A demographic shift in the workforce continues to take place with the penetration of Generation Z. This tech-savvy and highly engaged generation has different expectations than the previous generations for their work environments. As a result, companies are seeking new ways to appeal to Gen Z while also maximizing productivity. A widespread strategy for attracting and retaining these potential employees has emerged by designing work environments that include the latest amenities such as collaboration areas, flexible workstations, biophilic design, and connected building technology.

With these evolving workplaces come wide-open spaces outfitted with sleek, low-profile desks, conference rooms framed by glass walls, and a proliferation of hard surfaces such as concrete floors and ceilings. While appealing from a visual standpoint, these spaces create new challenges related to confidentiality and acoustic comfort.

In recent years, this has led to a dramatic increase in the demand for acoustical solutions. It is vital that employers look beyond furnishings and high-tech elements to design acoustically-optimized spaces that focus on the comfort of those that inhabit them. Addressing acoustic comfort can ultimately contribute to the success of a company while also meeting applicable building standards.

Recent research suggests that workers lose about ninety minutes per day due to distractions, with half of all workers reporting an inability to concentrate while in the office. Given that office workers spend two-thirds of their time doing quiet work, it is evident that acoustic comfort should be a consideration when designing commercial office spaces.

According to the World Green Building Council as stated in their Health, Wellbeing and Productivity in Offices report, it is estimated that over 90 percent of an organization’s operating costs are linked to employee efficiency. When efficiency and productivity decrease, operating costs increase significantly.

As the trend toward creating more human-centric environments continues to grow, designers should be aware of the latest innovative solutions available and the applicable building standards that support acoustic optimization. Today’s interior products are addressing more than sound management, reducing echoing and reverberation issues while enhancing other aspects of interiors, such as lighting and aesthetics.

Addressing noise without compromising design

Historically, acoustical ceiling tiles (ACTs) or wall panels were commonly used to address acoustic comfort and minimize reverberation issues, often at the expense of aesthetics. In recent years, furniture manufacturers recognized the increase in noise and lack of confidentiality issues caused by the disappearance of cubicles and private offices, resulting in the introduction of commercialized phone booths and sitting nooks made of sound absorbing material. While supportive of employee privacy, these products fail to improve the overall acoustic comfort of a space.

Acoustics are becoming a prerequisite for open ceiling environments, and an influx of innovative sound absorbing products are beginning to penetrate the market. These acoustic ceiling solutions can add complexity during the specification and installation process, including the need for extra coordination to incorporate other building components such as sprinklers, speakers, and lighting.

Recognizing the challenges associated with the multi-use needs of a ceiling plane, leading architectural lighting manufacturers have introduced integrated acoustical ceiling and lighting systems. These sound absorbing solutions offer many advantages: they address noise and reverberation issues and deliver a cohesive aesthetic while also meeting the lighting requirements of a space.

Furthermore, integrated acoustic and lighting systems simplify the sourcing and installation process with one manufacturer supplying a unified system. The flexible systems are currently available in various form factors, with the most prevalent being linear baffles and cloud systems.

When selecting a solution, it is critical that designers first consider the goals of the space beyond sound management and take into account variables such as design aesthetics, budget, and the incorporation of other building components. For example, if the goal is to hide an open ceiling structure, ACTs or a dense array of an integrated acoustical ceiling and lighting system may be suitable.