How to Soundproof Your Office Space

A noisy workplace filled with chatty coworkers, running equipment, and squeaky chairs can make focusing on tasks difficult. The solution is to soundproof the office space. A noise-free professional work environment improves employee productivity. Here’s how to introduce soundproofing to the office.

Is workplace noise a concern?

The typical office is staffed with numerous employees, the outcome of which is a noisy environment. When sound is an issue, distractions abound and clear communication is absent. As a result, office staff feel frustrated and less productive; plus, their mental or physical health can be affected.

Research finds that 30 percent of staff working in cubicles are dissatisfied with the level of noise in their immediate workspace. An open work area is no less conducive to sound privacy. Although an open floor plan encourages collaboration, excess sounds are a major workplace concern.

What are soundproofing strategies?

1. Play White Noise

Playing a steady stream of static noise drowns out the cacophony of sounds in the office. White noise machines can be distributed to staff; alternately, place one in the center of the office. These machines work by providing auditory stimulation, thereby preventing listeners from noticing other noises.

2. Adjust Cubicles

In offices that feature cubicles, adjustments can be made to block out excess sounds. Increase the distance between cubicles so that sounds don’t reach the staff. Or, increase cubicle wall heights by installing taller partitions made of polyester fiber or insulated glass.

3. Switch the Flooring

Hard flooring reflects the most sound, from rolling chairs to employees dropping items. Reduce the amount of sound from the floor by installing carpets with soundproofing underlay. Soft material dampens sound, especially in instances when foot traffic causes the most noise.

4. Install Soundproofing Insulation

Control sound by insulating the office walls with soundproofing insulation. This material deflects noise coming from outside the building as well as impact sounds, such as when a chair collides with the wall. Use thicker insulation to keep out louder noises—while also increasing the office’s energy efficiency.

5. Offer Sound Blankets

While adding soundproofing installation takes time, an immediate fix is to hang soundproof blankets made of thick cotton or polyester over the cubicle walls. This tactic is an easy way to create a noise buffer between bothersome sounds and an employee’s workspace.

6. Add Acoustic Panels or Tiles

Acoustic panels made of compressed mineral wool or foam decrease noise by absorbing, rather than reflecting, sound waves. Sounds in the office are converted to kinetic energy that dissipates, thereby reducing a significant amount of noise. Acoustic ceiling tiles are likewise effective, but pricey.

7. Bring in Plants

Thick with branches, junipers and hollies effectively block noise. Place plants close together to create a sound-absorbent “wall.” Hanging plants absorb sound reverberations. Plants with dense vegetation not only keep out extraneous sounds but improve the look of the office and enhance its air quality.

8. Build Private Meeting Rooms

Reduce noise in parts of the office to give employees privacy to conduct meetings. Frameless glass partition panels that extend from the floor to the ceiling create spaces that offer flexibility and privacy. A quiet room is ideal for employees who want a retreat to focus on work.

9. Add Furniture to Areas with the Most Sound

Furniture absorbs and reflects noise, especially when the upholstered sofas, ottomans, and chairs are made of plush, sound-absorbing fabrics. Microfiber, suede, chenille, and corduroy materials are effective sound barriers. Curtains and tapestry stop sound waves and offer similar sound-reducing benefits.

10. Change the Office Layout

A thoughtful office layout can cut down on noise. Position the noisy equipment, such as fax machines and copiers, at the far end of the office to limit the amount of distracting sounds that reach employees hard at work. Or place the machines in a different room altogether.

11. Offer Noise-Canceling Headphones

Reducing the level of noise in the office is also doable at the staff level. Offer noise-canceling headphones, which operate by neutralizing low-frequency sounds before they reach the employees’ ears. These gadgets are especially suitable for colleagues working in open-plan office areas.

12. Install Office Partitions

Similar to acoustic panels, office partitions absorb noise by converting sound energy into heat that disperses. Place the partitions strategically; being unattached to the walls, they can be moved around to wherever additional soundproofing is necessary. Plus, they add visual privacy for employees.

13. Implement an Office Noise Policy

Cut down on excess noise by enforcing an office noise policy. The document should account for meetings and conversations between coworkers. For instance, ask that the break room door remain shut to prevent staff members on break from disturbing working employees.

