Workspace noise hampers productivity; but it
can also hinder collaboration When people are constantly distracted from their
work, they can become deeply frustrated, making them less likely to collaborate
and socialise with their co-workers. If this is the case, then
modern workspaces are far from fulfilling their mission to drive collaboration
and innovation. So, how can flexible workspaces enhance their design to reduce
noise without compromising their openness? Here are our solutions:
Informal Meeting Areas
These can be located in various
corners around a workspace and they serve as small and casual meeting rooms. It
is important for these informal meeting areas to be distanced from workstations
and desks in order for them to be effective.
Their purpose is to serve as an
alternate in which members can host meetings with clients or alternatively with
one another in a way that won’t distract or ‘get in the way of’ other members.
If necessary, these areas can also have some privacy by including curtains of
movable partitions that allow members to choose between an open informal
meeting space or a private one.
Breakout Rooms
Designated space where members
and co-workers can blow some off steam. They’re characterized by having comfortable
couches, ping-pong tables, and the like. These spaces are where members can
bond and forget about work for a little and focus on getting to know one
another or give themselves a break.
Having breakout rooms in your
workspace will contribute to less noise by encouraging members to go to these
areas when they feel like they need to talk, take a break, or relax for a
little. Proving a space like this is one way to make sure that members still
collaborate and get to know one another without disrupting other members’ work
time.
Quiet
Zones
Think of these as the quiet
zones in libraries. Phone and music free areas that will drive concentration
and productivity. As in a library, these spaces can also be open planned and
with shared desks, as long as your community is respectful of the norms.
Placing ‘no talk’, ‘do not
disturb’, and ‘phones not allowed’ signs can potentially help these spaces be
more successful in their purpose.
Phone Booths
We all need to take a call at
some point during the day. Phone booths are a great noise reduction solution
for flexible workspaces, particularly open plan ones. Phone booths provide the
privacy and flexibility that members need in order to speak over the phone or
have an on-line meeting.
