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Excessive office noise has become a growing workplace challenge, undermining productivity, employee wellbeing, and the ‘Great Return to the Office,’ according to the findings of a new study.
The study, by Oscar Acoustics, specialists in architectural acoustic finishes has found that noise has become a major deterrent for employees returning to in-office work. The push to end hybrid working is gaining momentum, yet, despite efforts by employers to improve office environments, more than half (56 per cent) of UK office workers still describe their workplaces as noisy, and fewer than one in three believe their surroundings fully support their productivity.
The findings, based on a survey of 2,000 UK business professionals, reveal the impact of poor acoustic design on employee satisfaction and productivity:
- 36 per cent of employees work from home to escape office noise
- A third have shifted their hours to find quiet periods
- 26 per cent have relocated their desks, while one in five report conflict caused by noise-related tensions with coworkers.
- 47 per cent struggle to concentrate, 36 per cent feel irritated, 30 per cent report stress, and seven per cent—one in 14—say they’ve suffered hearing damage from prolonged exposure.
The data also reflects a generational divide: Two in three employees aged 25-34 say they would quit if forced to return to full-time office work, while just one in 10 Gen Z workers actively prefer office hours.
Despite the global focus on workplace wellbeing, the percentage of employees who describe their office as noisy has remained stubbornly high—from 59 per cent in 2019 (Oscar Acoustics, Noisy Workspace, 2019) to 56 per cent in 2025. Noise-related productivity issues are also worsening: In 2023, 81 per cent of employees reported that office noise affected their performance—up sharply from 41 per cent in 2022.
To cope, employees are increasingly turning to noise-blocking methods, including headphones, with usage nearly doubling from 23 per cent in 2022 to 41 per cent in 2025. While effective in the short term, this reduces collaboration and team cohesion, stifling opportunities for spontaneous learning and innovation, especially for junior colleagues who are in a stage of their careers requiring mentorship and on-the-job coaching.
Acoustic issues continue to be overlooked in office design despite the growing evidence of their impact. Only 29 per cent of workers feel their office acoustics meet their needs, with the same number revealing that implementing acoustic solutions would improve their productivity. This aligns with reports from architects highlighting a lack of focus on sound management in project briefs.
Ben Hancock, Managing Director of Oscar Acoustics, commented: “Productivity in the UK is already under scrutiny, with the Confederation of British Industry (CBI) reporting declines in Q1 2025 and EY revising GDP growth forecasts down to one per cent. Employers, architects, and developers cannot afford to treat acoustics as an afterthought. Investing in sound management isn’t just a matter of employee wellbeing—it’s a strategic priority for business success.”
Neuroleadership Coach, Lara Milward, added: “At this pivotal moment in the evolution of the workplace, we have the chance to redefine what the office actually means. It shouldn’t just be a place where people show up — it should be a purpose-built environment that actively supports health, wellbeing, focus, and collaboration. This isn’t just about designing workspaces; it’s about creating environments that give people real reasons to come together and do their best work.”
To download Oscar Acoustics’ 2025 Whitepaper ‘Shaping Spaces for The Great Return to the Office,’ click here.
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