World Listening Day: hearing is more than sound: it's wellbeing

July 18, 2025, is World Listening Day. A day dedicated to listening around the world: not as a passive act, but as a conscious, active way to connect to our environment. And this day offers a surprising perspective, especially for facility managers, architects, interior designers and office managers. Because listening isn't just about hearing: it directly affects acoustics, well-being and the quality of work and living spaces.

What is World Listening Day?

World Listening Day is organized annually by the World Listening Project. The goal? Encouraging people to listen more consciously to their environment. Whether it's a walk in the woods, the sounds of a city, a quiet area or a busy office, sound is our daily experience. Every year, there is a new theme. This year, that's “Listening Creates Connection”. A theme that fits seamlessly with Akoesta's approach: not only reducing sound to a technical issue, but rather approaching it as a foundation for healthy, connecting spaces.

Acoustics as an invisible mood maker

The acoustics of a room are invisible, but everyone immediately feels the effect. Too much reverb, annoying noise or a lack of acoustic comfort causes stress, reduced concentration, less productivity and even physical complaints. Good listening, the theme of World Listening Day, therefore starts with good design. And that means: including acoustics in the design and furnishing process from the start.

At Akoesta, we help organizations and designers create workplaces where people can focus, relax and connect thanks to a sophisticated acoustics. Think of solutions such as acoustic wall panels, baffles, room dividers, ceiling solutions and furniture that do more than mute sound: they improve the atmosphere, comfort and health.

How can you start listening properly according to World Listening Day?

World Listening Day is accessible, creative and open to everyone. Here are a few ways you and your organization can participate:

1-Soundwalk in the office or in the neighborhood

Organize a soundwalk with colleagues. Walk through the office or outdoor area and listen consciously to what you hear. Is there a lot of reverb in the entrance? Can you hear colleagues in the conference room? Which sounds contribute to rest and which, on the contrary, contribute to unrest?

2-Field recording of workstations

Record sounds from different workplaces in your building: from the silent workplace to the coffee corner. Then analyse together where acoustic gains can be achieved. This makes sounds tangible and negotiable.

3-Listening meditation for employees

Start the day with a short listening meditation. Just sitting on an office chair with your eyes closed. Just 5 minutes of focusing on the sounds in and around you. It not only promotes rest and focus, but also opens the conversation about the acoustic experience.

4-Create a “sound map” of your building

Identify which rooms are quiet and where sound pressure is experienced as annoying. Use this map as a starting point for improvements. It's a simple way to build support for acoustic interventions.

Listening as leadership

By really listening to people and their environment, you make better choices. Choices that contribute to well-being, sustainability and effectiveness. Acoustics plays a crucial role in this, but is still often overlooked. A shame, because with relatively small interventions, you can make a huge impact.

At Akoesta, we believe that acoustics should not be a final point, but a integral part of any design. Because a space that sounds good feels better. And that is what it's ultimately about.

Learn more about World Listening Day

👉 www.worldlisteningproject.org

Whether you're organizing a listening walk or simply opening the conversation about acoustic comfort in the office: every action counts. And each conscious listening experience brings us one step closer to spaces that truly support us. Take contact contact us if you want to know more!

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