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.

Relocating an office is a complex, daunting task. Without advanced planning, the move can be disastrous. Office relocations come with several risks, but savvy business owners understand how to mitigate them and ensure a smooth transition to the brand-new space.

Major organizational changes come with a high rate of failure—at 70 percent. The pitfalls associated with a company relocation are numerous. But by considering the following risks and strategies on how to avoid them, business owners can better navigate the relocation process.

What are the main office relocation risks and solutions?

An office relocation demands a major investment in time and planning. Company owners must factor in their budget, security, logistics, and communication with employees and customers. Without considering these issues, the move can be wrought with unforeseen delays and costs.

1. Assess Potential Risks

Identify the risks by conducting a risk assessment; it’s vital to address potential risks before they explode into unmanageable problems. Delays are inevitable during a major move, so create a back-up plan. Agree on time frames, budgets, and resources with company leaders.

Security is important for businesses, so take the time to secure physical documents. Create a logistical plan to ensure sensitive paperwork is packed properly and not left behind. This step ensures the records are immediately accessible at the destination and keeps operations running smoothly.

2. Back Up Records

In the frenzy of a corporate relocation, security can easily be mishandled. Depending on the industry, security regulations might be in place, and it is the company’s legal responsibility to adhere to them. Even during the transition, it’s critical that the company demonstrates compliance.

Avoid any missteps in security by backing up electronic records. The company’s electronic devices hold a storehouse of critical data. Since it takes time to fully back up the system, begin the process weeks before the move. Ensure the right infrastructure is in place at the destination to prevent disruptions.

3. Engage Staff

Employees are the lifeblood of a business, keeping it functional and running. During the excitement of a move, it can be easy to overlook the staff. Uninformed employees feel disrespected and disempowered. A corporate move is a life-changing event for them, as it affects their commute and potentially their job.

Avoid disregarding office staff and keep them informed about the progress of the move. Involve them in the process by assigning department leaders to answer staff questions about the relocation. Their input can inform company leader about specific issues, like equipment requirements or logistical challenges.

4. Reduce Clutter

Taking every piece of scratched office furniture, dented file cabinet, or outdated equipment will unnecessarily increase the relocation costs. Full-service movers usually charge by weight. Furthermore, it’s the company’s responsibility to not leave unwanted items behind for the next tenant.

Rather than move old desks and chairs that have no place in the new office space, businesses should declutter before the relocation. Sell reusable furniture items or donate them. Recycling companies are available to haul recyclable goods from the premises; it’s cost-effective and better for the environment.

5. Notify Customers

Failing to inform customers, business partners, and stakeholders about the company’s new contact information (ie, address, phone) can lead to confusion and unnecessary disruptions. Equally disruptive is to not inform them in advance and fail to give them adequate time to make adjustments.

Rather than risk interruptions, relocating companies should inform customers and stakeholders well in advance and via various methods. Use the company website, emails, social media, and posters to make announcements of the move. Check that the new contact information is correct before sending it out.

6. Create a Floorplan

Neglecting to visualize the new space can be disastrous once the office movers bring all the goods from the previous location. The furniture and equipment needs may be different in the new space. Staff may also have special requirements in the new office.

Creating a detailed floorplan in advance of the relocation can help company leaders avoid the pitfalls of limited space or excessive furniture. Measure the new office before making decisions. Assess staff accessibility as well as health and safety regulations. Account for growth and changes, too.

7. Schedule Movers in Advance

Office movers should be scheduled in advance to mitigate any risks. Movers who specialize in relocating companies are required for an office move—even if the business is a start-up, professional help is necessary for a safe and successful relocation.

Moving a business is a time-consuming endeavor, one that can take several months to properly plan and execute. Company leaders are advised to give commercial moving specialists the task of planning the details of the relocation so that they can focus on running their business.

Research various commercial movers and obtain multiple quotes. Check online reviews for the quality of service and seek recommendations from colleagues. A local five-star corporate mover that businesses should consider is Chicago Office Movers. We offer high-quality yet budget-friendly moving services.

Chicago Office Movers has been the preferred commercial mover for countless area businesses. We’ve helped well-known universities and major corporations transition to their new space. Whether you are moving a small or large business, we are dedicated to ensuring an exceptional move experience.

Our licensed and background-checked movers are highly trained to handle all office goods securely and carefully. Crews are available to pack all office belongings and unpack at the destination. By utilizing our professional packing services, your company experiences less downtime.

Given our years of experience, we can also help you plan the details for a successful office relocation. If you need short- or long-term storage, Chicago Office Movers can offer you both. Our moving trucks are climate-controlled and feature air-ride suspensions to further protect your fragile goods.

Chicago Office Movers has earned a reputation for excellence in local, long-distance, and international corporate relocations. Whether you plan to move complex IT systems, fragile artwork, or bulky furniture, our moving crews will ensure a seamless transition. Call our Elk Grove Village, Illinois, office for a quote.

