HEALTH & SAFETY A FALSE ECONOMY
There is a hidden financial cost of noisy offices, suggests Ben Hancock, Managing Director at Oscar Acoustics. By designing for better sound, buisnesses create environments where every employee can thrive.
The modern office is struggling. Despite millions being invested in ESG-driven retrofits, many UK workspaces are becoming less effective. Why? Because, in the rush to upgrade ventilation and lighting, a fundamental component of a productive and healthy environment is being overlooked: acoustics.
Our recent report, ‘Shaping Future-Ready Workspaces’, captured the views of over 2,000 respondents. It found that one third of UK office workers actively avoid coming into the office specifically because of noise and over half of employees report that noise levels impact their wellbeing. This is not a minor grievance; it is a critical business issue. Acoustic design is a commercial advantage.
Employee expectations for wellbeing and inclusivity are rising and regulatory bodies, like the new Fair Work Agency coming into effect in April, will be applying increasing scrutiny. Therefore, the ability to create sound environments that work for everyone has become a non-negotiable for any business serious about creating future-ready workspaces that help to attract and retain top talent.
The failure to create inclusive sound environments represents a false economy. Impending energy laws will require 80% of London’s office space to be upgraded to at least an EPC Grade B by 2030, creating a prime opportunity to integrate essential acoustic design. However, many will miss the chance, choosing to cut acoustics to reduce upfront costs. This ignores the significant impact on the bottom line.
Our research shows that over half (56%) of UK corporate workers find their office noisy, with key complaints including difficulty concentrating (47%), irritation (36%) and stress (30%). To cope, 41% of employees wear headphones, hindering collaboration, while over a third work from home just to escape the racket. This directly impacts productivity and talent retention, with eight in ten employers admitting to losing talent due to poor office environments.
When skilled staff leave, the business suffers from the immediate disruption and also experiences significant financial burden of recruitment and training. These hidden expenses, often underestimated during budgeting, make the initial savings from omitting proper acoustic treatment negligible in comparison. A workspace that actively hinders focus is more than a nuisance; it’s a tangible financial liability that undermines daily performance and erodes profitability.
The good news is that there are solutions. Facilities managers can build a powerful business case by positioning acoustics as essential operational
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SonaSpray acoustic ceiling spray throughout The Oscar Innovation Centre for optimal workspace acoustics. ©Antonia Stuart.
infrastructure. Frameworks like the ‘Three C’s’ of Clarity, Control and Calm, provide a blueprint for high- performance and inclusive office design. This means creating logical layouts to reduce cognitive load (Clarity), allowing staff to adjust their surroundings or choose different environments (Control), and providing dedicated quiet zones for recovery (Calm).
To provide FMs with achieving measurable workplace acoustics standards that demonstrate genuine inclusive design, Oscar Acoustics is an early strategic partner with Sownd Affects on the launch of Sownd Certification. This independent, third-party certification framework was developed in collaboration with the University of Southampton and RNID to recognise buildings with proven acoustic performance as audio-inclusive.
By designing for better sound, businesses create environments where every employee can thrive. This promotes genuine psychological safety; where staff feel secure enough to concentrate without interruption and confident that their employer is invested in their cognitive wellbeing.
Prioritising acoustics also contributes directly to achieving leading certifications like WELL, BREEAM, SKA and LEED, where credits for acoustic performance fall under the crucial health and wellbeing categories. These credentials enhance brand reputation, delivering a tangible return on investment.
With nearly a third of employees calling for better acoustic design, the message is clear: action is needed. Facilities managers who prioritise acoustic improvements in retrofit projects can transform workplaces, boosting performance, accessibility, and wellbeing while creating lasting value that strengthens the entire organisation.
www.oscar-acoustics.com
twitter.com/TomorrowsFM
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