room volume.

Depending on the size of the conference room, the optimal value for this time varies between 0.8 and 1.2 seconds. Rooms with a reverberation time of less than 0.3 seconds are considered "anechoic," while rooms with a reverberation time of more than 2 seconds are considered "echoic." Speech intelligibility is directly dependent on the reverberation time. Speech intelligibility is generally optimized when the reverberation time is shorter.

Clear communication is particularly important in office environments. Speech intelligibility is assessed using the STI (Speech Transmission Index) , with a value of 1.0 indicating excellent speech transmission and 0.0 indicating incomprehensible speech transmission. Modern architecture often favors simple furnishings that include expansive, reverberant surfaces such as tiled floors, glass fronts, and exposed concrete walls. As a result, speech intelligibility is severely neglected.

The situation in which conversation or discussion with several participants becomes virtually impossible in such rooms is extremely problematic due to the poor acoustics. Background noise, such as telephone calls or conversations between colleagues, is perceived as particularly disruptive. Laboratory experiments have shown that the impairment of memory performance caused by background speech only decreased when its intelligibility was reduced.

Simply reducing noise levels did not lead to an increase in cognitive performance. Office acoustics can be improved through simple measures such as wall absorbers , ceiling absorbers , or soundproof partitions for desks. With acoustic elements in the office, speech intelligibility can be optimized even in modern office spaces. There are numerous ideas for soundproofing in the office, which we will examine in more detail in the following sections.

Analysis and planning: The first step to peace

Successful office acoustics begin long before the installation of soundproofing solutions. Thorough analysis and planning form the foundation for effective sound insulation in the office . Only those who understand the acoustic challenges precisely can develop tailor-made solutions.

Identifying acoustic weaknesses

The architectural design and surface texture significantly determine the acoustics of a room. Smooth, hard materials such as exposed concrete, glass, or metal reflect sound waves particularly strongly, resulting in increased reverberation. We notice this effect immediately—often even subconsciously.

In a reverberant room, we automatically adjust our speaking volume. We speak louder to overcome the reverberation. This so-called Lombard effect further exacerbates the problem, as everyone in the room raises their voice. This phenomenon is familiar from receptions in reverberant foyers, where the volume continuously increases.

This effect is particularly problematic in open-plan offices. Acoustic weak points arise here due to:

• Missing partitions between work areas
• Large, unstructured areas
• Sound-reflective materials such as glass walls or concrete ceilings
• Insufficient sound absorbers on walls and ceilings

Measurement of reverberation time

Reverberation time is the most important parameter for the objective evaluation of room acoustics. It indicates how long it takes for the sound pressure level to drop by 60 dB after the sound source has stopped. Reverberation time is measured and evaluated according to the ISO 3382 standard.

To determine the reverberation time, the decay process of the sound field between -5 and -35 dB below the sound pressure level of the continuous noise is evaluated and extrapolated to -60 dB. The initial reverberation time (EDT) , on the other hand, is measured between 0 and -10 dB and is also extrapolated to -60 dB.

For a rough estimate, simple smartphone apps like "RevMeterPro" be used. However, these only provide a preliminary assessment. Professional measuring equipment is required for precise measurements. Since reverberation time measurements are taken at a volume of approximately 60 dB, such measurements are often conducted outside of office hours to avoid disturbing employees.

According to the Technical Rules for Workplaces (ASR A3.7), certain minimum requirements apply to the reverberation time in office rooms, which vary depending on the room volume.

Individual needs analysis

The starting point for effective acoustic planning is a detailed consultation to understand personal goals and the current situation. The following aspects are considered: First, an analysis of the room's intended use is conducted. The acoustic requirements of a conference room differ from those of an open-plan office or a think tank.

Furthermore, the number of people crucial for noise levels. The more people working together, the more challenging it becomes to concentrate without acoustic measures. Additionally, the requirements regarding the type of work are also considered in the needs analysis. There are significant differences between quiet work environments, which are intended to promote high concentration, and communicative areas.

The differentiation of acoustic zones and the targeted adaptation of acoustics in different areas are gaining importance, as modern offices offer a variety of work environments and usage possibilities. By combining the results of the vulnerability analysis and reverberation time measurement with the individual needs of the users, effective acoustic planning is created, resulting in customized solutions for sound insulation in the office.

Proven solutions for maximum peace and quiet in the office

For effective soundproofing in the office, various tried-and-tested solutions are available, which can be combined depending on the needs and the room layout. The correct selection and placement of these elements can make the difference between a stressful and a productive work environment.

