How to Soundproof a Cubicle?

Sound Proof Cubicles: In a modern workplace, noise is the most significant cause of distraction for its employees. According to the 'Noise and Wellbeing at Work' survey, 52% of employees get distracted more than five times a day only because of noise. The survey suggests that sudden breakouts of noises like a telephonic conversation, sudden laughter, door slamming, various ringtones, etc., decrease employees' productivity with associated loss of poorer wellbeing. It is the reason why more and more enterprises are now seriously looking into making their workspace quieter and less distracted. One of the most effective ways offices can achieve this is by building soundproof cubicles.

Experts believe that many noise disturbances that employees come across in the workplace can easily be tackled by effectively making the workplace soundproof. Cubicles as a basic unit of a workstation are helpful to the employee by letting them concentrate on their work by blocking visual distraction. Still, the same is not the case with auditory distractions. Some basic cubicle noise reduction techniques will transform any office cubicle into a more productive and collaborative workspace.

Why are the Offices so Noisy?

Cubicle Noise Cancellation: Modern offices are designed to promote smoother collaboration and enhanced productivity, and office cubicles result from that design thinking. It offers privacy to the employees and works as blinders to focus on their work and block visual distractions. However, they do not block enough noise. Telephonic conversation, loud ringtones, coughing, sneezing, laughter, etc., are everyday noises that can distract any workplace, which is why 46% of employees have admitted that they wear headphones as cubicle noise solutions. Lack of cubicle sound barriers or panels and sound-absorbing materials like curtains, plants, and soft furniture cancel cubicle noise. With more and more enterprises adopting an open office layout, it is essential that they also focus on acoustic solutions to manage the cubicle noise reduction for their employees' wellbeing.

Soundproofing Vs. Sound Absorption

Soundproofing and Sound Absorption are both acoustic solutions for soundproof cubicles. Offices can use these methods to control the sound of a given environment of an area. Sound absorbing materials absorb the echo and reverb within a room. These absorbing materials cancel out the low-frequency noises, which enhances the sound quality of the area where it's installed. They are normally installed on walls or ceilings. Inside office cubicles, they are also installed on the cubicle sound barriers and separators. The floor carpet also works as a great sound-absorbing material.

On the other hand, soundproofing is done on the construction level, in which heavy and solid materials are installed inside the wall or in the ceiling to block the sound and sound proof cubicles. These sound insulating materials stop any sound from leaving the room and reflect to keep the sound in the same room. Offices can use both cubicle noise cancellation techniques to control the acoustic of a given area by blocking or absorbing the sound.

How to Soundproof an Office Cubicle?

Soundproof cubicles:Soundproofing an office cubicle needs specific strategies to cancel out airborne and structural noises and make the office cubicle a more conducive space to work in. From installing acoustic foam tiles to adding more plants that absorb noise, these are several tried and tested solutions that will help a great deal in cubicle noise reduction.

List the 10 Cubicle Noise Reduction Techniques:

Soundproof Cubicle Technique 1 - Installing Soundproof Acoustic Panels

It is arguably the easiest and most effective way you can cut down the noises coming in your cubicle. These soundproof foam panels are made up of thick, dense material known as Polyurethane, and they are easy to install and absorb a significant amount of noise. They help you create sound proof cubicles and look good as they come in different colors and patterns.

Tip - Searching for 'office desk near me' on Google? Now find high-quality furniture at half the price in the comfort of your home.

Soundproof Cubicle Technique 2 - Adding Floor Rug/Carpet

Floor carpets are essential cubicle sound barriers to cut down on the reverbs and echoes of structural noises. It is good to get a thick carpet if you don't have one on your office floor. It will reduce the external noises like footsteps and door slams and make your cubicle a less distracting workspace.

Soundproof Cubicle Technique 3 - Adding More Plants

Plants benefit us in more ways than we know of. This simple addition can transform your workspace into a much more lively and quieter workstation. Adding a few plants in your office cubicle will result in more absorption of unnecessary noises. If you are worried about maintaining them, you can go for artificial plants as well, and they are as effective as the real ones.

Soundproof Cubicle Technique 4 - Adding Soft Objects

Adding soft objects like glass coasters, mouse pads, chair pillows, sound blankets, etc., would considerably cut down disturbing noises and help you make a soundproof cubicle. These 'soft' objects collectively work as silent noise absorbers, letting you work in peace and be productive.

Tip - Redesigning a workplace can be a tedious task, but with office workstation Orlando, you're guaranteed to optimize your workspace with practical yet refined office solutions

Soundproof Cubicle Technique 5 - Using a White Noise Machine

While designed for people to use while sleeping at home to mask unnecessary sounds, placing these machines in your office cubicles can also make them soundproof. Instead of absorbing, these machines mask the unwanted noises noticeably. It'll help you enhance your focus and be more productive at your job.

Soundproof Cubicle Technique 6 - Increasing the Height of Your Cubicle Wall

Some easy-to-use cubicle panels can be clipped-on to increase the height of existing panels, cutting down undesirable noises heavily while giving you additional privacy. They work as a good sound absorber and excellent soundproof cubicle materials. However, this technique can potentially label you as anti-social, but that is the risk you'll have to take for your peace of mind.

Tip - Choosing the right size for your cubicle? Use this simple guide to standard cubicle sizes to do the job effortlessly.

Soundproof Cubicle Technique 7 - Adding Thick Fabrics

Thick fabrics like velvet or tapestries with layered wool on your cubicle wall will absorb undesirable low to mid-frequency noises and work as great decoration pieces as well. These multi-layered fabrics are easy to put up and allow less distracting noises to get inside your office cubicle.

Soundproof Cubicle Technique 8 - Filling in the Gaps

If you are soundproofing your cubicle, it is essential to find where the gaps are, letting in unwanted noises. The best material to cover those gaps is foam. They are highly flexible and can essentially fit in anywhere. Foam is an excellent sound absorber, which will help with the quieter atmosphere you are trying to create for your office cubicle.

Tip - Take inspiration for the holidays with these Halloween cubicle decoration ideas to amp up your workplace.

Soundproof Cubicle Technique 9 - Using Noise-Cancelling Headphones

It should be considered a last resort, but an excellent noise-canceling earphone gets the job done quite well when trying to focus and get any job done. You'll be surprised by how much noise they block out when you put them on. They are consistently getting better and comfortable to use for an extended period.

Soundproof Cubicle Technique 10 - Using a Signboard

One of the easiest but most effective ways to let people know that you don't want to be disturbed is by pasting a simple 'Do Not Disturb' sign outside your office cubicle. This is a classic technique that has worked quite well whenever used. Your coworkers would respect your request and avoid chit-chatting near your cubicle, maintaining some office decorum.

Final Thoughts of Sound Proof Cubicles

A soundproof cubicle is required to maintain privacy, focus, and performance to do high-quality work at the workplace. The techniques mentioned above are cost-effective solutions to improve workers' effectiveness and avoid high levels of unnecessary distractions. Cubicle noise reduction can create a high-achieving work environment with collaborative, engaging team members who have better chances of achieving the company's business goals.