How to Sound Proof an Office for Privacy and Productivity

As employees return to spending more time in the office, noise management has emerged as a critical design challenge for our clients. Open floor plans, glass partitions, and hard surfaces like concrete and metal can create excessive sound reverberation, making it difficult for employees to concentrate, communicate, and hold productive meetings. Crafting acoustically comfortable environment has become essential for workplace productivity, privacy, and effective collaboration.

At Unisource Solutions, we help businesses implement effective acoustic strategies tailored to their specific space, whether it's an open-plan, a private office, or a conference room. By leveraging innovative sound solutions from industry leaders like Snowsound and BuzziSpace, we address noise control challenges with tailored products and expert workplace strategy.

Understanding the Need for Acoustic Solutions

Noise in the workplace isn’t just about the volume; it’s about uncontrolled sound turning into noise that disrupts focus and efficiency. As Mike Dardashti of Snowsound explained in a conversation with our team, “Sound shapes our experience of the world, but when it’s uncontrolled, it becomes noise—disruptive and distracting. In workplaces, controlling sound isn’t just about comfort; it’s about creating environments where privacy is protected, focus is maintained, and productivity thrives. That’s the power of well-designed acoustics.”

The right acoustic solution depends on the type of workspace and how employees use it. Let’s break it down:

1. Soundproofing Open Spaces

Open offices and call centers create the most noise challenges, with multiple conversations and calls happening at the same time, in the same place. The key to controlling sound in these environments is absorbing it at the source before it spreads.

Effective Solutions:

• Desk-mounted acoustic panels – High NRC (Noise Reduction Coefficient) panels prevent sound from propagating and minimize distractions at individual workstations.
• Freestanding acoustic partitions – Mobile or fixed barriers help absorb sound and create quiet zones.
• Soft furnishings and acoustic furniture – Upholstered seating and modular lounge pieces help break up sound waves.

Acoustic-focused solutions help us offer sound absorption results to our clients and ensure better sound control without compromising design.

2. Enhancing Privacy in Enclosed Offices and Meeting Rooms

Private offices, huddle rooms, and conference rooms need sound control solutions that improve speech clarity while preventing echo and unwanted noise transmission. The biggest challenge in these spaces is reverberation time (RT), or the time it takes for sound to dissipate.

Effective Solutions:

• Wall-mounted acoustic panels – Absorb lateral sound reflections, reducing echo.
• Ceiling-mounted panels – Address floor-to-ceiling reflections for balanced acoustics.
• Acoustic curtains and sheers – Help reduce sound transfer and create flexible privacy solutions.
• High-performance technology integration – Acoustic treatments help optimize video conferencing and in-room audio equipment.

Using a combination of ceiling and wall panels allows for ultimate control of the noise in the space, absorbing both lateral and vertical reflections to achieve the most balanced acoustic comfort.

Future-Proofing Workplace Acoustics

Creating an effective, sound environment isn’t just about today’s needs—it’s about future-proofing the office for flexibility and long-term usability. Products like modular acoustic panels, reconfigurable partitions, and adaptable workplace technology ensure that as workstyles evolve, so does the space.

Ready to Improve Your Office Acoustics?

Let’s connect to assess your space and create a tailored acoustic strategy that enhances focus, privacy, and collaboration.