Noise levels at the workplace vary from one business to another. The highest reported noise level has been at an airport while other businesses in the music industry or schools suffer from it too. This type of noise can be intolerable and must be addressed for employees to continue working safely.
Noise is a stressor at the workplace that is associated with job satisfaction, productivity, performance, and even employee turnover. Research shows that a noisy business environment can be distracting and negatively impact staff morale. Noise at work negatively impacts workers by creating a disruptive environment that makes multitasking more challenging, impacts ergonomics, and lowers employees’ motivation. No wonder that in certain countries, firms that are not working on protecting their employees from noise pollution can face legal consequences.
So, what’s the solution?
Employees can use noise-canceling headphones. However, many people find them expensive, isolating, and quite frankly, insufficient at reducing noise. Further, the use of music with ear-buds lowers information retention and impacts hearing. But, one answer growing in popularity to reduce noise at the business space is for the organization to install acoustic panels.
The use of acoustic panels in ceilings and as dividing panels has been documented to reduce noise pollution at the workplace. Acoustic panels are made of sound absorption material that works by dissipating energy by vibrating the panel. The material used on the surface of the acoustic panel can also be a sound diffuser, enabling acoustic panels to lower noise levels by scattering sound energy.
Acoustic panels can be made of fabric, foam, perforated wood, fiberglass, or other materials that can function well to diffuse or absorb sound energy. Some of these materials have a Class A(TM) flammability rating and/or social responsibility desirability. Such panels can be mounted over an open space or suspended from a ceiling. Then, business owners can cover the panels with different materials and fabrics to further dissipate the sound.
The advantages of using acoustic panels important, providing significant benefits to the employees’ healthy business environment and their employers. Acoustic panels improve acoustic quality by eliminating unwanted noise, reduce employee stress levels, provide a welcoming working environment that leads to higher performance and productivity, and enhance safety.
Acoustic panels are art too!
Employees tend to perform better when they’re inspired by an attractive workspace. A workplace with a touch of color art has proven to boost employees’ health and productivity. And, what company wouldn’t want that. With that in mind, although acoustic panels are built on science, they can add an artistic touch to the work environment. By using them as a decor element, they turn into a functional work of art, adding color, texture, and fun to an otherwise dull area. For ideas on how this can work for you, see more at kireiusa.com.
The Takeaway
In order to make an informed decision on what type of acoustic panels are needed for the business space, one needs to consider the area (square footage), the type of work done in the space, the amount of noise, flammability rating, installation method, installation time, warranty, and budget. One important factor that needs to be considered as well is the Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) rating of the panels. The higher the number, the greater the noise reduction.
With the increased number of options and varieties of acoustic panels, businesses can now choose from a wide selection to reduce the noise levels for their employees. This makes for a healthier and safer work environment, which also leads to higher productivity and profitability.
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