Wpis

Arrangement of the quiet zone – office fit-out and the special needs of employees

Teamwork is not for everyone. Many great employees are much better alone because they struggle to concentrate in a noisy environment. Openness and communicativeness are important features for employers, but they are not always associated with productivity at work. Therefore, the entrepreneur cannot assume that all employees have the exact needs and easily adapt to the prevailing conditions. The solution to many problems in the work environment is the so-called quiet zones treated, especially for employees with introverted personalities.

Two types of personality

We were already taught at school that people can be extroverts and introverts. Many people have both extroverted and introverted qualities – such people are called ambiverts. However, let’s focus on two basic personality types.

• An extrovert is a social person who cannot imagine working without people. The person is open, communicative, and willing to act. An extrovert at work easily meets new people and often acts as a leader. Extroverts love to be the center of attention and willingly work in a group, and public speaking is their element.
• An introvert, on the other hand, does not like to be visible and feels best in silence and solitude. Being in a large group quickly tires him and reduces his performance. An introvert at work does not speak much and is reluctant to speak up at meetings, but he is an excellent listener. Introverts are not the stars in the office, but they do their job reliably and conscientiously – under certain conditions, of course.

Open space and concentration

The biggest nightmare of every introvert is working in an open-space office. Open space, working hand in hand with colleagues, and constant noise are factors that lower his performance and cause stress. Employees with an introverted personality don’t like multitasking, and they don’t like being interrupted. Open space can provide them with too many stimuli, which is why it is worth creating a quiet zone, especially in such offices. For against all odds, it is not difficult at all.

Quiet zone in the office

Employees often look for silence in rooms such as conference and recreation rooms. However, these rooms are usually occupied by other people. Therefore, the best solution is a quiet zone, i.e., acoustically isolated boxes that can be free-standing or built-up. In such a place, you can work in concentration or talk on the phone. Popular office acoustic boxes are shaped like a telephone booth – it is there that employees can speak to clients and transfer confidential data.
On the other hand, larger boxes usually have glass doors and are intended for independent work. Soundproofing, lighting, and ventilation are mandatory elements of every box. There are many proposals, and the type and size of the box should be adjusted individually to the room. An additional advantage of most boxes is mobility, which allows for quick and easy rearrangement of the office space.

Other ideas to soundproof the room

If you do not have the space necessary to create a quiet zone, take care of the needs of employees by adequately soundproofing the room. Acoustics in the office is specific – the sound reflects off the windows and walls, which results in an unpleasant noise that irritates and reduces concentration. The solution is acoustic systems, such as suspended ceiling panels, free-standing screens, or wall panels, which provide soundproofing of the room and positively affect the focus.
Acoustic comfort is crucial not only for introverts because 8-hour work in noise is nobody’s dream. In addition to advanced acoustic systems, there are also other solutions, such as partition walls, that suppress unwanted noise and provide privacy. Special green walls made of natural plants, which soundproof the interior and positively affect well-being, are also a very fashionable solution.
Soundproofing headphones with active noise suppression are also popular, especially in open spaces. It is a much healthier alternative to traditional headphones, as it does not require turning the volume up to a level that is harmful to our hearing. A solution that every introvert will surely appreciate is the possibility of working remotely. After all, an introvert doesn’t feel comfortable anywhere but at home.