Acoustics: The New Ergonomics for Focus and Calm in Open Offices

For many employees, the constant hum of conversation, ringing phones, and impromptu meetings can be a major source of distraction and stress, negatively impacting productivity and well-being. Today, smart workplace design recognizes that acoustics are the new ergonomics, treating sound as a critical component of employee health and performance, just as important as a supportive chair or an adjustable desk. Workscapes Inc. and its partnership with MillerKnoll are at the forefront of providing solutions to this challenge.

The Silent Threat of Noise Pollution 

Just as poor posture can lead to physical strain, chronic exposure to noise pollution can cause mental fatigue, difficulty concentrating, and increased stress levels. A noisy environment can force employees to expend extra mental energy to block out distractions, leaving them with less cognitive capacity for their actual work. This reality has prompted a new wave of design thinking that focuses on creating sonic privacy and control within the open office.

This doesn't mean reverting to a sea of cubicles. Instead, it involves a multi-layered approach to sound management that allows for both energetic collaboration and quiet, focused work, often in the same space.

MillerKnoll's Strategic Approach to Sound

The MillerKnoll Collective, with brands like Herman Miller and Knoll, has long been a pioneer in creating human-centered environments. Their research-backed approach to furniture and space planning has evolved to address the acoustic needs of modern workplaces. They understand that sound control can't be an afterthought; it must be integrated into the core design strategy.

MillerKnoll offers a wide range of acoustic solutions that are as beautiful as they are functional:

• Acoustic Furniture and Pods: From upholstered high-back chairs that create a quiet visual and auditory sanctuary to dedicated work pods like the Herman Miller Bay Work Pod, MillerKnoll provides furniture designed to absorb sound and offer personal refuge.
• Architectural Solutions: Products like the KnollTextiles acoustic drapery and FilzFelt wall panels and baffles are designed to absorb sound waves, reducing reverberation and echo without the need for traditional walls. These solutions can be seamlessly integrated into the office design, adding texture and color while improving the overall soundscape.
• Strategic Space Division: MillerKnoll’s systems and accessories, such as modular screens and panels, can be used to delineate zones for different activities—quiet for focused work, semi-private for small team collaboration, and open for large gatherings—all within a single, cohesive space.

By incorporating these elements, a company can create a balanced ecosystem that supports a variety of work modes, empowering employees to choose the environment that best suits their task at hand.

Workscapes Inc.: Your Partner for Acoustical Wellness

At Workscapes Inc., we believe that a well-designed office should support and inspire every individual. We are proud to be a certified dealer of MillerKnoll, a partnership that allows us to deliver cutting-edge, research-based acoustic solutions to our clients.

Our team of design experts goes beyond simply providing furniture. We conduct a thorough analysis of your space and your team's unique needs to create a holistic acoustical plan. We'll help you identify noisy areas, plan quiet zones, and select the right MillerKnoll furniture and accessories to create an environment where everyone can thrive. Whether you're building a new office or reconfiguring an existing one, our comprehensive process ensures that acoustics are considered from the very beginning.

Don't let noise be a barrier to your team's success. Contact Workscapes Inc. today to explore how our expertise and MillerKnoll's innovative products can transform your open office into a more focused, calm, and productive workplace.