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

Since around 70 percent of all professionals are employed in the office, sound insulation is becoming increasingly important in the workplace. In modern work environments with open areas and a few retreat options, the noise pollution increases continuously. Studies actually show that acoustics are one of the most important factors for our well -being.

There is a solid scientific documentation about the harmful consequences of poor office acoustics. The consequences can be headache, exhaustion, problems with concentration, stress, fears and even depression. For this reason, the relevance of acoustic elements in the office continuously increases.

Through various measures, acoustics can be optimized in the office, starting with inexpensive acoustic panels from € 130 per square meter to comprehensive acoustic ceilings. In this article, tried and tested concepts for sound insulation are presented in the office and illustrates how well -thought -out space acoustics not only ensures calm, but also promotes the productivity and health of the employees in the long term.

Which is why sound insulation in the workplace is becoming increasingly important

In current office environments, the noise level represents a significant problem. The influence of noise on concentration and working atmosphere is often underestimated when open office concepts and open -plan offices are becoming increasingly common. It is actually reported by 31% of employees that they feel disturbed by noise at work.

Ensuring sound insulation in the office is a central challenge for companies that want to create an efficient work environment.

Noise sources in the modern work environment

The modern office houses numerous noise sources that can create a significant noise level together. A survey by the Blog Office Roxx ( Haufe reported * ) shows that office workers find the following noises particularly annoying:

• 66% of those surveyed call longer meetings in the same room
• 54% feel calls of others than very annoying
• 39% are disturbed by colleagues
• 30% suffer from the noise of office equipment such as printers
• 28% are bothered by the keyboard praises and mouse clicks

Talks between colleagues are particularly problematic. The doctor and psychologist Markus Meis from the hearing center of the University of Oldenburg told MIRRORS Health * :

Our brain automatically focuses on language processing ”.

If we only hear half of a dialogue, our brain automatically tries to complement the conversation - we can hardly hear away and our concentration suffers *.

Contrary to general assumptions, in two-person offices, it is not quieter, but in the order of up to 88% louder than in the team office or open space. the applicable noise protection regulations in the office play a role for acoustics in the office * .

Consequences for health and performance

The consequences of inadequate office acoustics are serious. According to studies, 51% of those affected complain of concentration disorders, while 32% suffer from headache, 29% under muscle tension and 28% under nervousness due to noise at work. In addition, sleep problems, hypertension, gastrointestinal complaints and cardiovascular problems were also mentioned. *

The Federal Environment Agency confirms that noise as a psychosocial stress factor not only affects subjective well -being, but also activates the autonomous nervous system and the hormonal system. According to the Federal Environment Agency on the subject of noise effects, this leads to changes in blood pressure, heart rate and other circulatory factors. With a continuous exposure of 60 to 65 dB (A), noise research is spoken of health impairment. *

The effects on work performance are equally important. Studies show that the performance of employees through office noise can drop by five to ten percent. This significantly affects particularly complex tasks.

In a open -plan office, it is almost impossible to write scientific texts or to make complex calculations ”,

Explains Georg Brockt from the Federal Institute for Occupational Safety and Occupational Medicine . *

Currently, the average loss of work per employee is more than 40 minutes per working day due to noise pollution. Employees in loud environments also take more time to do their tasks and make mistakes more often. Even the association of German engineers estimates that loud noises in offices can reduce the performance of the teams by up to 30 percent. *

The Occupational Health and Safety Act recommends a maximum noise level of 55 decibels to ensure adequate acoustics in the office. It is recommended that a noise level of approximately 35 decibels and around 45 decibels are not exceeded in small offices. For concentrated work, the noise level should remain below 55 decibels. *

It is becoming increasingly important to implement the ideas for sound insulation in the office. Careful planning of office acoustics not only affects the comfort, but also the health and performance of the employees. Companies that invest in the optimization of office acoustics harvest the advantages of more relaxed, healthier and more efficient employees. *

Understand what it is about: room acoustics compared to sound insulation

In order to improve the sound in the office , it is important to understand the basics. There are two main areas for sound problems: room acoustics and construction acoustics. It is important to know this distinction in order to take the right measures to improve sound insulation in the office .

What is room acoustics?

Room acoustics refer to the properties and characteristics of sound in a certain room. It deals with how sound waves reflect in a room,

The topic deals with how sound spreads in a room. It is researched how sound waves are reflected, absorbed or scattered inside and how we perceive it. In contrast to nature, where sound can move freely, it is reflected in interiors of surfaces and even increases in corners and edges.

The main goal of these efforts is to create an acoustic environment that is tailored to the specific needs and functions of a room. A conference room has different acoustic requirements than a open -plan office or an isolated individual office. Improved spatial acoustics ensure that we can feel good in a room and hear ourselves clearly and clearly.