Noise is a common complaint in office spaces. Reduce noise in the work environment by utilizing any combination of the abovementioned tactics. If your current office is far from ideal, you may wish to relocate. Chicago Office Movers can help you move and settle into a more suitable office space.

We are a reputable commercial mover with years of relocating local companies to greener pastures. Our move specialists are available to handle all phases of the move, from planning to packing and unpacking. Moving crews safely handle electronics, IT systems, artwork, office furniture, cubicles, and more.

Even the most delicate of office goods remain protected in our trucks, which feature climate-controlled spaces, lift gates, and air-ride suspensions. We also offer secure short- and long-term storage options, insurance and service contracts, add-on services, and convenient paperwork storage.

Companies place full trust in the moving crews at Chicago Office Movers, who are background-checked, licensed, and experienced. Along with a track record of delivering exceptional customer service, we offer affordable corporate relocation packages that satisfy businesses working within a budget.

Enjoy minimal disruptions to your company’s workflow when you choose Chicago Office Movers for an upcoming office relocation. We’re available to move your business locally, long-distance, or internationally.

Call our Chicago, Illinois, location at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form for a free estimate.

Companies understand the value of maximizing space and improving efficiency in order to enhance employee productivity. Office planning, as this process is known, is especially important for companies that expect future growth. Here are seven ways to create the desired work environment.

What is office planning?

The way professionals work has evolved over the last few years, incorporating technology as well as flexible work options. Embracing these changes successfully requires office planning. As a result of upgrading the workplace, companies are better able to meet shifting employee needs.

As mentioned, office planning involves taking actions that maximize space efficiency. It also boosts employee satisfaction as well as creativity in the workplace. Surroundings should inspire and motivate office staff, while giving them places to collaborate with colleagues or work alone.

Office planning considers the desired work atmosphere. A company’s choice of furniture, the floor plan, and décor create a specific vibe and reflect its core values. Staff should also have access to technology and equipment to enable them to perform their tasks efficiently.

What are the benefits of office planning?

Downsizing the office may be practical for employers who implement flexible work arrangements. The role of the workplace is altered when fewer staff come into the office; collaborative spaces may be necessary for group projects that take place when employees meet face-to-face.

Energy-efficiency and space optimization are just two of the many advantages of office planning. Other benefits include improvement in the employee experience, a focus on collaboration and teamwork, attracting and retaining talent, and increased cost reductions. Workers’ physical and mental health consequently improve, too.

What are the steps in office planning?

1. Analyze the existing office layout

A company must know how its office is currently being utilized before starting to plan. Determine how many employees come into the office each day and the type of workspace they prefer. Analyze how staff use furniture; some may feel more productive sitting on the sofa instead of a desk.

Determine the workspace’s capacity as a part of the initial phases of planning. Know how many employees the office must accommodate. Then consider how teams may be served; options include hot desks, open floor plans, individual workstations, desk neighborhoods, or flexible workspaces.

2. Involve employees in the office planning

Providing office staff with the ideal work conditions enhances productivity and well-being, which are crucial for the overall performance of the company. Create open and honest communication channels to learn how employees feel about working in particular spaces and what is lacking.

3. Take into account workplace values and culture

Making a positive impact on the environment may be an important part of an organization’s workplace culture. If so, introduce sustainability practices into the office planning to reflect the company’s core values. An office that echoes workplace culture drives employee loyalty.

4. Create collaboration spaces and quiet zones

An office may prioritize collaboration between employees. Office planning allows for collaboration spaces. Also factor in quiet spaces for staff who work alone. Ideally, place the collaboration spaces and quiet zones far apart from each other so that noise from the former does not affect the latter.

5. Bring in plants to inspire productivity

Inspiring employee efficiency is easily achieved by introducing plants into the work environment. Greenery has profound impact on improving productivity. Harness the power of plants by bringing in a few potted plants and lining them on the windowsill or clustering them in a corner of the office.

6. Design a healthy work environment

Design a workspace that promotes employees’ mental and physical health. Protect physical health by following the Occupational Health and Safety guidelines. Consider investing in ergonomic furniture. Focus on the air quality in the office. Companies might even dedicate a room to sports activities.

