Dr. Gleb Tsipursky – The Office Whisperer
Nirit Cohen – WorkFutures
Angela Howard – Culture Expert
Drew Jones – Design & Innovation
Jonathan Price – CRE & Flex Expert
- Noise and distractions are a major issue in coworking spaces — small changes can make a big difference.
- Creating quiet zones and reducing clutter boosts focus, satisfaction, and membership retention.
- Implementing “quiet hours” and regular feedback helps refine spaces to meet members’ productivity needs.
We all know coworking spaces can get…loud. Not “loud” in a bad way, necessarily, but in a “hard to concentrate” kind of way.
According to a recent survey, nearly half of the people using coworking spaces are struggling with distractions and noise. And another half are dealing with a lack of privacy.
That’s a lot of people trying to get work done while fighting a losing battle against the environment.
It’s easy to say, “that’s just how coworking is.” But, is it? We’re not talking about some abstract concept; we’re talking about real people, paying real money, trying to focus. And if they can’t, they’ll find somewhere that lets them.
So, let’s skip the buzzwords and get straight to it: are your members saying anything about noise? Are you seeing people leave for other places? If you’re not sure, ask them. A simple, “How important is a quiet workspace for you?” can tell you a lot. Because here’s the thing: if we address this, we’re not just fixing a problem. We’re creating a space people actively want to be in. And that’s good business.
Actionable Design Tweaks: Small Changes, Big Impact
It’s not necessary to tear down walls or spend a fortune, small tweaks can make a real difference, fast.
“Sound Audit” Walkthrough: Listen Up
First, figure out where the noise is coming from. Grab your phone and download a decibel meter app — there are plenty of free ones. Walk around your space at different times of the day. Notice the readings. Where are the spikes? Is it the printer? The coffee machine? The open meeting area?
Now, look at the physical space. If the printer’s noisy, can you move it to a less central spot, maybe a small, enclosed room? If the coffee machine is a constant buzz, can you add a rug underneath to absorb some sound? Soft furnishings are your friend here. Think fabric-covered chairs, cushions, even curtains if it fits the aesthetic. They soak up sound like sponges.
Instant Quiet Zones: Divide and Conquer
Big renovations aren’t always in the budget. That’s fine. You can create quiet zones without them. Grab some room dividers — even those fabric folding ones — and section off a corner. Or use bookshelves to create a physical barrier. Plants, especially larger ones, can also act as natural sound buffers and visual dividers.
Got an unused storage closet? Turn it into a designated call booth. A small table, a comfortable chair, and maybe some acoustic foam on the walls can make a world of difference.
Visual Decluttering Challenge: Less is More
Our eyes get overwhelmed just like our ears. Walk around and look at the common areas. How much stuff is just…there? Papers, random office supplies, piles of who-knows-what?
Here’s a challenge: remove 20% of that clutter this week. Focus on flat surfaces — desks, tables, shelves. Clear them off. Even just a little bit of empty space can create a feeling of calm.
And don’t just do it once. Create a simple cleaning schedule with your staff. Emphasize the importance of maintaining those decluttered surfaces. A clean space is a focused space.
Acoustic “Quick Fixes”: Sound Solutions on a Budget
With DIY tutorials online, you may be able to make acoustic panels yourself with some fabric and wood. Even a few panels in the right spots can make a difference.
If you have areas that can’t be physically altered, try white noise machines. They mask distracting sounds and create a consistent, calming background. They’re not a perfect solution, but they’re a quick and easy fix.
These are just a few starting points. It’s about being observant, being creative, and making small changes that add up to a big improvement.
Policy & Communication: Setting Clear Expectations
You’ve made physical changes, now it’s time to set some ground rules. Think of it as a shared agreement, not a list of demands.
“Quiet Hours” Trial: Dip Your Toes In
Don’t jump straight into demanding all-day silence. Start with a trial. Pick a two-hour block, maybe mid-morning or early afternoon, and label it “Quiet Hours.” This gives people a chance to adjust.
Make it clear what “quiet” means. No loud calls, keep conversations low, headphones on. Put up clear, visual signs. A simple “Quiet Hours: Please Minimize Noise” works. You could even use a color-coded system to indicate different noise levels in different areas.
After the trial, ask for feedback. Did it work? What could be improved? This should be a collaborative process with members.
