Good Office Design Includes Soundproofing For Productivity

Soundproofing and office productivity are inextricably linked. Loud or continuous noises are not only distracting, but detrimental to employee health. Employers are losing money in lost time to these distractions and employee turnover because many offices were not designed with modern noise levels in mind. Small, strategic soundproofing integrated into office design can greatly affect employee happiness, health, and the business’ bottom line.

This concept isn’t new. Links between noise and health have been known since 1972 when the Noise Control Act was created. In its text it states: “The Noise Control Act of 1972 establishes a national policy to promote an environment for all Americans free from noise that jeopardizes their health and welfare.” According to the Act, the health effects are, “Problems related to noise include stress related illnesses, high blood pressure, speech interference, hearing loss, sleep disruption, and lost productivity.”