Enhance mental health by making subtle changes, like introducing more natural light into the office space. Establish more spaces for social interactions that boost feelings of community. The workplace should not trigger stress and anxiety but foster well-being and creativity.

7. Factor in future growth

Companies are typically focused on development and expansion. If growth is a foreseeable part of the organization, it’s important that the office planning creates the right environment to meet demands. Incorporate emerging trends and the technology staff use to avoid ending up with an obsolete space.

Creating a work environment that fosters productivity can be achieved with office planning. Incorporate design elements, like natural light, open floor plans, collaboration spaces, plants, and multipurpose work areas. A thriving work area should help employees feel connected and boost their creativity.

Introduce the future trends of work to keep the office staff happy and productive. This may mean relocating to a new building altogether. When a company relocation is on the horizon, choose Chicago Office Movers to make it happen on time, within budget, and with the least amount of stress.

We are an experienced commercial mover that has helped several prestigious universities and major corporations move. Our dedication to exceptional customer service has earned us consistently high ratings. Moving crews are licensed, trained, and background-checked to give you a seamless relocation experience.

Companies on the move have little time to handle the packing and unpacking. Leave these tasks to the trained professionals at Chicago Office Movers. Your office possessions will be handled carefully and loaded onto our trucks featuring lift gates, air-ride suspensions, and climate-controlled spaces.

As a trusted office mover, our specialists offer numerous conveniences, including helping companies plan their relocation. We offer short- and long-term storage options, insurance and service contracts, and add-on services. Crews are experienced in moving a range of goods, like sensitive IT systems, fragile antiques, and bulky office furniture.

Whether your company is moving locally, long-distance, or internationally, Chicago Office Movers is available to help you reach greener pastures. Minimize downtime by letting us handle your relocation from beginning to end. Obtain a free quote by calling our Elk Grove Village, Illinois, office today.

Companies understand the value of maximizing space and improving efficiency in order to enhance employee productivity. Office planning, as this process is known, is especially important for companies that expect future growth. Here are seven ways to create the desired work environment.

What is office planning?

The way professionals work has evolved over the last few years, incorporating technology as well as flexible work options. Embracing these changes successfully requires office planning. As a result of upgrading the workplace, companies are better able to meet shifting employee needs.

As mentioned, office planning involves taking actions that maximize space efficiency. It also boosts employee satisfaction as well as creativity in the workplace. Surroundings should inspire and motivate office staff, while giving them places to collaborate with colleagues or work alone.

Office planning considers the desired work atmosphere. A company’s choice of furniture, the floor plan, and décor create a specific vibe and reflect its core values. Staff should also have access to technology and equipment to enable them to perform their tasks efficiently.

What are the benefits of office planning?

Downsizing the office may be practical for employers who implement flexible work arrangements. The role of the workplace is altered when fewer staff come into the office; collaborative spaces may be necessary for group projects that take place when employees meet face-to-face.

Energy-efficiency and space optimization are just two of the many advantages of office planning. Other benefits include improvement in the employee experience, a focus on collaboration and teamwork, attracting and retaining talent, and increased cost reductions. Workers’ physical and mental health consequently improve, too.

What are the steps in office planning?

1. Analyze the existing office layout

A company must know how its office is currently being utilized before starting to plan. Determine how many employees come into the office each day and the type of workspace they prefer. Analyze how staff use furniture; some may feel more productive sitting on the sofa instead of a desk.

Determine the workspace’s capacity as a part of the initial phases of planning. Know how many employees the office must accommodate. Then consider how teams may be served; options include hot desks, open floor plans, individual workstations, desk neighborhoods, or flexible workspaces.

2. Involve employees in the office planning

Providing office staff with the ideal work conditions enhances productivity and well-being, which are crucial for the overall performance of the company. Create open and honest communication channels to learn how employees feel about working in particular spaces and what is lacking.

3. Take into account workplace values and culture

Making a positive impact on the environment may be an important part of an organization’s workplace culture. If so, introduce sustainability practices into the office planning to reflect the company’s core values. An office that echoes workplace culture drives employee loyalty.

