Sound protection

For facilities managers, creating a safe and comfortable work environment is high on the agenda. Done properly, well-designed workspaces can boost staff morale, allowing them to feel energised and productive. Done badly, spaces can become stressful, particularly when noise is an issue, leading to adverse health problems.

This is especially pertinent in a changed working landscape, where hybrid working is becoming the norm, which is placing more emphasis on the quality of our office work environments than ever before. Staff now need to feel safe and comfortable yet COVID measures, such as social distancing, touchless surfaces and tactile-free designs are in fact cultivating noise ‘echo chambers’, where sound levels spike. Over time, exposure to these types of ‘sonic battle grounds’ can develop into physical issues such as hypertension, heart disease, diabetes, heart attacks and even strokes.

PRIORITISING ‘END-USER’ HEALTH

Offices are now undergoing refits and refurbishments to accommodate the challenges presented by hybrid working. Yet our research has shown that occupant safety is still falling short of the mark when it comes to design plans. From the 200 office designers that were surveyed, just nine per cent believe acoustic design is receiving the attention it deserves by clients and almost half reported clients aren’t interested in ‘end-user health’. For facilities managers, who’s remit is to create healthy working environments, there’s no doubt these stats will be surprising.

It’s clear that closer collaboration and decision making is needed between FM’s and those undertaking redesign plans, especially with reports that two in five employees plan to embrace hybrid working by 2023. Business leaders must ensure acoustic health doesn’t go ignored.

A BLOW TO PRODUCTIVITY

But excessive noise doesn’t just cause physical issues – it can also dramatically reduce our productivity and cognitive functions, affecting business performance. It’s an idea put forward by Professor of Neurobiology and Communication Sciences, Dr. Nina Kraus, who states that the slow burn of excessive background, or slow noise, can not only inhibit our ability to think and concentrate, but that our brains are “sustaining actual provable injury”.

For facilities managers who were unaware of the repercussions of excessive noise or even ongoing noise at previously considered safe levels, finding acoustic solutions which allow staff to communicate easily without needing to raise their voice is now essential – and also offer obvious hygiene benefits to match.

TACKLING THE ISSUE

Now that FMs understand the risks, what can they do to ensure the safety of staff and what options are available that can tackle the issue of noise reverberation in working spaces?

Acoustic sprays are one option, absorbing sound energy instead of reflecting, this can dramatically reduce reverberation caused by hard surfaces to create a quieter more calming space. These seamless acoustic systems also allow complete flexibility with Cat A and Cat B configuration, allowing for dividing structures such as office pods to be brought in without disrupting the acoustic spray finish on the ceiling above. A quality acoustic spray can also be applied to nearly all types of surfaces including plaster, wood, metal and concrete, making them an ideal solution for all types of workspace environments.

SAFETY AND SUSTAINABILITY BENEFITS

But a premium acoustic spray can offer more than just acoustic benefits, it can also contribute towards many sustainable design and health certification systems including BREEAM, SKA, Living Building Challenge and adds up to 17 points towards the LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating of a project. However, before FMs choose to invest in a spray, it’s important to look for GREENGUARD Gold Certified compliance for Indoor Air Quality as these credentials will mean it meets the highest welfare standards.

Fire safety should also be a top priority. Acoustic sprays that go above and beyond Approved Document B fire requirement (Class 0 to BS476 & B-s1, d0 fire rating), will give health and safety managers peace of mind that in an event, the acoustic spray would provide little to no smoke and absolutely no droplets, assisting in the safe escape of its occupants.

The risks around acoustic health remains very real and in a post-COVID landscape, staff welfare should be given the upmost priority. Companies that choose to ignore these warnings could also be setting themselves up for potential legal claims should it lead to a serious health risk. As the conversation around acoustic health gets louder, now is the time for FMs to step up to the plate and put measures in place that keep staff safe.