Picture this: the fit-out is complete, the finishes are stunning, the lighting perfect. Everyone steps into the space, and the first impression is wow. But what makes that feeling last? It’s not just what people see, it’s how they feel in the space day after day.

Noise remains one of the biggest pain points in office environments, consistently ranking among the top complaints. It affects concentration, well-being, and overall satisfaction. 

A study by The Sound Agency found that noisy open-plan offices can reduce productivity by up to 66%, as employees struggle to focus amid constant background chatter and interruptions. Another study by the University of California, Irvine, led by Gloria Mark, showed it can take around 25 minutes to regain full focus after a distraction, meaning even brief interruptions have a lasting impact on concentration and performance. 

The financial cost is significant too. Research by Rockwool revealed that poor acoustics can lead to productivity losses of around 15%, equating to more than 21 minutes of focused work lost per employee each day. For businesses, that translates into substantial financial loss over time, as reduced concentration and increased fatigue affect overall performance. 

When the soundscape is thoughtfully designed, people can do their best work and that’s something clients instantly feel, even if they can’t pinpoint why.