14


feature


hot topic JK200


Image: Antonia Stuart


especially for junior colleagues who are in a stage of their careers requiring mentorship and on-the-job coaching. Rob Smith, Director, tp bennett, outlined: “There needs to be


more logic in how offices are designed, ensuring a seamless transition from quieter zones to vibrant, high-energy areas. When people do find themselves in those busier environments, there should be easily accessible refuge spaces. This is where we can truly leverage acoustics and lighting to create retreats that offer relief when the noise becomes overwhelming.” It’s all in the design Acoustic issues continue to be overlooked in office design despite the growing evidence of their impact. Only 29% 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 20252 and EY revising GDP growth forecasts down to 1%3. Employers, architects, and developers cannot afford to treat acoustics as an afterthought. Investing in sound management isn’t just a matter of employee well-being – it’s a strategic priority for business success.” Derek Clements-Croome, Emeritus Professor at the University of Reading, said: “The landscape is changing. By incorporating features like restoration pods, for example, we’re acknowledging that taking breaks is not only acceptable but beneficial for the brain. It doesn’t mean you’re unproductive; quite the opposite, as creative thoughts can occur at any moment in any place.


You’re often more productive when you give your brain the respect it deserves.” Oscar Acoustics calls on companies to prioritise workplace


acoustics as part of their return-to-work strategy, empowering employees to thrive in environments designed for both productivity and collaboration.


Image: Killian O’Sullivan


1https://cloudbooking.com/blogs/great-return-to-office-is-big-business-ending-hyrbid-work-in-2025/ 2https://www.cbi.org.uk/media-centre/articles/private-sector-expects-activity-to-fall-again-growth- indicator-january-2025/ 3https://www.ey.com/en_uk/newsroom/2025/02/uk-economic-growth-downgraded-due-to-a- disappointing-2024





Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60