4. Create collaboration spaces and quiet zones

An office may prioritize collaboration between employees. Office planning allows for collaboration spaces. Also factor in quiet spaces for staff who work alone. Ideally, place the collaboration spaces and quiet zones far apart from each other so that noise from the former does not affect the latter.

5. Bring in plants to inspire productivity

Inspiring employee efficiency is easily achieved by introducing plants into the work environment. Greenery has profound impact on improving productivity. Harness the power of plants by bringing in a few potted plants and lining them on the windowsill or clustering them in a corner of the office.

6. Design a healthy work environment

Design a workspace that promotes employees’ mental and physical health. Protect physical health by following the Occupational Health and Safety guidelines. Consider investing in ergonomic furniture. Focus on the air quality in the office. Companies might even dedicate a room to sports activities.

Enhance mental health by making subtle changes, like introducing more natural light into the office space. Establish more spaces for social interactions that boost feelings of community. The workplace should not trigger stress and anxiety but foster well-being and creativity.

7. Factor in future growth

Companies are typically focused on development and expansion. If growth is a foreseeable part of the organization, it’s important that the office planning creates the right environment to meet demands. Incorporate emerging trends and the technology staff use to avoid ending up with an obsolete space.

Creating a work environment that fosters productivity can be achieved with office planning. Incorporate design elements, like natural light, open floor plans, collaboration spaces, plants, and multipurpose work areas. A thriving work area should help employees feel connected and boost their creativity.

Introduce the future trends of work to keep the office staff happy and productive. This may mean relocating to a new building altogether. When a company relocation is on the horizon, choose Chicago Office Movers to make it happen on time, within budget, and with the least amount of stress.

We are an experienced commercial mover that has helped several prestigious universities and major corporations move. Our dedication to exceptional customer service has earned us consistently high ratings. Moving crews are licensed, trained, and background-checked to give you a seamless relocation experience.

Companies on the move have little time to handle the packing and unpacking. Leave these tasks to the trained professionals at Chicago Office Movers. Your office possessions will be handled carefully and loaded onto our trucks featuring lift gates, air-ride suspensions, and climate-controlled spaces.

As a trusted office mover, our specialists offer numerous conveniences, including helping companies plan their relocation. We offer short- and long-term storage options, insurance and service contracts, and add-on services. Crews are experienced in moving a range of goods, like sensitive IT systems, fragile antiques, and bulky office furniture.

Whether your company is moving locally, long-distance, or internationally, Chicago Office Movers is available to help you reach greener pastures. Minimize downtime by letting us handle your relocation from beginning to end. Obtain a free quote by calling our Elk Grove Village, Illinois, office today.

Office employees spend most of their days at a desk, working on time-sensitive projects, entering information into a database or answering email. A clean, aesthetically pleasing office desk makes work less cumbersome and more enjoyable. Here’s how to achieve this desirable end.

An ideal office desk is one that is inspiring—not drab. It should be clean and organized, allowing staff to find the supplies they need with a quick glance. A clutter-free office desk represents a clutter-free mind—which is what employees need to thrive in a professional environment.

The key to decorating an office desk is balance: the workspace should facilitate work projects and be personalized. An office desk should be primarily geared toward professional work, so it’s important to not go overboard with personal knickknacks and décor.

1. Hang Artwork

This leads to keeping the desk space professional. Work should be the priority; but feeling at home in the office is inspiring. Hang up artwork or place a framed quote on the desk—these décor items are appropriate as long as they serve to motivate the staff member.

2. Clear Clutter

As mentioned, clutter distracts an office employee from the tasks at hand. Clear the desk and floor of extraneous items, such as reference books and piles of paper. The space surrounding the desk is as important as the desk itself—and should be clean and clutter-free.

3. Bring in a Plant

Greenery offers numerous health benefits to a staff member. Having a plant on the desk comforts and sooths the employee, thereby reducing stress levels. A desk plant is known to boost productivity, making it the best cubicle buddy an office worker can have.

Plants improve the quality of the air, too. Office staff who desire a plant but have limited room on their desk should opt for a hanging plant. If drilling a hole into the ceiling is impractical, hang a small plant from hooks on a peg board.

Employees feel greater job satisfaction when a potted plant sits on their desk. They show more commitment compared to staff whose office environments lack natural elements. Aloe vera, fern, and aromatic lavender plants are excellent options for the office desk.