Wall absorbers and ceiling panels

Wall absorbers and ceiling panels are among the most effective measures for improving office acoustics . High-quality wall absorbers can absorb up to 96 percent of sound waves at 500 Hertz and convert them into heat energy. They are particularly effective when approximately 10-30 percent of the wall and ceiling surfaces are covered with them.

Ceiling panels have the advantage of absorbing sound from both sides. Covering just 40 percent of the ceiling with acoustic panels can achieve the same result as a fully suspended ceiling. Furthermore, these elements can be strategically placed over noise sources to improve acoustics in specific areas.

Acoustic partitions and room-within-a-room systems

Acoustic partitions offer a flexible way to separate workstations. In addition to sound absorption, they also create visual privacy and structure the space. Mobile partitions can also be repositioned as needed and are therefore suitable for agile work environments.

Room-within-a-room systems go a step further. These booths form a completely enclosed space within a larger room and are ideal for confidential conversations or focused work. They have their own ventilation, lighting, and power supply and can be integrated into open-plan offices without any structural modifications.

Acoustic panels and design solutions

Acoustic panels combine functionality with aesthetics. They serve as sound absorbers and decorative elements. The panels can be printed with custom designs, making them a part of the corporate identity. Furthermore, their high absorption coefficient of up to 96 percent at 500 Hertz ensures effective noise reduction.

Textiles, plants and furniture

Everyday elements can also contribute office acoustics Carpets or rugs prevent footfall, while curtains not only lighten the look but can also absorb sound. Upholstered furniture also has a sound-absorbing effect and contributes to pleasant room acoustics.

The use of plants as natural sound absorbers is particularly interesting. Large-leaved plants like Monstera or Ficus can break up and absorb sound waves. Specially preserved moss has proven to be a particularly effective sound absorber – with a sound absorption rate of up to 50 percent. Moss pictures and moss walls also require neither water nor light and are therefore very easy to care for.

Long-term strategies for better office acoustics

The sustainable implementation of acoustic solutions requires more than just one-off measures. A strategic approach that considers various aspects is necessary sound insulation in the office

Acoustically friendly office design

proactive planning of office acoustics begins even before moving in. Involving acoustics experts early in the planning process prevents costly retrofitting. Scientific studies show that involving employees in the planning of new office spaces leads to greater acceptance when they subsequently work in those spaces.

When planning a space, traffic routes should not run through the center of the room. Instead, the central zone is ideal for communication areas and meeting spaces. Dividing the space into different acoustic zones is crucial – with sufficient quiet areas for meetings, phone calls, and focused work.

Raising employee awareness

Even the best acoustic design can be compromised by inappropriate behavior. Therefore, raising employee awareness is a crucial component of long-term for improving office acoustics . Specific measures include:

• Agreement on clear rules of conduct (e.g., mobile phones on silent mode)
• Designation of areas for telephone calls and conversations
• Regular training courses on the topic of noise protection

A study shows that in two companies, direct communication decreased by approximately 70% after restructuring to open-plan offices, while electronic communication increased by 20-50%. This illustrates the importance of conscious communication strategies.

Regular review and adjustment

Regular employee feedback is essential for sustainable soundproofing in the office

Furthermore, professional reverberation time measurements should be carried out at regular intervals to verify the effectiveness of the office acoustic elements . This is particularly important after renovations or when the use of rooms changes.

According to the German Federal Environment Agency, poor room acoustics demonstrably affect absenteeism and can contribute to employees leaving the workforce prematurely. Consequently, the continuous optimization of the acoustic environment is not only a matter of comfort, but also of employee health and company productivity.

Investing in soundproofing pays off

Poor office acoustics can be stressful for employees. Research clearly shows that a well-planned sound concept is crucial for healthier, more focused, and ultimately more productive teams. Companies should take soundproofing seriously. Studies clearly demonstrate the benefits of investing in soundproofing: it reduces errors, minimizes downtime, and increases employee satisfaction.

Combining different measures is particularly effective. Wall absorbers and ceiling panels reduce reverberation, while acoustic partitions and room-within-a-room systems offer more privacy. Architects should pay attention to excellent acoustics right from the planning phase of an office. Even existing spaces can be optimized retroactively. Studies have shown that employees lose an average of over 40 minutes of working time per day due to noise pollution.

Therefore, the question should no longer be whether companies can afford acoustic solutions, but whether they can afford to do without them. Investing in top-quality soundproofing can create spaces where focused work and productive communication are possible. This is how the demands of the modern workplace are best met.