I wish I had sound masking at my former place of work. When I was working in management at a previous employer, we had an open office concept. In truth, it was the most irritating work environment I’ve ever been a part of. Between the endless chatter and banter between staff and phone calls with clients, it was virtually impossible to get any sort of focus for more than a minute. It got so bad that I actually started wearing headphones all day in a vain attempt to drown out the noise so I could focus on my job.
At the time, the folks I worked with were rather inconsiderate about keeping their noise down. I sure do wish I’d heard of sound masking back then. Of course, that may have led to different outcomes, so I’m happy I landed where I am. However, consider this article a call for help on behalf of all the office staff who work better in a quiet environment free of incessant distractions and noise.
In this guide, I’m going to share my experiences working in a noisy, open-concept office and how sound masking would benefit everyone who works in a loud and distract-laden workplace. Trust me, in my experience, it’s best to let all workers have a work environment that encourages focus. After all, you don’t see me still working for my previous employer, do you?
Suppose you want to keep your staff happy and provide the most productive environment. In that case, you will want to learn more about sound masking and how companies like Century AV are saving workplace sanity, one sound masking installation at a time. Let’s jump right in.
Understanding Sound Masking and Its Importance in Modern Office Environments
Sound masking is a technology used to improve privacy and reduce distractions in various environments by introducing a subtle, unobtrusive background sound. This background noise gets specially designed to mask or cover up human speech and other unwanted ambient sounds.
The primary function of sound masking is to make conversations less intelligible at a distance, which enhances privacy and reduces the distraction caused by overheard conversations. Additionally, sound masking helps in creating a more comfortable acoustic environment by minimizing the peaks and troughs in ambient noise levels, promoting better concentration and increased productivity in workplaces like offices.
In fast-paced workplaces like those in Ontario, sound masking is one of the most effective ways of making open-office concepts more manageable from a focus perspective. Focus is the number one key ingredient to having a highly productive and efficient workplace.
Why Sound Masking Is Essential for Enhancing Office Focus
The entire concept of open-office workplaces was initially to encourage collaboration and productive project teamwork. The many technologies that coincide with the open office movement, such as conferencing software and equipment to online messaging, have had some effects on the desire for open offices to work effectively. In fact, according to the Harvard Business Review,
“When the firms switched to open offices, face-to-face interactions fell by 70%.” (1)
You read that right – open offices studied before and after the evolution to open-office layouts saw a massive if not monumental, drop in face-to-face interactions. Furthermore, productivity, once supported by the physical barriers in pre-open-concept offices, eroded away significantly in open-office environments.
Distraction Reduction
Over 70% of US companies currently have some version of an open-office concept. (2) This means that 70% of them lost a massive amount of face-to-face interactions. Not only that, but that also means that 70% of US businesses face severe problems in the realm of distracted focus of team members in said environments.
Current data shows that office environments that have over 85 dBA of noise are literally detrimental to the health of team members. However, studies also show that sound levels between 60 and 70 dBA were actually most conducive to creative cognition. (3)
So, to sum up, it would appear that open offices with some ambient noise are good for creativity. Yet if the noise becomes louder or is laden with peaks and valleys of sound, it is often more of a distraction, detracting from a positive work environment.
Privacy Enhancement
Sound masking contributes to speech privacy in open offices and meeting areas. Just think what would happen if an upper management person called a middle manager to discuss one of the junior team members. In an open-office concept, these situations would warrant the middle manager getting up, leaving the open-office area, and seeking refuge in a more sound-proofed environment.
A lack of privacy in open office environments is terrible for the morale of those who may feel as though they are constantly under surveillance. (4) This scenario is known as visual overexposure. It is common with workers who have had historically poor management in the past.
To sum up, privacy is greatly enhanced by sound masking technology in open-concept office environments.
Key Considerations for Selecting Sound Masking Systems in Ontario
Ontario has no shortage of companies willing to sell you their shiny new technology. However, how many will actually be there for your organization once the equipment is sold? Furthermore, how many will actually go to the site, record office ambient sound, and tune sound masking frequencies to work specifically for your environment? Unfortunately, the answer to both is ‘not many’. Let’s look at a few selection points that are, in our opinion, critical to ensuring you make the right informed decisions to enhance your workplace.
Understanding Different Types of Sound Masking Technologies
You can categorize sound masking systems into three main types: networked systems, direct-field systems, and in-plenum systems. Each type has its specific applications, advantages, and installation methods, catering to different office layouts and acoustic needs. Here’s a breakdown of each:
Networked Systems
Description: Networked sound masking systems are designed to integrate into a building’s existing data network. These systems use a central controller and distribute sound through a network of speakers and sound generators.
Advantages: They offer high levels of control and customization. Users can adjust the sound output at individual speakers or zones via a computer or a centralized control system. It is beneficial for large or complex building layouts where different areas may have varying acoustic requirements.
Applications: Networked systems are ideal for large office spaces, campuses, and buildings with multiple floors or areas that require individual sound masking settings.
Direct-Field Systems
Description: Direct-field sound masking systems involve installing small, discreet speakers directly into the office space, often in ceiling tiles just above the work area. These speakers emit sound directly into the workspace rather than using the ceiling plenum.
Advantages: Direct-field systems are typically more manageable and less costly to install and adjust. They provide more uniform coverage and are less affected by changes in the office layout or furniture placement.
Applications: Suitable for smaller offices or areas where ceiling plenum access is restricted or unavailable. They are also used in retrofit spaces or where minimal disruption during installation is required.
In-Plenum Systems
Description: In-plenum sound masking systems use speakers placed in the ceiling plenum, which is the space between the structural ceiling and the drop ceiling tiles. The speakers emit sound that is diffused by the ceiling tiles, creating a masking noise that filters down into the workspace below.
