The Hidden Cost of Office Noise
If you’ve ever tried to focus while someone nearby argues with a printer—or worse, takes a sales call on speaker—you already know: workplace noise kills productivity. Leesman’s data backs it up.*
👉 70% of employees say noise levels are important, yet only 34% are satisfied.
That gap isn’t just about comfort—it’s an economic signal. Every distracted minute drains cognitive energy and undermines the return on workplace investment. In short: bad acoustics cost money.
Leesman data shows that while 59% of employees value quiet rooms, only 37% are satisfied with access to them.
Why the Modern Office Sounds Broken
Distraction in the workplace is often the side effect of well-intentioned design. Open layouts were meant to promote collaboration—but they also amplified chaos. Leesman’s findings reveal that even subtle disruptions matter:
- 38% of employees say the movement of people past their workstation is important
- Only 31% are satisfied
- Dividers between desks matter to 39%, but only 38% feel supported
Workplace noise isn’t just an irritant; it’s a signal of systems that aren’t working in harmony.
Designing Sound as Infrastructure
Acoustic comfort shouldn’t be treated like a one-off renovation project. It’s strategic infrastructure—a system of materials, movement, and management.
The best workplaces combine:
- Architectural design (sound-absorbing panels, ceiling treatments, flexible layouts)
- Operational intelligence (zoning, quiet-room scheduling, behavioral cues)
- Technology that listens—sensors tracking decibel levels, occupancy, and user feedback in real time
These elements together create a responsive environment that adapts to how people actually work.
Why This Matters
Reducing noise isn’t just a tenant amenity—it’s a business strategy. The ability to measure and manage the sensory experience inside a building has real impact on engagement, retention, and lease value.
When landlords embrace a systems approach to workplace acoustics, they aren’t just improving comfort—they’re safeguarding cognitive capital.
Ready to Turn Down the Noise?
The best tenant experiences start with smarter data.
Explore how HqO’s platform helps landlords and operators measure, understand, and improve the workplace experience—one decibel at a time.
👉 Discover HqO’s Experience Platform
Leesman Workplace Experience Assessment, N=1,395,143 (Q4 2015-Q3 2025)
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