Why soundproofing is important in offices

Being specialist fire door manufacturers, we at Enfield Speciality Doors know there are many things to consider when minimising noise in an office environment, ambient noise level being a good starting point. If noise from the external environment, from passing trains or motor traffic for instance, is interfering with the spoken word between colleagues indoors, conversations will naturally have to be conducted at louder levels to compensate. This increases indoor noise levels even before other factors have been introduced. Acoustic fire doors can introduce soundproofing capabilities at the point of entry to an office, in addition to their inherent fireproof characteristics, whereby efforts can turn to soundproofing the indoor environment.

Is your office open plan? Is there a meeting room or break-out room for meetings and discussions to take place away from other busy colleagues? Spaces and places to collaborate and talk are crucial, whether it’s on a project or on a break, but a totally quiet environment is not always achievable or necessarily desirable, as we will see. Internal doors, specifically sound proof fire doors offer the desired effect of reducing indoor noise, whilst performing other important functions. Notwithstanding the constant hum or clicking of office stationery, printers and computers, we have listed some important advantages to soundproofing your office that benefit employees and visitors alike.

Distractions

Constantly ringing telephones and continual in-office conversations can be very distracting for someone who needs to concentrate. Reducing the noise level of these interruptions can help enormously when concentration is key to getting things done. Even small reductions in noise levels, through the introduction of acoustic panels between desk cubicles or along corridors can make a marked increase in someone’s ability to concentrate for longer periods of time.

Client comfort

Acoustic screens have a variety of applications to suit your circumstance, and they can help to break up spaces and provide a level of privacy for people by reducing the transfer of sound between spaces. This can be especially important for client or project meetings, or for customers who want to know their conversations are not being overheard by the wider office. Unintelligible telephone conversations due to a noisy office will also quickly put clients off and infuriate staff.

Privacy vs collaboration

Separate spaces within the office environment are important in themselves, as they provide employees with multi-functional places to collaborate, and from time to time they can use them to conduct private conversations. Add soundproofing solutions into these spaces, and there are a number of dimensions to consider.

A completely discreet space is important for confidentiality, and the type of organisation you manage will make this more or less important to your business. For example, a lawyer needs to put clients at ease when talking about their cases. However, confidentiality might not be good for other businesses, where overhearing discussions and collaboration between colleagues might be encouraged in order to find solutions, and therefore complete privacy might not be desirable. As you can see, there is a fine balance to be sought when considering the appropriate level of soundproofing that suits your office and business dynamics.

So to sum up, soundproofing is important to reduce distractions, provide comfort for clients and staff, and maintain sound levels that are optimised to the productivity of the specific office or business environment. At Enfield Speciality Doors we manufacture a range of premium office fire doors with additional soundproofing capabilities that can meet all your specifications, making us your first choice supplier for quality, multi-functional and aesthetically pleasing doors.

Fire door regulations and specifications can be complex so whatever you need to know, our friendly team have all the advice and answers. Acoustic doors of 35dB and above are supplied as complete assemblies with a frame. We can supply dual certifications against fire and most can be supplied in the veneer or laminate of your choice. Sound proofing a door to ensure the acoustics are optimised is a skill that we have mastered. Just call us on 020 3199 5849 and we’ll make sure you get exactly the right acoustic fire doors for your needs, made to exact measurements.