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

Different to building acoustics

While the room acoustics deal with sound behavior within a room, the construction acoustics focus on the sound transmission between different rooms or between inside and outside. The following comparison illustrates the essential differences:

aspect	Room acoustics	Building acoustics
focus	Sound drainage within a room	Sound transmission between rooms
Location of the sound source	Within the room	Outside the room under consideration
Requirement to components	Correct sound absorption	Good soundproofing
Key figure	Reverberation	Sound insulation dimensions (in DB)

Construction acoustics are aimed at reducing undesirable noise transmissions between different rooms or from the outside to the inside, while room acoustics should improve the listening experience within a room. Both disciplines are important to create a comfortable and functional acoustic environment in office buildings.

Reverberation and speech intelligibility

The reverberation time is the most important degree in space acoustics. The time that is needed so that the sound pressure level drops in a room by 60 dB (to a thousand) is described by it when the sound source suddenly falls silent. The reverberation time is often shown by the abbreviation RT60 . The reverberation value in offices should be in the area of ​​0.5 to 0.8 seconds depending on the space volume.

Depending on the size of the conference room, the optimal value varies for the time between 0.8 and 1.2 seconds. Rooms with a reverberation time of less than 0.3 seconds are considered "sounds", while rooms with a reverberation period of more than 2 seconds are called "hall end". The comprehensibility of the language depends directly on the reverberation time. As a rule, language intelligibility is better if the reverberation period is shorter.

Clear communication is particularly important in office environments. The comprehensibility of the language is evaluated on the basis of the STI (Speech Transmission Index) , whereby a value of 1.0 characterizes an excellent and 0.0 an incomprehensible voice transmission. In modern architecture, simple equipment is often preferred, which includes extensive, sound -hard surfaces such as tile floors, glass fronts and exposed concrete walls. This neglects the comprehensibility of the language.

The situation in which entertainment or discussion with several participants in such rooms becomes almost impossible is extremely problematic due to the miserable acoustics. In particular, the background noise is perceived as disturbing, for example by phone calls or conversations between colleagues. It was found in laboratory experiments that the impairment of memory performance only decreased by the background language if its intelligibility has been reduced.

A reduction of the level alone did not lead to an increase in cognitive performance. The acoustics in the office can be improved by simple measures such as wall absorbers , ceiling absorbers or soundproofing walls for the desk. With acoustic elements in the office, language intelligibility can also be optimally designed in modern office space. There are numerous ideas for sound insulation in the office, which we will take a closer look at in the following sections.

Analysis and planning: The first step towards rest

A successful acoustics in the office begin long before the installation of soundproofing solutions. The thorough analysis and planning forms the foundation for effective sound insulation in the office . Only those who know the acoustic challenges can develop precisely precise solutions.

Recognize acoustic weaknesses

The architectural design and the surface quality significantly determine the acoustics of a room. Smooth, hard materials such as exposed concrete, glass or metal reflect sound waves particularly strongly and lead to greater highness. We immediately feel this effect - often even subconsciously.

In a hally room we automatically adapt our speech volume. We speak louder to arrive against the reverberation. This so-called Lombard effect additionally strengthens the problem because all people in the room raise their voice. This phenomenon is known from receptions in Halligen Foyers, where the volume continues to increase.

This effect becomes particularly problematic in open office landscapes. Acoustic weaknesses are created here:

• Missing partitions between work areas
• Large, uninterrupted areas
• Sound -hard materials such as glass walls or concrete ceilings
• Inadequate sound absorbers on walls and ceilings

Measurement of the reverberation time

The 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 is silent. The reverberation time is measured and evaluated according to the ISO 3382 standard.

To determine the reverberation time, the covering process of the sound field between –5 and –35 dB is evaluated under the sound pressure level of the continuous noise and extrapolated to -60 dB. The measurement of the initial revenue time (EDT), on the other hand, takes place between 0 and -10 dB and is also extrapolated to -60 dB.

Simple smartphone apps such as "RevmeterPro" be used for a rough orientation. However, these only offer a first assessment. Professional measuring devices are required for precise measurements. Since the measurement of the reverberation time is carried out with a volume of around 60 dB, such measurements often take place outside of office hours so as not to disturb the employees.

According to the technical rules for workplaces (ASR A3.7), certain minimum requirements apply in office space for reverberation time, which vary depending on the space volume.

Individual needs analysis

The starting shot of effective acoustic planning is in a detailed conversation in order to record the personal goals and the current situation. The following points of view are considered: First, an analysis of the type of space is used. The acoustic requirements of a conference room differ from those of a open-plan office or a think tank.

Furthermore, the number of people crucial for the noise pollution. The more numerous the people who work together, the more demanding the concentration is without acoustic measures. In addition, the requirements regarding work typology are also taken into account in the needs analysis. There are significant differences between calm work environments that are supposed to promote high concentration and communicative areas.

The differentiation of acoustic zones and the targeted adaptation of acoustics in various areas are becoming more important because modern offices offer a variety of work environments and uses. The linking of the results of the weakness analysis and the reverberation measurement with the individual needs of the users creates effective acoustic planning that develops tailor -made solutions for sound insulation in the office.