4. Install a Lamp

The fern on the office desk will benefit from ample lighting. Staff, too, feel energized when bright lights are added to the desk. Cool blue lights help employees concentrate. LED lights mimic natural lighting; their brightness can also be adjusted to gradually dim as the end of the workday approaches.

5. Enhance Comfort

A throw blanket or pillow for the office chair facilitates comfort throughout the workday. An oversized throw blanket in bold colors and wild patterns adds not only a touch of home but showcases the employee’s outgoing personality. Alternately, opt for a warm, solid color for a tranquil feel.

A throw blanket provides practical benefits, too. Offices get chilly when the air conditioner runs, but sitting at the desk with a colorful blanket over the legs adds warmth. A throw pillow also improves posture and gives the employee something to nap on during the day.

6. Add Photos

The choice of photos is key. Photos of the family or pet dog are appropriate for decorating an office desk. On the other hand, pictures of a significant other in swimwear is distasteful for a professional environment. Keep the number of photos to a minimum: 1 to 3 suffice.

7. Personalize

Every office desk needs functional items, like bowls and mugs. Add personality to the desk by choosing baskets, bowls, and antique boxes that show off individual personality. A vintage jar, for instance, might hold pens. Place the desk plant in a favorite-colored ceramic vase.

Rather than accept papers in the standard plastic office in-box, change it up by using a textured woven basket instead. A beautiful, hand-crafted bowl serves as a paperclip holder. Fresh flowers add pizzaz to an office desk, so bring an intricately designed vase for those occasions.

8. Install Shelves

Office desks are limited in surface area. But when it comes to decorating the desk, added shelving can expand an employee’s aesthetic horizons. Shelf space can be used to hold a potted plant or a framed quote, photo, or work of art. Plus, extra shelves eliminate desk clutter.

9. Explore a Color Scheme

Peel-off décor can beautify an office space. Use wallpaper or contact paper to create the preferred color scheme. Modern ones start with neutrals, like black, gray and white. Layer accent colors, like royal blue or emerald green, to create a high-energy look. Moss green offers a subdued feel.

10. Add Mirrors

A small desk space can be significantly opened up by installing decorative mirrors. Since they are reflective, mirrors have the ability to make a work area that is limited in size appear twice as big. Hang mirrors on the wall or even use one as a desktop.

Employees who work in the office sit at desks filled with important papers, supplies, and technology. When it’s time to relocate, packing up the large and small office goods can be time-consuming. Instead of wasting valuable work time, let the commercial movers at Chicago Office Movers handle the packing.

As a highly experienced office mover, we help companies move from one office building to another, on-time, within budget and as seamlessly as possible. Our professional crews take care of the relocation planning, packing, transporting as well as unpacking at the destination.

Whether your company has plans to relocate precious antiques, fragile IT servers, bulky office furniture, or heavy equipment, the trained crews at Chicago Office Movers handle all goods carefully and securely. Our trucks feature air-ride suspensions and lift gates that protect items during transport.

Chicago Office Movers has successfully relocated prestigious universities and major corporations. We are committed to giving our customers an excellent relocation experience. When you plan to move your business locally, long-distance or internationally, call our Elk Grove Village, Illinois, office for a free estimate.

Related Blogs

11 Office and Cubicle Decoration Ideas

A fun office is a more productive one, simply because employees are motivated, creative, and enjoy team-building opportunities. These happy staff members look forward to working in their team environment. Here are strategies to give the office a dose of fun.

What are the benefits of a fun office?

Employees who work in a fun office generally feel happier, which in turn fosters a pleasant work environment. When company leaders give staff members an opportunity to get to know one another personally through fun work functions, they experience an invaluable boost in morale.

An office where hobbies are encouraged inspires employees. Office staff have the chance to transfer their creativity to work-related tasks. Collaboration also increases when office workers learn to work well together—and this occurs when they participate in fun activities.

Lastly, working for a company that values a fun office culture helps prevent burnout in even the most dedicated employees. Office managers who incorporate fun activities into the workday give staff a chance to relax from stressful projects and prevent overexertion.