Recycling, donating, or selling old office equipment are ideal ways to dispose of the outdated or underutilized goods. Recycling benefits the environment as well as the company, since it promotes an eco-friendly image. Here are six ways to best dispose of unwanted office goods.

Following environmentally friendly business practices begins with recycling old office equipment. Retailers frequently accept used electronics for free. E-waste can also be disposed of at the local sanitation department during certain periods of the year.

Businesses should consider recycling their used equipment for a number of valid reasons. Companies lessen pollution when they recycle old printers, scanners, and copiers. These types of equipment contain mercury, arsenic, and lead—which can pollute the soil and leach into the water supply.

Companies also save on energy when they recycle or repurpose equipment. By utilizing the office goods to their max, businesses help save on the energy invested into manufacturing new office equipment as well as the energy associated with disposing of old materials.

Donating old office equipment, such as computers, scanners, and copiers, to charities is another benefit. Companies that give their old electronics away to qualified charities are eligible to receive tax breaks. The donations may be considered in-kind donations for tax purposes.

What types of office equipment can be recycled?

Office employees use a wide range of office equipment that can be recycled. Computers and electronics are obviously recyclable items. Furniture, too, is a type of office equipment that can be repurposed. Even smaller items without significant value can be successfully recycled.

Books have value and can be donated to charity. Paper and plastic products as well as packing materials are other types of office equipment that businesses should recycle. Batteries, especially, should be recycled, since they contain harmful chemicals that should be kept out of the environment.

1. Drop off equipment at recycling centers

Recycling any of the abovementioned office equipment can be done by bringing them to a local recycling center. Learn the recycling regulations, which can vary between centers. Call ahead to know what can or cannot be recycled in a specific geographic location.

Prior to taking the old equipment to the recycling centers, wipe the devices clean of personal and business information. Instead of hauling the equipment to the recycling center, busy company managers might also consider having a specialist from an office clean-out company come to them.

2. Utilize recycling programs

Leading manufacturers and brands offer recycling programs. Best Buy accepts e-waste in its recycling program. HP, another technology giant, recycles old desktop printers when a new one is purchased. Trade organizations, like MRM, run recycling compliance programs and offer recycling options.

3. Donate the equipment

Discard old office equipment by giving it to a charitable organization. Used furniture, electronics, and supplies are welcomed by charities that use them to cut operating costs or that refurbish them to re-sell at a profit. Consider donating to national charities with local branches.

Habitat for Humanity, Salvation Army, Goodwill, and Amvets are happy to accept donations of used office equipment. However, each organization has use for certain items; call ahead to determine what goods they will or will not accept. Nationwide drop-off locations make donating convenient.

Consider giving the old office equipment to the local community. Businesses can donate to technical schools and after-school STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Math) programs. Children learn how to code on these old machines. High school theaters use goods, like phones, as props.

Here is a list of location in Chicago that accepts used furniture.

4. Repurpose office equipment

Outdated office goods may have little value to growing companies—however, old tablets and laptops can have incredible value to temps, interns, and contractors. Employees are not unknown to giving old computers and other hand-me-down equipment to their school-aged children.

5. Sell to employees

Business managers have the option of selling old equipment to employees. An office worker may be willing to buy a used office chair for $25, for instance, or have use for an old filing cabinet in their home office. Selling old equipment at a discount is a win for everyone.

6. Reach out to used furniture companies

Listing old office desks and chairs online can attract interest from used furniture companies. Resellers will also haul the goods away, sometimes charging a nominal price to do so. Try to negotiate a lump sum to dispose of all the furniture at once.

Whether companies recycle or donate old office equipment, they make a favorable impression. Companies that do their part to help preserve the environment are supported by environmentally conscious customers. Selling the equipment to employees at a markdown also inspires goodwill.

Discarding old office equipment can mean that companies are making room for updated equipment. If your commercial business has plans to renovate, you’ll need a professional office mover, like Chicago Office Movers, to help move the furniture, labs, equipment, and other machinery.

We offer a wide range of office relocation services to corporations that are in the midst of relocating, renovating, or constructing additional spaces to their commercial building. Convenient storage services are provided to businesses that need secure storage for large pieces of equipment and furniture.

Once your office goods are ready to come out of storage, our moving crews will carefully transport them to your building. Moving teams are also experienced in installation and assembly, so we can ensure your equipment is installed and ready to be used without further disruption to business operations.

The office equipment stored in our secure storage facilities is recorded in an inventory list, so you can keep track of your items. Our moving specialists are also available to guide businesses as they plan a move, transfer office goods, or decommission a leased space in preparation for a relocation.

Chicago Office Movers has relocated businesses of all sizes in Chicago, Illinois. Our dedicated crews have helped government agencies, commercial businesses, and educational facilities with their relocation and remodeling needs.

Give us a call at 312-244-2246 or fill out a contact form to receive a free estimate regarding your next move or furniture donation.