Here’s How to Assess if Sound Masking is Right For Your Office

The office environment has significantly changed over the past few years. With fewer employees in the physical office, water-cooler chatter has increased when they report to work. There are also more distractions in offices with open-concept seating, as they face audio challenges associated with increased virtual meetings and more phone calls. 

With all of these changes, you may be wondering if your Sacramento, CA, office needs a sound masking system. Continue reading to learn how to identify the need for sound masking and why it may be better than other noise control measures.

SEE ALSO: Are Sound Masking and AVaaS Really Necessary?

A sound masking system delivers a subtle background sound to the office environment to cover up distracting noise. Often compared to the sound of airflow, sound masking is designed to reduce the volume of human voices and other office noises.

Identifying Your Sound Masking Needs

Here are some key considerations for office managers when determining if you need sound masking.

• Distracting conversations – if employees complain that they are consistently disturbed by chatter, sound masking might deliver some relief. In open-concept office plans, privacy is often compromised, and conversations tend to travel. A sound masking system can keep discussions from being overheard at a distance.
• Privacy elements – if you work in an office, such as a legal firm or a medical office, where privacy is of the utmost importance, sound masking may be a helpful solution to ensuring confidential information is protected.
• Acoustic needs – if collaborative work or video conferencing occurs in open spaces, sound masking can help balance the needs of others working individually.

Sound Masking vs. Other Noise Control Options

Other standard methods employers use to quiet spaces include soundproofing, installing sound-absorbing panels or furniture, or encouraging employees to utilize headphones. While these methods may be effective in some situations, they don’t always address the needs of everyone and may even lead to feelings of isolation.

With sound masking, however, you add sound to the environment instead of taking it away. It’s an inclusive option that benefits all employees by creating a more balanced and pleasant working environment for productivity and comfort.

Evaluate Your Office Space

When making final decisions on whether a sound masking system is the right option for your office, consider these items:

• Is your office space in an open-format layout with hard surfaces that reflect sound?
• Does your work require deep thought or involve confidential information?
• Are your employees distracted or concerned about privacy?

A sound masking system may be the perfect solution if you answered “yes” to any of these questions. A productive office space has strong sound management and allows all employees to thrive.

Get Ongoing Support With PCD

PCD wants to help you assess and install a sound masking system in your Sacramento, CA, office. Once we establish such a system, our clients are happy to note that we don’t stop there — subscribe to the PCD Continuing Support Program for on-call technical support. Contact us to learn more!