People working on laptops at a large table in the office People working on laptops at a large table in the office

Acoustic Comfort in the Workplace

Managing Sound for Productive Work

Sound is a form of energy that impacts our lives in some form or fashion every day. At times, it can be harnessed to create something beautiful. In other moments, it can disrupt us from performing at our best. Good acoustic design helps people thrive by reducing the elements of airborne and structure-borne sound that distract from great work. 

Open concept workspace with desks on the right hand side of the room and conference rooms on the left

Supporting Healthy Soundscapes

There often exists a dynamic interplay of sound within the workplace every day. By understanding the sources and impacts of sound, you can create environments that enhance instead of diminish productivity. 

Single grey booth with sound panels in open office space with grey carpet flooring Single grey booth with sound panels in open office space with grey carpet flooring
Street Life - Open Air (24x24 | Vertical Ashlar)

Combating Impacts of Noise Distraction

Worker productivity can be drastically impaired when noise distractions occur. From loud conversations to various other sources, the sound levels in an office environment often go unnoticed until it is too late - making for both a stressful work day, as well as decreased efficiency throughout the office.

Alongside essential elements such as lighting, temperature and furnishings, good acoustics plays an important role in allowing employees to remain focused on their daily tasks without distraction from intrusions of cellphones, conversations or foot traffic.


 
Young black man wearing yellow over the head headphones, a white and blue checkered shirt, typing on a desktop computer in an office setting Young black man wearing yellow over the head headphones, a white and blue checkered shirt, typing on a desktop computer in an office setting

Designing for Acoustical Equity

There are a multitude of factors impacting acoustic comfort within a space. The walls and ceilings play important roles, but those benefits can easily be negated if the flooring solution does not align with day-to-day work activity.

While the future of work continues to evolve, there are data-driven space planning practices that provide solid guidance on ideal applications.

Our Designer on Demand service can assist in helping you select the right application for your next project.

Open area in an office with two small round tables with four chairs each. The back wall has a fridge and a sink, with a wall of mirrors on the right hand side of the wall. Open area in an office with two small round tables with four chairs each. The back wall has a fridge and a sink, with a wall of mirrors on the right hand side of the wall.
Even Plane - Cement Light Grey / English Oak Medium Grey / Painted Desert - Badlands

Even Plane: Raising the Grade on Acoustical Performance

Sometimes, what we do not see is even more striking than what we do. Beneath the surface of Even Plane Luxury Vinyl Tile, a non-woven fiberglass layer resists indentation and absorbs the sound of nearby foot traffic 30% better than code requires.*

Install Even Plane alongside carpet tile—without transition strips— for additional comfort and delineation of space. With a 32-mil wear layer and state-of-the-art Techtonic® protection, Even Plane raises the grade on performance, while keeping your feet on even ground.