The open office revolution has changed the way we work, with many benefits to both staff and management. An agile, open environment promotes collaboration, enhances creativity, allows for varied working styles, and creates a sense of community among staff.

Open plan workspaces are also financially beneficial. As Lorne Somerville from Barfoot and Thompson commercial leasing explains, “the more open space you are able to use, the lower the per person sq/m overall, and therefore potentially lower the cost of the lease.”

But, like all revolutions, the path to success isn’t all smooth sailing. Many workers find open-plan, agile, and activity-based workplaces have an overwhelming level of distracting office noise. All the loud phone calls, noisy office equipment, and cross-desk chat can cause decreased productivity, compromised concentration, and even serious mental health and wellbeing issues. It can be hard to know how to reduce office noise, especially if you have a large team.

Here at SmartSpace we have more than a few office noise-reduction tricks and options up our sleeves.

1. Fight fire with fire

This may sound counterproductive, but one of the simplest ways to combat office noise is with other noise. Office noise can be masked and muffled with sound such as white noise, whale song, music, or the sounds of nature.

- Music may be better suited to personal headphones – or, even better, noise cancelling headphones – as tastes and tolerances obviously vary greatly. But if you’re lucky enough to have mutual music tastes across the office, or perhaps the IT guy moonlights as a DJ, communal music can be great for creativity and social engagement.

- White noise is available through various music streaming applications. It’s an even combination of all frequencies that masks mid to loud noises, aiding concentration. White noise is so effective it is often used to calm infants. If the noises in your office are just light, conversational noises, “pink noise” may be more suitable, or if the noise is low and rumbling, “brown noise” might be your best bet.

- If you want to get really crafty with your cacophony, try using the sounds of nature – in particular, ocean sounds. Evidence is emerging that sounds of nature – even when played in not-so-natural-environments – not only mask noise but also have mental health benefits. These sounds may reduce anxiety and depression, and bring a general sense of calm and perspective. Many digital platforms have natural soundtracks, including meditation apps such as Insight Timer.