For office workers, and especially those in open-plan offices, noise is the primary source of disruption. 95% report being bothered by it, particularly by conversations, ringing phones, the movement of colleagues, machinery, and so on. It has therefore become a significant nuisance, for which solutions do exist.

While the noise level in an open-plan office is indeed below the 80 dB(A) alert threshold, regular measurements taken by the INRS (National Institute for Research and Safety) have revealed ambient noise levels of 50 to 60 dB(A) and 70 dB(A) over an 8-hour period using a headset. This clearly highlights the undeniable difference between actual noise levels and perceived disturbances, which can have a significant impact on employee productivity and well-being.

Noise is a source of nuisance

Yet, open-plan offices are a concept often favored by companies, particularly for fostering collaboration and creativity. But they also significantly amplify noise, as all employees find themselves working in open spaces. In this regard, the INRS (National Research and Safety Institute for the Prevention of Occupational Accidents and Diseases), through its GABO questionnaire (Acoustic Discomfort in Open Offices), surveyed the perceptions of over 1,000 employees regarding their physical work environment.

The survey revealed that the physical work environment is only moderately satisfactory, particularly regarding noise levels. While all sources of noise are a nuisance, intelligible conversations are the most frequently cited. Although only 10% of employees report being truly sensitive to noise in general, this does not prevent them from being bothered by it in their workplace (21% would like to return to a private office or a shared office with a maximum of two or three people).

Another survey (Noise, Hearing Health and Quality of Life at Work) was conducted with 1,013 people by IFOP in 2019, on the occasion of National Hearing Day. It highlights two key findings:

1. 59% say they are bothered by noise and sound pollution in their workplace;

2. Regarding the sources of noise, there is the equipment used (33%), conversations between colleagues (28%) and telephone conversations (26%).

Noise does not promote employee well-being

The impacts of noise on employees are numerous and frequently highlighted. These include irritability, stress, fatigue, decreased performance, and even absenteeism from the workplace. This, of course, has a significant impact on overall productivity.

The aforementioned IFOP study attempted to quantify these consequences. According to those surveyed, noise and sound pollution in their workplace cause problems such as loss of productivity (51%), misunderstandings with their supervisors (47%), a certain aggressiveness in interactions (42%), and even conflicts within the work team.

But solutions exist

These include reducing ambient noise and improving intelligibility between workstations and/or between teams. It’s also essential to provide suitable spaces (for example, a small room for making phone calls) and separate break areas.The benefits are numerous . These include reducing ambient noise and improving intelligibility between workstations and/or between teams. It’s also essential to provide suitable spaces (for example, a small room for making phone calls) and separate relaxation areas.

But we also need to work on soundproofing spaces, using appropriate acoustic solutions. High-quality sound and the advice of an acoustics professional, who can define the necessary adjustments and standards to be met in open-plan offices. Indeed, for the room’s acoustics to be of good quality, it is necessary that it be relatively non-reverberant, using absorbent materials and fixtures.acoustic solutions for ceilings, walls, partitions and complementary acoustic solutions.

Finally, there is a standard (NF S 31 199) that offers a methodology for limiting noise in open-plan offices, based on indicators such as reducing noise levels, preserving confidentiality, and reducing the propagation of sound waves (so that exchanges can be carried out without disturbing the immediate surroundings). This standard also provides a charter for the use of open spaces, suggesting a number of individual and collective behaviors that are respectful of others, in order to reduce noise pollution.