Tech Etiquette Guide: Common Sense, Written Down
We all know the basics of good tech behavior, but sometimes it needs to be said. Create a simple guide that includes things like: “Keep phone calls to designated areas.” “Use headphones for videos.” “Mute notifications during focused work.”
Keep it short, friendly, and visual. Post it in common areas, email it to members, and add it to your onboarding materials. This way, everyone starts on the same page.
And don’t just set the rules and forget about them. Gently remind people when needed. Sometimes, a friendly “Just a heads up, we’re in quiet hours” is all it takes.
“Feedback Friday”: Listen and Adapt
Noise is subjective. What’s distracting to one person might be background noise to another. Set aside an hour each week for informal feedback. Call it “Feedback Friday” or something similar.
Encourage people to share their experiences. “How’s the noise level been this week?” “Any areas where you’re struggling to focus?”
Use online forms or suggestion boxes for anonymous feedback. Some people are more comfortable sharing their thoughts in writing.
This isn’t about policing. It’s about understanding what’s working and what’s not. Plus, it shows your members that you’re actively listening and adapting to their needs.
The key is to be consistent and transparent. Communicate clearly, listen actively, and adjust as needed. You’re building a community, not just a workspace.
Measuring the ROI: Track and Optimize
Whether you feel good about the changes or not is much less important than seeing real, tangible results.
Track Occupancy/Retention: Numbers Don’t Lie
Keep an eye on your occupancy rates. Are you seeing a steady increase in members? Are people staying longer? If you’ve made your space more focus-friendly, you should see a positive shift.
When you get new members, ask them why they chose your space. Don’t be shy about it. “What made you decide to join us?”
Track how many people mention the quiet environment. This tells you if your efforts are resonating.
If people are staying longer, and you’re attracting new members because of the focus-friendly environment, you are directly seeing the ROI.
Member Satisfaction Surveys (Post-Changes): How Do They Feel?
After you’ve implemented your changes, send out follow-up surveys. Keep them short and sweet. “How satisfied are you with the noise levels now?” “Has your productivity improved?”
Use a simple rating scale and include a space for open feedback. This gives you a clear picture of how people are feeling.
Don’t just collect the data and file it away. Analyze it. Look for patterns. If you see a consistent improvement in satisfaction, you know you’re on the right track.
Highlight Quiet as a Selling Point: Tell Your Story
If you’ve created a space that people love for its focus-friendly environment, shout it from the rooftops. Update your website, your social media, your marketing materials.
Instead of just saying “collaborative workspace,” say “focus-friendly workspace designed for productivity.” Use photos of your quiet zones and call booths, and share the rules.
When you’re giving tours, highlight the measures you’ve taken to create a peaceful environment. This sets you apart from the competition.
Think about it: people are looking for places where they can actually get work done. If you’re providing that, make sure they know it.
It’s about showing potential members that you understand their needs and are actively working to meet them.
Ongoing Improvement: The “Quiet Evolution”
Think of it less as a project and more as a continuous evolution. You’re constantly refining and adapting.
Regular Sound Audits: Keep Your Ears Open
Don’t just do a sound audit once and forget about it. Make it a regular part of your workspace maintenance. Set a schedule — maybe once a month — to walk around with your decibel meter app.
Things change. New equipment gets added, layouts shift, member populations fluctuate. This regular check-in helps you stay on top of potential noise issues before they become major problems.
And don’t just rely on the app, use your ears too. Walk around at different times of the day. Listen to the ambient noise. Are there any new, unexpected sounds?
Stay Updated on Trends: Learn and Evolve
Workspace design and acoustics are constantly evolving. New materials, new layouts, new technologies — there’s always something to learn.
Follow industry blogs, design magazines, and resources on acoustics to stay informed and find inspiration for your own space. Look for case studies and examples of successful quiet workspaces.
Iterate and Adapt: Listen and Adjust
The most important thing is to be flexible. Your members’ needs will change, and your space will need to adapt.
Don’t be afraid to try new things. If something isn’t working, change it. If you get feedback that a particular area is still too noisy, find a solution.
This is a collaborative process. Listen to your members, experiment with different strategies, and be willing to adjust.
Think of it like tuning an instrument. You’re constantly making small adjustments to achieve the best possible sound. You’re not aiming for perfect silence; you’re aiming for a space where people can focus and thrive. And that’s a goal worth pursuing.