1. Celebrate Birthdays and Milestones

Office managers are encouraged to celebrate every chance they get to improve the enjoyability of working in the office and increasing productivity. One of the simplest ways to achieve this end is to celebrate employees’ birthdays and workplace milestones.

Extravagant parties for birthdays or work anniversaries are unnecessary. Rather, inspire employees by hosting an ice cream social or happy hour. Team members love a celebratory atmosphere, which helps them feel like family. In turn, these bonded employees enjoy more productive collaborations.

2. Organize Office Sports Teams

Motivate staff by playing sports after office hours. Friendly competition results when teams are established by department or organizational rank; for example, team up company leaders against office employees. Sports that coworkers can play include baseball, volleyball, soccer, or basketball.

On a smaller scale, foosball and ping pong can be played in an office game room. Office workers release built-up tensions as they compete. Managers might even host board or card tournaments, where teams of employees have a chance to win attractive prizes.

3. Implement a Vision Board

Organizational goals are reached when office managers set up a vision board prominently in the workplace. Incorporate the company’s branding, logo, and colors. Then ask employees to add their personal career goals, which may prompt discussion about how to support professional growth.

4. Share Jokes

Workplace jokes add joviality. Share jokes via mass emails or group chats to bring smiles to the faces of colleagues. Choose jokes that align with the company’s mission; for example, offices that work in the field of childcare can create a list of amusing things they’ve heard kids say.

5. Praise Employees Publicly

Create a Wall of Fame that recognizes the accomplishments of employees. Company leaders can post photos of staff members with captions underneath describing the reasons for their recognition. Colleagues then have a chance to congratulate them on their professional achievements.

Offering consistent praise in the workplace enhances the productivity of team members. When adding a Wall of Fame to the office, establish a schedule to ensure that recognition is given on a regular basis. Enhance the Wall of Fame’s design so that staff enjoy viewing it.

6. Introduce an Office Mascot

An office mascot doesn’t need to dress up in a costume and dance. Rather, bring a cat or dog to the office and watch as employees improve their work-life balance, nurture productivity, and decrease their stress. A pet in the office rewards staff with higher levels of happiness and productivity.

Responsibilities come with bringing a pet into the workplace. Set up a schedule for employees to walk the dog or set up a food bowl for the cat. Employees benefit from taking breaks to walk the pets and sharing their workspaces with friendly felines or canines.

7. Create Multiple Workspaces

In today’s offices, staff are no longer tied down to a desk and chair. The most fun workplaces give employees flexibility with seating and desks. Integrate adjustable-height desks, multi-person tables, and stools. Mobile technology makes it easy to work anywhere in the office.

Team members will jump at the chance for a change in scenery. Even adding an option to work standing instead of sitting can be rewarding for some staff. Offer a variety of workspace and seating options to increase employees’ flow of creative juices.

8. Utilize Natural Lighting

Rows of fluorescent lighting do little for staff energy levels and productivity. Employees respond better to natural lighting, which can be increased by opening window curtains in the office. Or, install adaptive lighting, which emits cooler tones in the morning and warmer tones in the afternoon.

Sometimes, what an office needs is to relocate to a building with numerous windows, various workstations, and more collaboration spaces. When you have big plans to move your company to greener pastures, bring in the experienced office movers from Chicago Office Movers.

Our Chicagoland commercial moving service offers companies, both large and small, a range of conveniences to meet all their relocation needs. Moving crews from Chicago Office Movers are licensed and background-checked to give you peace of mind as they handle the office goods.

We also provide packing and unpacking services, a benefit for businesses that aim to resume operations immediately upon arriving at their destination. Our specialists can help you plan an efficient corporate move, which can take months to finalize, and then execute the detailed plan.

As one of the most trusted corporate movers in the area, Chicago Office Movers is ready to give you premium services at an affordable rate. We’ve moved a range of sensitive and bulky office property, from IT systems to science labs, for prestigious area companies, including Alcatel Lucent.

When you want to work with an award-winning commercial mover, choose Chicago Office Movers. We’re based in Chicago, Illinois, and we’ll relocate your business locally, long-distance, or internationally.

When your company has plans to move locally, long-distance, or internationally, call our Chicago, Illinois, location at 312-244-2246 (CHI-CAGO) or fill out a form for a free estimate.