Acoustics: the silent force behind productivity and job satisfaction

In the world of facilities and office management, health, sustainability, productivity and job satisfaction are increasingly high on the agenda. Good acoustics are crucial here. Although sound is not visible, it does have a major impact on the daily functioning of employees. At a time when organizations take responsibility for the well-being of their employees, acoustics are no longer seen as a detail, but as the foundation of a healthy work environment.

Silence as a productivity factor

Every facility or office manager you know it: a beautifully decorated office that still feels restless. The cause often lies in acoustics. Hard materials, open floor plans or poorly designed meeting rooms cause noise to linger or spread uncontrollably. The result? Decreased concentration, interrupted conversations, frustration, and even tiredness.

More and more trials show that poor acoustics have a direct impact on cognitive performance. Employees who are exposed to constant sound stimuli, from ringing phones to ringing calls, are demonstrably worse at performing, making more mistakes and experiencing a higher workload.

On the other hand, well-tuned acoustics improve focus, facilitate collaboration and increase overall happiness at work.

Noise as a health factor

What is often overlooked is that acoustics affect not only work experience, but also health. Chronic noise exposure, even at relatively low levels, can cause:

• increased stress levels

• decreased concentration

• headache and tiredness

• sleep problems (when working from home or flexible spaces in living environments)

• hypertension (increased blood pressure)

For organizations, this does not only mean a risk for employee well-being, but also a cost item thru increased absenteeism and decreased productivity.

Sustainable recognition: WELL, LEED

As awareness about these health effects increases, so does recognition at the institutional level — particularly through sustainability certifications such as WELL Building Standard and SORROW now recognize acoustics as an essential part of a healthy work environment.

Within the WELL standards sound is explicitly included in the assessment of comfort, mental health and productivity. Organizations that want to certify their building are thus encouraged to take acoustic measures and thus benefit from the synergy between health and sustainability.

In short: good acoustics not only provide comfort, but also recognition, image and measurable performance.

What companies gain with better acoustics

The theory is strongly supported by practice. More and more organizations are achieving concrete successes with targeted acoustic interventions. A few examples:

• IT companies notice that collaboration between teams improved significantly after installing acoustic wall panels in open workspaces. Employees felt less distracted and worked with more focus.

• Call centers were able to reduce absenteeism by 18% after installing acoustic ceiling elements in busy areas.

• In healthcare institutions, the improvement of acoustics led to more rest among both staff and clients, with a measurable decrease in stress symptoms.

Watch here our case studies. These examples show that acoustics is not just an aesthetic bonus, but a strategic investment in human capital.

Well-being leadership starts with listening

Facility and office managers play a key role in the tomorrow's work environment. The choice to take acoustics seriously is therefore an expression of leadership with an impact on people, performance and culture.

As an organization, do you not only want to offer a pleasant workplace, but also take responsibility for the mental and physical well-being of your people? Then start with good acoustics.

Akoesta's approach: smart, stylish and fast

At Akoesta, we believe that good acoustics are always possible, in any room. Our approach is focused on providing acoustic solutions that:

• harmonize aesthetically with the interior

• can be installed quickly and without inconvenience

• measurable contributions to well-being, comfort and performance

Whether it's acoustic wall panels, ceiling panels, baffles, partitions, furniture or other customized solutions: with our approach we think along from practice. In addition, we ensure that our solutions align with your goals in the areas of health, sustainability and employee satisfaction.

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