Designing for the Ear: Why Acoustic Comfort Matters More Than You Think

Flooring Matters is our new video podcast exploring the impact of flooring on the spaces where we work, learn and relax.

Produced in conjunction with Workplace Insight, Season 1 sees us enter The Comfort Zone, exploring the importance of occupant comfort in commercial interior design.

 

When we think about comfort in the workplace, elements such as temperature and lighting often come to mind first.

But according to Dr. Nigel Oseland - environmental psychologist, workplace strategist and one of the world’s leading authorities on acoustic comfort – who we spoke with in Episode 1, sound is every bit as crucial. In fact, it’s one of the top three complaints in office environments, alongside temperature and indoor air quality.

“Noise is unwanted sound—and it's all about perception,” says Dr. Oseland. And that perception is deeply personal, influenced by task type, personality, and even our relationships with colleagues.

Why Acoustic Comfort Is Psychological as Much as Physical

 

Sound isn’t just about decibels.
 
It’s about how we process those sounds and determine whether they’re a help or a hindrance. “We all have different thresholds,” explains Nigel. “Introverts, for example, may be more sensitive to distractions, especially when trying to focus on analytical or complex tasks.”
 
 
It’s not just what you hear - but how your brain interprets it.
In a large open office, this creates a perfect storm: a variety of tasks and personality types all trying to coexist, with sound levels that work for some but distract others.

The Home Office Effect

One of the unexpected impacts of the pandemic? A rise in acoustic expectations. Many people experienced a new level of control over their environment while working from home - especially those lucky enough to have a private space.
Now, when they return to the office, they notice distractions more acutely.
“If you’ve gotten used to birdsong as your biggest disruption, a chatty co-worker or an open-plan call centre can be overwhelming,” says Nigel.

Total Silence Is Distracting, Too


Interestingly, too much quiet can be just as disruptive. Evolutionary psychology suggests that total silence signals danger - a lurking predator or incoming storm. Our brains prefer a gentle hum.
Sound masking, whether via HVAC systems or curated soundscapes, can help. But it has to be the right kind of noise. “A background murmur is helpful,” says Nigel, “but distinguishable speech is a distraction - because our brains automatically try to process it.”

Designing with the Ears, Not Just the Eyes

A major issue? Acoustic considerations are often sidelined during office design, according to Nigel. Trends like exposed concrete ceilings, minimalist aesthetics and lack of partitions may look modern, but they can wreak havoc on sound.
 
Dr. Oseland instead advocates for a layered acoustic strategy:

Absorptive materials: Soft flooring such as carpet tiles, wall panels and acoustic ceiling tiles can dramatically reduce reverberation. Even bookshelves - often overlooked – can be effective sound absorbers.
Zoning: Group people by activity type (and where possible, personality type). Don’t place sales teams next to analysts who need deep focus.
Design as behavioural cue: Create spaces that communicate their purpose. Quiet zones can mimic libraries, with subdued lighting, soft materials, and high desk screens to subtly signal expected behaviour.
 
Behaviour Matters, Too
Even the best design won’t fix poor etiquette. Acoustic comfort depends on both space and behaviour. “We need some office etiquette,” says Nigel. “Teach people when and where to take calls. Don’t put your Teams meeting on speaker in the middle of an open-plan floor.”
 
Simple fixes, like reinstating desk screens or choosing furniture with integrated acoustic features, can make a difference. But ultimately, it’s about awareness and education.
                 

One Size Doesn’t Fit All

We all respond to sound differently. Some thrive in lively, collaborative spaces. Others need quiet to work.
That’s why variety matters - acoustic diversity to support neurodiversity, work styles and task types.
 
Dr. Oseland sums it up: “We can solve these issues. But the problem is, we often ignore them until they become a problem. Acoustic comfort shouldn't be an afterthought - it should be part of the design process from the start.”