Reduce Noise, Boost Focus: Acoustic Solutions for Open-Plan Offices

How Acoustic Panels Improve Productivity in Open-Plan Offices

Open-plan offices encourage collaboration and communication, but the constant hum of activity can quickly become a distraction.
Conversations, phone calls and equipment noise bounce off hard surfaces, creating echoes that increase stress and reduce focus.
The result is lower productivity and employee fatigue. Acoustic panels from Sontext—such as
Serenity fabric panels
and Decrasound polyester panels—are a proven way
to control noise and create a calmer, more productive workspace.

Why Noise is a Productivity Killer

Studies show that even moderate background noise can reduce concentration and increase stress levels.
Reverberation makes speech harder to understand, forcing staff to talk louder and adding to the noise cycle.
In call centres or shared workspaces this can lead to fatigue, more mistakes and higher staff turnover.

How Acoustic Panels Work

Acoustic panels absorb sound energy rather than reflecting it back into the room.
Their Noise Reduction Coefficient (NRC) indicates how much sound they absorb across key frequencies.
Sontext panels achieve NRC ratings up to 0.8, significantly reducing echo and improving speech clarity.
Serenity fabric panels use a high-density acoustic core wrapped in fabric,
while Decrasound polyester panels are made from 100% polyester with up to 70% recycled content.
Both options meet Australian fire and indoor-air standards.

Key Areas to Treat in an Open Office

• Ceilings: Use Sonofonic baffles
  or SerenityLite ceiling panels to capture sound in high-volume spaces.
• Walls: Install Serenity fabric panels or Decrasound flat panels to absorb sound reflections.
• Workstations: Add Zacouztix or Decrasound desk dividers to provide acoustic privacy for individual staff.

Design and Colour Options

Sontext panels are available in a wide range of finishes to complement any interior.
Decrasound PET panels come in 96 colours, while Serenity panels can be custom printed with company logos
or artwork for a branded acoustic solution. Both products can be cut into geometric shapes for creative wall patterns.

Case Example: A Call Centre Transformation

A recent Sontext project involved a busy metropolitan call centre where staff struggled with constant background chatter.
By installing Serenity wall panels and Sonofonic ceiling baffles, reverberation times were cut by more than 40%.
Staff reported clearer phone conversations, reduced fatigue, and improved morale—all within weeks of installation.

Installation Tips and Maintenance

Sontext panels are lightweight and easy to install using simple mounting systems.
Panels can be removed for relocation or reconfiguration as office layouts change.
Maintenance is minimal—most surfaces require only light dusting or a damp cloth to stay looking fresh.

Talk to the Sontext team today to design an acoustic solution that improves productivity
and comfort in your workspace. Contact us here.

FAQs

• What is the best acoustic panel for an open-plan office?
  Serenity fabric or Decrasound polyester panels provide high sound absorption and flexible design options.
• How many panels do I need?
  The number depends on room size, ceiling height and furnishings—Sontext can provide a free calculation.
• Can panels match our company colours?
  Yes, Decrasound PET panels offer 96 standard colours and Serenity panels can be printed to match your brand.
• Do panels block noise completely?
  They absorb echo and reduce background noise but are not full soundproofing products.
• How long do panels last?
  With normal care, Sontext panels maintain acoustic performance for over 10 years.

Explore our full range of acoustic solutions:

• Serenity Fabric Acoustic Panels
• Decrasound Polyester Acoustic Panels
• Sonofonic Ceiling Baffles
• Serenity Acoustic Art Panels
• SerenityLite Ceiling Panels
• Contact Sontext