Proven solutions for maximum calm in the office

for effective sound insulation in the office , which can be combined as required and space. The correct selection and placement of these elements can make up the difference between a stressful and a productive working environment.

Wall absorber and ceiling sail

Wall absorbers and ceiling sail are among the most effective measures to improve acoustics in the office . High -quality wall absorbers can absorb up to 96 percent of the sound waves at 500 Hertz and convert them into thermal energy. They are particularly effective when about 10-30 percent of the wall and ceiling areas are equipped with it.

Cover sails have the advantage that they can absorb sound on both sides. A cover of only 40 percent of the ceiling with acoustic sailing can achieve the same result as a fully suspended ceiling. In addition, these elements can be placed specifically via noise sources in order to improve the acoustics.

Acoustic partition walls and space-in-room systems

Acoustic partitions offer a flexible way to shield jobs from one another. In addition to the sound absorption, they also create visual privacy and structure the space. Mobile dividing walls can also be changed as required and are therefore also suitable for agile work environments.

Space-in-room systems go one step further. These cabins form a completely closed space within a larger room and are ideal for confidential conversations or concentrated work. You have your own ventilation, lighting and power supply and can be integrated into open -plan offices without structural measures.

Acoustic images and design solutions

Acoustic images combine functionality with aesthetics. They serve as a sound absorber and at the same time as a decorative element. The images can be printed with individual motifs, which makes them part of the corporate identity. The high degree of absorption of up to 96 percent at 500 Hertz also ensures an effective reduction in sound level.

Textiles, plants and furniture

Everyday elements can also contribute acoustics office Carpets or carpet floors prevent steps, while curtains not only loosen up the optics, but can also swallow sound. Upholstered furniture also has a sound -absorbing effect and contribute to a pleasant room acoustics.

The use of plants as natural sound absorbers is particularly interesting. Large -leaved plants such as Monstera or Ficus can break and absorb sound waves. In particular preserved moss has proven to be particularly effective sound absorbers - with a sound absorption of up to 50 percent. Moos pictures and moss walls also do not need water or light and are therefore very easy to care for.

Long -term strategies for better office acoustics

Sustainable implementation of acoustic solutions requires more than just one -time measures. For a permanent improvement in sound insulation in the office , a strategic procedure is necessary that takes into account different aspects.

Acoustic -friendly office design

A forward -looking planning of the acoustics office ideally begins before moving in. The early inclusion of acoustic experts in the planning process prevents costly retrofits. Scientific studies show that the integration of employees into the planning of new office space leads to a higher acceptance when they then work in the room.

During spatial planning, traffic routes should not lead in the middle of the room. Instead, the center zone is ideal for communication areas and meeting areas. The division into different acoustic zones is crucial - with retreat for meetings, phone calls and concentrated work in sufficient numbers.

Sensitization of employees

Even the best acoustic design can be impaired by inappropriate behavior. Therefore, sensitization of the workforce is an important part of long -term acoustics in the office improve strategies. Special measures include:

• Agreement of clear rules of conduct (e.g. mobile phones to silent)
• Determination of areas for phone calls and discussions
• Regular training courses on noise protection

A study shows that after restructuring open office landscapes, direct communication decreased by around 70% after restructuring, while electronic communication increased by 20-50%. This illustrates how important conscious communication strategies are.

Regular review and adaptation

Regular feedback from employees is essential for sustainable sound insulation in the office This is the only way to ensure that the measures taken are effective and make adjustments if necessary.

In addition, professional reverberation measurements should be carried out at regular intervals in order to check the effectiveness of the acoustic elements . This is particularly important after redesigning or if the use of rooms changes.

According to the Federal Environment Agency, poor spatial acoustics have been proven to have an impact on sick leave and can help to excrete employees at an early stage. As a result, the continuous optimization of the acoustic environment is not only a question of comfort, but also of employee health and corporate productivity.

Investment in sound insulation pays off

A disadvantageous room acoustics in the office can be stressful for the employees. Research results clearly show that a well -planned sound concept is crucial for healthier, concentrated and ultimately more productive teams. Companies should take sound insulation seriously. Studies clearly show the benefits of investments: they reduce mistakes, minimize downtimes and increase employee satisfaction.

It is particularly effective to combine different measures. Wall absorbers and ceiling sails reduce the hall, while acoustic partition walls and space-in-room systems offer more retreat options. Construction planners should pay attention to excellent acoustics in the planning phase of an office. Even existing rooms can be optimized afterwards. It has been proven that employees lose an average of over 40 minutes of working time due to noise pollution every day.

Therefore, one should no longer ask whether companies can afford acoustic solutions, but whether they can afford to do without it. By investing in first -class sound insulation, rooms can be created in which work concentrated and communicated productively. In this way, the requirements of the modern world of work are met as best as possible.