With more organisations asking employees to return to the office, the real challenge isn’t just getting people in the door – it’s creating an environment where they want to stay. Open-plan offices are great for collaboration and socialising, but they don’t always provide the quiet, focused spaces staff need to get stuff done. 

Without a plan to manage noise and activity, open-plan spaces can become chaotic. Here, we’ll explore how thoughtful design and smart acoustic solutions can create a better balance, improving productivity and well-being in the workplace. 

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Distractions are reducing performance

The top two reasons employees go to the office are to connect with colleagues and get work done. To encourage staff to willingly return, the workplace must cater to their day-to-day needs, including moments of togetherness and privacy.  

Our studies show that visual distractions and auditory interruptions are two of the biggest factors that reduce performance and effectiveness in open-plan offices. So, how do you create a buzzing and collaborative environment without unwanted noise spilling into areas where employees need to concentrate?

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Designing with acoustics in mind

Let’s explore some of the design strategies we use to help our clients manage noise pollution and minimise distractions in the workplace…

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Zoning ‍

Zoning involves designating areas within the building for different activities, such as focus work, team meetings and socialising.

This approach helps employees choose an area that suits their tasks. To support this, acoustic partitions are often used to minimise noise and create a sense of separation between zones.

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Planting‍

Biophilic design doesn’t just add aesthetic appeal and improve air quality, it also absorbs sound and creates natural partitions, reducing noise and visual distractions. Strategically placed greenery can act as a buffer, creating a calmer and more focused atmosphere.

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‍Sound-absorbing materials‍

Soft furnishings, carpets, rugs and acoustic panels made from sound-absorbing materials help minimise noise. These subtle design elements create a more comfortable and productive workspace and make the office feel more inviting and homely.

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‍Furniture

Acoustic pods, modular furniture and high-backed seating give employees flexible spaces to work solo or in groups while managing noise levels. Features such as bookshelves and sound-dampening furniture break up sound waves and improve acoustic comfort.

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Acoustic ceiling features

Acoustic baffles or suspended ceiling panels not only enhance aesthetics but also significantly reduce noise levels. These features are particularly effective in large, open areas with high ceilings, where sound tends to echo and amplify.

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Accessories

Desk dividers, sound-absorbing screens and personal storage solutions do more than reduce clutter – they act as subtle acoustic tools. These items help minimise distractions by absorbing and blocking noise at the desk level, allowing employees to concentrate on their tasks without unnecessary interruptions.

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Allianz Insurance, Guildford – quietly transforming work 

We worked with Allianz to transform their traditional, multi-level office into a vibrant open-plan environment in Guildford which supports collaboration, focus and a sense of belonging. By combining thoughtful design with smart acoustic solutions, we created a space that balances connection and privacy.

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Settings for every activity

Allianz wanted to prioritise collaboration while providing ample desk space for process work. By rethinking the layout, we introduced versatile work settings tailored to different activities:

• Semi-enclosed spaces for informal conversations
• Phone booths and focused workspaces for concentration
• Flexible meeting spaces, including rooms that open up for larger gatherings
• Social settings to encourage connection

To minimise distractions and ensure a productive atmosphere, we integrated several key design features:

• Bookcases with acoustic panels to divide spaces while reducing noise
• Semi-transparent screens to create visual separation without isolating teams
• Strategically placed greenery to act as natural sound buffers
• Acoustically treated ceiling features to absorb noise in open areas‍
• Acoustic curtains to give employees the flexibility to collaborate openly, or in private

This design and fit-out project has given Allianz a workplace that is both productive and versatile. It’s a flexible space that can adapt to support various day-to-day activities.

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SilverDoor, London – where focus and collaboration coexist

When SilverDoor’s lease ended, it was the perfect opportunity to relocate from a multi-floor office to a bold and open-plan environment. In partnership, we delivered a high-end headquarters at the award-winning Chiswick Park development in London. 

The new open-plan layout brings everyone together on a single floor – which is great for collaboration. However, it does come with noise challenges. SilverDoor’s team spend a lot of time on calls with clients around the world, so acoustics was a priority. 

We used a mix of carpets, acoustic ceiling rafts, desk screens and sound-soak materials to manage and reflect noise. As a result, Silverdoor now have a space where people can focus without losing that collaborative energy.

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Soundproof your open-plan office

Noise is more than just a distraction – it affects employee well-being, retention and performance. In open-plan offices, addressing acoustic challenges is essential. By incorporating thoughtful design strategies early on in your workplace transformation project, you can create a healthier, more comfortable and more productive environment for your workforce. 

Is your organisation planning a workplace transformation project? Get in touch to find out how we can help you get the best outcomes for your people.