An investigation of acoustic environments in large and medium-sized open-plan offices in China

Kang, Shengxian; Mak, Cheuk Ming; Ou, Dayi; Zhang, Yuanyuan

doi:10.1016/j.apacoust.2021.108447

Cited by 13 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 61 publications

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“…In this scenario, the main cause of noise dissatisfaction in OPO is due to irrelevant speech, laughter and telephone ringing. 17,23,27 Interestingly, background noise caused by electrical equipment (such as mechanical ventilation systems) was not established as a main cause of disturbance in OPO, 17 even though outdoor noise sources were found to be highly distracting when compared to other types of office layouts. 21 Curiously, low background noise was noticed to decrease workers’ comfort and productivity since it is related to the lack of privacy.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Even in different OPO sizes, acoustic satisfaction is noted to be distinct, and, although still an issue, large-sized OPO workers are more affected by the productivity loss caused by the lack of speech privacy. 27 Hence, cost-effective solutions beyond sound-proofing systems should be implemented in order to enhance workers’ health and well-being, resulting in higher productivity and overall life quality.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…As cited, one of the reasons for the lack of privacy in OPO is given to the low background noise (of any kind), which leads to dissatisfaction and low productivity. 18 Controversially, distraction caused by human activities (such as conversations, typing on the computer and phone ringing) is one of the most irritating aspects of this type of office layout, 17,23,27 whereas background noise caused by electrical equipment was not validated as a disturbing factor. 17…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Study 10 -Kang et al 27 Kang et al 27 compared the objective and subjective acoustic performance of different OPO sizes, evaluating the difference between workers' acoustic needs in each office size. The study involved seven large-sized OPO (LOPOs) and medium-sized OPO (MOPOs), with 348 and 286 questionnaires sent out (respectively).…”

Section: Studies Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Self-rated health implications of noise for open-plan office workers: An overview of the literature

2023

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In open-plan offices (OPO), workspaces without ground-to-ceiling dividers, noise is one of the most complained about aspects, causing physical and psychological impacts. With the increasing interest for a human-centric design, notably after the publication of ISO 22955, this review aims to identify the main noise sources in this office layout and the employees’ perception of related health effects, evaluating the interventions proposed to overcome their impacts. Following the PRISMA guidelines, a review was conducted using the Scopus and PubMed databases, considering subjective questionnaires distributed in offices, which could include physical workspace assessment. It excluded studies limited to: (a) laboratory experiments; (b) isolated cognitive tests; (c) office layouts other than OPO; (d) systematic reviews; and (e) mathematical models. Sixty studies were identified and the screening process resulted in 11 selected for inclusion, which indicated irrelevant speech, chatting, and telephone ringing as the main noise sources causing productivity loss, stress, and low comfort rates due to distraction and lack of privacy. To overcome these impacts, researchers suggested the use of sound-absorbing surfaces, separated zones for different tasks and headphones, although their effectiveness relies on human behaviour and economic feasibility. Thus, the evidence indicates that noise is a recurrent issue in OPOs, it demonstrates the importance of appropriate acoustic performance of the workspace and the necessity of new studies regarding OPO workers’ perception of noise and their health, particularly after the COVID-19 new safety guidelines.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Section: Studies Descriptionmentioning

confidence: 99%

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Self-rated health implications of noise for open-plan office workers: An overview of the literature

2023

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“…Workers in medium-sized open-plan office worker have higher acoustic comfort satisfaction and lower speech noise compared to those in large openplan office workers. 12 According to another study in the literature, background sounds in open-plan offices are often found to be distracting, leading to decreased job performance for employees. In that study, certain concepts are considered and evaluated with realistic simulation.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The effect of layout placement on acoustic conditions in call centers: Evaluations within the scope of an example

Özdem Gürtürk,

Yüğrük Akdağ

2024

Building Acoustics

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This article aimed to provide auditory comfort conditions in call centers where the noise problem is very high and its use is increasing day by day. Since there are no partition walls in such places, noises from conversations, telephones and other office equipment, footsteps, air conditioning and lighting, office equipment (fax machines, printers, etc.), and noise from outside can reduce working efficiency and sometimes cause serious health problems. To assess this situation, the current noise levels situation in a call center were revealed with the help of observation, survey, measurement, and simulation. The number of personnel in the volume, different layout models, surface absorption, and obstacle heights were analyzed through the simulation program and appropriate call center models were obtained in terms of acoustic comfort. By taking the models as a reference, noise level maps have been prepared according to different frequency spectrums. When the noise maps are evaluated, while the call center noise level is 60 dBA in the current situation, it has decreased to 45–53 dBA noise levels as a result of the settlement proposal where the employees are facing in opposite directions in pairs. There has been a reduction in noise level of approximately 16%. As a result of the study, the measures to be taken to improve the auditory environment were determined within the scope of architectural and acoustic design, and results were obtained to guide the designers.

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A Survey of the Impact of Acoustic Environments on Occupant’s Satisfaction in Open-Plan Offices

Kang,

Mak,

2023

Environmental Science and Engineering

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An investigation of acoustic environments in large and medium-sized open-plan offices in China

Cited by 13 publications

References 61 publications

Self-rated health implications of noise for open-plan office workers: An overview of the literature

Self-rated health implications of noise for open-plan office workers: An overview of the literature

The effect of layout placement on acoustic conditions in call centers: Evaluations within the scope of an example

A Survey of the Impact of Acoustic Environments on Occupant’s Satisfaction in Open-Plan Offices

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