Why Modern Offices Are So Noisy (And What Actually Works to Fix It)

Modern offices are designed to bring people together. Open layouts, shared desks, glass walls and hard surfaces look clean and contemporary. The downside is they can create some of the noisiest working environments we’ve seen.

If your office feels busy, distracting or tiring, noise is usually the reason.

Why offices today are louder than ever

Most office noise problems come down to design choices, not people.

• Open - plan layouts with little separation
• Hard surfaces like glass, plasterboard, concrete and desktops
• Multiple conversations happening at once
• Phone calls and video meetings
• Very little sound - absorbing material

Sound reflects off hard surfaces and travels across the room. Without something to absorb it, noise builds quickly.

The hidden cost of office noise

Noise doesn’t just annoy people. It affects how they work and how they feel.

• Reduced concentration
• More mental fatigue
• Higher stress levels
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• More mistakes and slower task completion

When staff rely on headphones just to get through the day, it’s often a sign the space needs better acoustic control.

Why “quiet policies” only go so far

Many workplaces try to manage noise with rules — quiet zones, meeting etiquette, and phone booths. These can help a little, but sound still travels freely across desks. The space itself needs to do some of the work.

What actually works to reduce office noise

The most reliable approach is to absorb sound close to the source before it spreads.

• Desk - mounted acoustic screens
• Acoustic wall panels (for reflective areas)
• Ceiling panels or baffles (for larger spaces)

For open-plan offices, desk-level treatment is often the fastest and most practical place to start.

Why desk screens are so effective

Acoustic desk screens sit directly between people and noise sources. They help reduce speech noise travelling between desks and can make shared spaces calmer without changing the layout.

For a practical solution, consider the Zacouztix Acoustic Screen Desk, built for modern workstations where flexibility matters.

Must Read - 5 Ways Acoustic Screens Boost Focus in Your Office

Where to start in a noisy office

You don’t need to redesign your office to make it quieter. Many teams see a noticeable improvement by:

• Adding acoustic desk screens to shared workstations
• Treating call - heavy areas first
• Adding extra wall or ceiling treatment only if needed

FAQs: Noisy Modern Offices

What is the quickest way to reduce noise in an open-plan office?

Start at desk level. Desk-mounted acoustic screens reduce speech noise where it’s created and help limit distractions between workstations.

Must Read: Top Acoustic Products for Open-Plan Offices

Do desk dividers reduce echo and noise?

They reduce noise transfer between desks and can help overall comfort. If the space has heavy echo from hard walls or ceilings, adding wall or ceiling treatment may also be needed.

Will acoustic desk screens make the office feel closed in?

Not if chosen and placed well. Desk screens can keep an open feel while creating a more comfortable working zone for each person.

Are acoustic desk screens good for video calls?

Yes. They can reduce nearby speech noise and distractions, making it easier to hear and be heard in shared spaces.

What product is best for reducing noise between desks?

The Zacouztix Acoustic Screen Desk is designed specifically for desk-to-desk noise control in open-plan offices and shared work areas.

👉 Visit itsnowtimeacoustics today about creating a quieter, more effective workplace.