Wall Coverings That Work: Choosing The Right One For Your Business
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27 May, 2021As more offices re-open, a new game plan is emerging for office layouts in order to both adhere to COVID protocol and not completely disrupt the traditional workspace. For many companies, an open floor plan has been considered the best layout to encourage collaboration while also improving the mental health of employees. Studies have certainly shown an open office floor plan can help increase productivity while also reducing stress and improving energy efficiency at the same time.
An open floor plan may not be ideal for every business, however. For louder office spaces, including those with employees who are on the phone all day, there are necessary steps that need to be implemented to ensure productivity remains high and disruption low. Fortunately, there are several ways to control office acoustics that are cost-effective and won’t interfere with your office aesthetic.
Your Office Acoustic Options:
Depending on your office’s needs, there are many different options and approaches to addressing acoustics, including different textures and designs to fit every desired sound level and design.
When determining appropriate office acoustics, level of noise must be considered, as this will have an effect on the sound absorption material utilized. The options to choose from include:
– Acoustical Panels
– Screens
– Acoustic Tiles
– Modular Screens
… and so many more! Within these choices are also endless possibilities from the materials used to the different designs that can be created. Consider your specific requirements, and read on to learn more about each of the items listed above.
Acoustical Panels
One of the more versatile acoustic solutions, these special panels can be placed just about anywhere on a wall or office partition. Sound is absorbed by softer materials and bounces off hard surfaces such as a traditional office wall, which helps make acoustic panels useful on walls, partitions, and even office furniture! They are available in many different thicknesses and and design prints, to fit in anywhere throughout your space.
Acoustic panels are more versatile than other options, as they can be placed virtually anywhere throughout your office on ground level.
Screens
A different approach to controlling acoustics, screens are your not-so-typical weapon against sound. Though it may not be as effective as panels, screening can assist in the battle against noise by diffusing traveling sound waves. Screens can also provide a sense of privacy while keeping the feel of an open layout.
Screens are the perfect option for offices that deal with smaller noise levels and a higher standard of design.
Acoustic Tiles
Similar to acoustic paneling but on a smaller scale, acoustic tiles are used mostly in smaller office spaces like conference rooms and employee lounges. Coming in a range of shapes and colors, acoustic tiles can enforce your branding through design on a wall while providing the ideal amount of sound damping.
Modular Screens
Need a more individualized and higher level of sound control than a normal screen? Modular screens can act similar to a cubicle, but are more portable. Modular screens can provide sound security in seconds are they can be put up anywhere around the office. Just as quickly as they can be put up, they can be broken down and stacked virtually anywhere thanks to their compact design.
Modular screens are the perfect solution for an open, collaborative floor plan that may need sound privacy on a less frequent basis than most offices.
How To Choose The Best Material For You
Choosing the best solution for your office can be a tall task, especially when your office’s productivity depends on it. However, choosing the right option will help improve office morale and employee mental health, as focus and productivity may reach all-time highs.
Don’t let the options weigh you down—that’s why you call in the experts! Have questions about office acoustics and its importance? Contact CIC today to learn how we can improve your office morale and productivity with a new acoustical design!