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Facilities and Advice, news - May 2, 2023

Fighting ambient noise in open spaces?

 

Various studies have shown the harmful impact of ambient noise on our comfort and productivity. However, noise pollution in the office is still a daily problem for millions of people. Hearing fatigue, tinnitus, whistling, high blood pressure, this degradation of our work environment has harmful effects on our health. At the same time, this professional tumult deteriorates our mental well-being with strong psychological and emotional repercussions. Pathologies such as chronic stress, insomnia or loss of concentration develop among employees. In order to create a healthy space for communication and collaboration, it is therefore necessary to intelligently design the premises.

Adopt desk dividers to reduce open space noise

By nature totally open, the open space must be judiciously separated into spaces adapted to the needs of the personnel. Without talking about major works, a good layout will be enough to considerably reduce the propagation of noise for a better sound comfort.

Close proximity of workstations can have a negative impact on concentration and disturb confidentiality. Fortunately, there are simple and ergonomic solutions that allow you to create clever boundaries between you and your colleagues. For example, partitioning screens combine simple mounting, design and sound insulation. These mobile and light panels adapt to all environments and can be quickly installed on your desk to reduce the noise level. They are available in many models, varying in shape and color to meet all needs. Twist their aesthetics according to your desires and bring freshness and modernity to your premises.  

In the same idea, partition walls are excellent tools to arrange the work environment in a simple and modular way. They visually determine the different zones of a room, bringing silence and harmony. Highly effective, they absorb noise pollution and reduce ambient noise. Optimizing the acoustics of the premises, they are also perfect for decorating. From the simple screen to the elegant folding screen, fixed or with wheels, these noise barriers can be found in all forms.

These delimitations clean up the working conditions, thus reducing the negative consequences of noise on our health and our concentration. No more permanent noise, each employee will be able to use the different spaces of the open space properly.

Acoustic booths to improve hearing comfort 

To perfect this separation, the acoustic cabins or huts offer spaces with maximum auditory comfort. This unique and innovative concept provides private meeting or work areas that absorb ambient noise and limit the noise emitted to the outside. Highly functional and fully equipped, these soundproof rooms allow for optimal concentration and confidentiality. Authentic havens of peace, they give everyone the possibility to isolate themselves completely or to discuss with others within the open space, in the respect of all. Whether you are looking for an ultra-modern box or a convivial alcove, you are sure to find what you are looking for among a wide range of choices.

Improve office soundproofing with acoustic furniture

The sound insulation of the surfaces of your premises is one of the best solutions to combat noise pollution. Here, the objective is to avoid external noises, but also their amplification and propagation inside the premises. Thanks to adapted furniture, it is perfectly possible to correct and control your sound environment.

Acoustic panels made of absorbent foam and fabric will attenuate the reverberation and echo of a room to ensure the auditory well-being of its occupants. Their implementation in the professional space must be studied to maximize their actions without modifying the existing installations. In fact, these isophonic plates are to be placed on the walls and ceiling in order to reduce the propagation of sound waves. Real decorative accessory, they will integrate effortlessly in the layout of the open space. Playful, modern and colorful, they will even bring a relaxed and friendly atmosphere.

Office furniture also has a role to play in reducing noise. For example, it can be used effectively as a support for soundproofing. Backs of cabinets, executive chairs or adjustable desks can quickly accommodatesoundproofing. Very easily installed, these are practical solutions to benefit from the advantages of acoustic panels at affordable prices.

Ergonomic furniture also helps to restore calm to your office. Thanks to their useful and silent adjustment features, they are designed to interfere with your colleagues' concentration as little as possible. Thus, some keyboards associated with a clever technology considerably reduce the noise during typing to reduce disturbances. Ever more innovative, soundproof furniture is appearing on the market. Equipped with the same soundproofing and absorbing materials as the panels, they allow to reduce the noise diffusion without investing in additional furniture. 

Choose individual hearing protection to boost your concentration

Collective protection is essential to reduce ambient noise in the office, but can sometimes prove insufficient. More personal solutions exist to prevent discomfort and hearing deterioration.

PICB(Personal Noise Protection) protections visibly attenuate the harmful effects of noise thanks to their noise reduction properties. They must be chosen according to the work environment and be CE certified according to the EN352-2 standard to effectively protect against noise pollution. In open spaces, these accessible solutions can take the form of headphones or earplugs. These quickly create little bubbles of peace and quiet that boost productivity and concentration. This personal protective equipment(PPE) encourages a kind of inner calm and is ideal for creating small moments of respite during a long working day.

Other accessories such as headphones, earphones or microphones with anti-noise technology are appearing on our workstations. Like the PICBs, they allow you to isolate yourself to better focus your attention, but have the advantage of having other uses. For example, they can facilitate conversations by making phone calls perfectly intelligible even with the tumult outside. Almost all models will also allow you to listen to music. Stimulating the secretion of endorphins, the melodies will soothe you, reducing stress and promoting concentration. Depending on your personal needs, they can also motivate, stimulate creativity and play a beneficial role in the memorization and integration of information.

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