Well-Being by Design: Optimizing Acoustics in Hybrid Spaces

Did you know that 50% of workers have identified to be more productive in a less noisy environment while over 70% frequently lose concentration? 44% of the research group also stated that their company does nothing to address noise.

For almost 17 years, BuzziSpace has been catering to the Hybrid Ways of Working and Living, which blurs the boundaries between what we all experience daily from working, socializing, and beyond.

Following the pandemic, we continue to see a rise in return to office rates:

• United States: 55%
• Europe: 75%
• APAC: 85%

How to Attract People in Coming Back to the Office

First, we need to understand why people are hesitant to return. This is due to:

• Distractions
• Interference
• Interruption

It’s also been reported that the top noise distractions are due to:

• Conversations Among Employees
• Phone Conversations
• Phones Ringing
• People Walking Around

Therefore, poor acoustics and no privacy are the leading causes of workplace dissatisfaction!

How to Create Well-Being by Design

Design a community-building space, to gather, socialize, network, exchange, focus work, and collaborate.

You'll Need to Create Visual and Acoustic Privacy While Catering to Employee Needs

The ABCs for Well-Being by Design

A — Absorb

Absorb sound waves to reduce reverberation and noise levels in a specific area.

Consider:

Ceiling panels – Acoustic Lighting – Acoustic Wall coverings

B — Block

Create acoustic barriers between occupants using screens & partitions to improve speech & visual privacy = fewer distractions.

Consider:

Desk Partitions – Room Dividers

C — Contain

Reduce distractions by using acoustic furniture to contain sound at its source. MeSpace in a WeSpace.

Consider:

Acoustic furniture – Privacy & Phone booths

D — Displace

Displace the noise by providing access to dedicated phone booths, informal meeting areas & collaboration spaces with extra absorption.

Consider:

Acoustic furniture – Privacy & Phone booths – Soft Seating

E – Engage & Educate

Engage and involve the employees for higher adoption and ambassadors. Educate on office etiquette at the same time.

F – Flexible Solutions

Choose flexible solutions to cater to the quick-shifting demands in the workspace.

Happy & Healthy Workspaces With a Focus on Well-Being

Final Tips

• Need for a dynamic workspace that caters to both collaborative and restorative activities
• Noise and conversational distractions have the biggest impact on productivity
• Well-being in the office enhances employee engagement and loyalty
• Person-centered approach to office design