Some industries require a certain level of privacy in their offices, thus the need for walled offices. But not anymore.
Professionals who usually have enclosed offices can enjoy the benefits of the open office design while still ensuring their privacy. Acoustic panels and sound masking can be the key to finding the perfect balance between modern and traditional offices.
A 2015 study of workplace trends shows that employees enjoy having their own personal space. 28% of workers are able to concentrate and feel productive in enclosed traditional spaces.
Lawyers and accountants are among those employees who need privacy. Law and accounting firms are home to sensitive and confidential information they take extra measures to protect.
The aforementioned study also stated that if executed poorly, enclosed offices can make employees feel demotivated for being too isolated from co-workers. Isolation and loneliness lead to poorer tasks, team and relational performance.
On another hand, open offices are becoming more popular across different industries. The modern open-plan designs promote collaboration and interaction within a work environment. It’s also cost-effective and space flexible.
Open offices also encourage learning and mentoring, particularly important to young lawyers and accountants just starting out. Research shows that younger workers are more interested in learning from peers and experienced workers.
The modern office design allows better communication and knowledge sharing among colleagues. It instills a sense of community in a work environment. All these, without disturbing others or getting overheard by visiting clients.
Open-plan offices aided by acoustic privacy are an effective way to reduce isolation in a workspace environment and keep down costs while still maintaining the privacy required in the industry.
Acoustic Panels and Sound Masking: Cost-Effective and Creative Alternative
Instead of private offices and cubicles, acoustic panels can be installed in office walls and table partitions to reduce the risk of confidential conversation and information being overheard. Acoustic panels provide visual privacy in workspace environments.
Traditional offices require individual heating, air conditioning, and lighting in a bunch of private offices. You can share all these in an open space.
The key is to design floor plans that are open but still offer individual areas. Acoustic panels will provide the visual privacy of an individual area in an open office while reducing the operating cost of an enclosed office. Compared to cubicles, acoustic panels are a less expensive option for open offices.
The overall amount of enclosure must be taken into consideration– panel height, team and workstation dividers, table partitions, etc. These enclosures eliminate the need for cubicles and private offices which can be too isolating and costly for the management.
You can use acoustic panels as additional pieces of art in your office layout. With decorative acoustic panels, you can reduce noise and privacy concerns while making a statement with your office design.
Acoustic panels add dynamic color and a fresher look in your work environment. Acoustic panels are available in a variety of colors and patterns to match industry requirements.
Offices like law firms and accounting firms can keep it formal with classic designs, or fresher and contemporary with geometric designs.
Sound masking systems cover and fill in the sound spectrum to make human speech less intelligible. It solves too much quiet as much as loud conversations in the office.
Legal and financial institutions can now enjoy the benefits of open-plan offices equipped with acoustic privacy. Acoustic panels and sound masking together provide employees a sense of privacy and safeguard confidential conversations and legally-protected client information. They are a great alternative to isolating enclosed offices and a creative solution to privacy concerns of open offices.