Advantages: These systems benefit from the natural dispersion of sound through the plenum, which can create a very even distribution of masking noise across an area.
Applications: In-plenum systems are ideal for new construction or significant renovations where the ceiling plenum access is available. They work well in environments with extensive open areas or high ceilings.
Choosing the right sound masking system depends on various factors, including the space’s specific needs, existing architectural features, budget, and desired level of sound control and customization. Each system offers unique benefits, making it suited to different environments and requirements.
Factors to Consider
When selecting a sound masking system, it’s crucial to consider factors such as office layout, acoustics, and system scalability to ensure effective noise control and privacy enhancement. Here’s how these factors play a role:
Office Layout
Consideration: The physical dimensions and arrangement of the workspace affect how sound travels and where masking is needed most. Open areas, high ceilings, and hard surfaces can amplify noise, while smaller, segmented spaces might need more localized solutions.
Century AV’s Approach: We conduct thorough on-site assessments to understand the unique layout of each office. It enables us to pinpoint specific areas that need targeted sound masking, ensuring that the system optimization occurs specifically for the physical workspace.
Acoustics
Consideration: The materials used in an office (like glass, concrete, or wood) can impact sound absorption and reflection. Acoustic challenges such as echo and reverberation need addressing to maximize the effectiveness of the sound masking system.
Century AV’s Approach: Century AV evaluates the acoustic properties of the office environment. Our team considers factors like existing noise levels and potential acoustic disruptions to customize the sound masking technology that best fits the space.
System Scalability
Consideration: As businesses grow or change, their sound masking needs might evolve. A scalable system can be expanded or adjusted without significant overhauls, making it a cost-effective long-term solution.
Century AV’s Approach: Century AV designs sound masking systems with flexibility and future growth in mind. We offer scalable solutions that are easy to modify or expand as the company’s needs change, ensuring a sustainable and adaptable audio environment.
By focusing on these critical factors, Century AV provides tailored sound masking solutions that address the specific needs of each office, ensuring optimal functionality and client satisfaction. This comprehensive approach not only enhances the immediate acoustic environment but also supports your company’s operational flexibility and growth potential.
Why Partner with Century AV for Your Sound Masking Needs
I mentioned three ways that we strive to overcome the primary barriers to optimized sound masking systems. However, the story doesn’t stop there.
Comprehensive Installation and Support
Over the years of service to Ontario businesses and municipalities, we’ve seen one disturbing trend: Many audio-visual service providers care about the initial sale and drop off the map when it comes to post-installation support.
In fact, many of our clients have come from such situations and are ecstatic about our post-installation support. We are the type of company that you partner with for the long haul. We are dedicated to ensuring that our clients get the best service possible; whether buying new equipment or maintaining existing, we’re there every step of the way.
Tailored Solutions for Every Office
Century AV offers customized solutions based on detailed assessments of client needs. We are not in the business of selling pre-packed solutions as one-and-done ‘solutions.’ No, that won’t do at all, so we ensure and strive to make every system fit in harmony with your existing infrastructure and expectations, no matter how custom they may be. After all, each workplace is different, so your solutions are also going to be different. Why settle for less?
Enhancing Office Focus with Sound Masking: A Sound Investment
As you’ve seen throughout this article, sound masking isn’t just another office gadget; it’s a fundamental component for cultivating a productive, focused, and confidential environment. At Century AV, we understand that every office is unique, which is why we don’t just install a one-size-fits-all solution.
Instead, we dive deep into your workspace’s specific needs and challenges, ensuring that the sound masking solution we provide is perfectly tailored to enhance the acoustic environment and your team’s operational efficiency.
The benefits of implementing a sound masking system are clear: From reducing distracting noises that stifle creativity to protecting sensitive conversations from unintended audiences, Century AV ensures that your investment continues to pay dividends in enhanced productivity and team member satisfaction over the long haul. With our commitment to comprehensive post-installation support, Century AV ensures that your investment continues to pay dividends in enhanced productivity and team member satisfaction.
If you’re ready to transform your workspace into a model of efficiency and focus, reach out to our team at Century AV. Let us show you how sound masking can be your next sound investment, helping your team achieve its highest potential in a world that never stops buzzing.
Learn More About Sound Masking and Office Acoustics
If you’d like to learn more about sound masking, please read some of our other articles on the subject, such as:
- Sound Masking Uncovered: Dispelling Myths for Modern Workspaces
- Sound Masking and Noise Cancellation: Boosting Productivity & Privacy in the Workplace
- How to Choose the Right Sound System (and Installer) for Your Business Space
Article Sources
- “The Truth about Open Offices.” 2019. Harvard Business Review. November 2019. https://hbr.org/2019/11/the-truth-about-open-offices.
- Ogden, Jon. 2018. “What Science Says about Open Offices and Productivity.” Adobe.com. 2018. https://business.adobe.com/blog/perspectives/what-science-says-about-open-offices.
- Jahncke, Helena, Staffan Hygge, Niklas Halin, and Dimberg. 2011. “Open-Plan Office Noise: Cognitive Performance and Restoration.” ResearchGate. Elsevier BV. December 2011. https://www.researchgate.net/publication/230867410_Open-plan_office_noise_Cognitive_performance_and_restoration#:~:text=and%20wellbeing%2029%20.-,Sound%20amplitude%20has%20been%20shown%20to%20not%20only%20affect%20mood,to%20health%2031%20.%20..
- “Revolutionizing Workplace Privacy in Open-Office Designs.” 2024. Comet Architects + Interiors. February 7, 2024. https://cometarch.com/revolutionizing-workplace-privacy-in-open-office/.
