.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
.svg)
Noise is productivity's number-one enemy in the open-plan office. Between phone calls, impromptu meetings, and ambient noise, concentration becomes a daily challenge.
Discover our selection of acoustic furniture for open-plan offices that will transform your workplace into a space that's both stylish and functional.
A significant share of employees see noise as a major distraction at work. This sound pollution isn't harmless. Several studies show it leads to a significant drop in productivity and raises stress levels.
The open-plan office, designed to support collaboration, paradoxically becomes a drag on collective effectiveness when acoustics are neglected. A noisy environment directly affects:
Investing in acoustic solutions isn't a luxury, then, but a necessity for building an effective workplace.
After a noise interruption, an employee needs a significant amount of time to regain full concentration. In a poorly sound-insulated open-plan office, these interruptions can happen frequently.
The hidden cost is considerable:
These findings show just how important a well-thought-out acoustic fit-out is for keeping teams effective.
In France, the Labour Code (articles R.4213-5 and R.4431-1) sets precise requirements for workplace acoustics. The recommended sound level for intellectual work generally sits between 35 and 45 dB, far below the levels often measured in a standard open-plan office.
Several certifications like HQE, WELL, or BREEAM now include strict acoustic criteria for professional spaces, reflecting the growing importance placed on this dimension.
Faced with these acoustic challenges, different solutions exist, each answering specific needs. The choice depends on your layout, your constraints, and your goals.
Acoustic separators are often the first step in an acoustic fit-out. They create distinct zones while absorbing some of the sound waves.
There are several types:
Their effectiveness depends on height, thickness, and the materials used. A good acoustic separator offers a high absorption coefficient (αw) on a scale of 0 to 1.
For confidential calls or meetings that need concentration, nothing beats an acoustic pod. These enclosed spaces offer optimal sound insulation, both for the occupants and their colleagues.
Work With Island offers four particularly high-performing models:
Island Solo (€3,990 excl. VAT / €68/month): an individual pod ideal for short calls and video meetings. With a sound reduction of 30.2 dB (Category A to ISO 23351-1), it instantly turns any corner of an open-plan office into a private office.
Island Desk (€4,790 excl. VAT / €79/month): a seated version of the individual pod, designed for longer work sessions. It comes with a comfortable seat, offers slightly higher sound insulation (-31.1 dB), and is also certified Class A to ISO 23351-1.
Island Duo (€7,990 excl. VAT / €135/month): this 2-person pod is ideal for HR interviews or two-person meetings. With a sound reduction of 28.7 dB, it lets you talk in complete confidence.
Island Quattro (€9,990 excl. VAT / €171/month): a 4-person pod, perfect as a meeting room guaranteeing privacy and concentration. With 29.8 dB of sound reduction, it allows calm conversations with no disruption to the open-plan office.
These pods offer several distinctive advantages:
Acoustic panels are a stylish solution for improving acoustics with no compromise on looks. Fixed to walls or hung from the ceiling, they absorb sound waves while adding a decorative touch.
Available in different shapes (square, rectangular, hexagonal, organic), colours, and thicknesses, they suit every style of fit-out. Their effectiveness mainly depends on:
For effective acoustic treatment, it's recommended to cover a significant share of wall surfaces with absorbent panels.
Modern acoustic furniture combines technical performance with careful design. Our selection meets both requirements, with solutions suited to different needs and budgets.
High-back armchairs and acoustic alcoves create pockets of calm within the open-plan office. Ideal for informal conversations or short focused sessions, they offer partial insulation without complete isolation.
Our selection criteria:
Modern acoustic partitions no longer just divide space, they elevate it. Available in a wide range of finishes, they can become genuine decorative elements.
The essential criteria for choosing a design acoustic partition:
For maximum effectiveness, favour partitions at least 1.40m high, which effectively block sound waves at seated conversation level.
Acoustic pods represent the most complete investment for solving noise problems in the open-plan office. Genuine "rooms within a room", they offer optimal sound insulation.
Here's a comparison of the main features of our Work With Island models:
“We chose Work With Island booths because they offer excellent value for money. The team was flexible, agile and very responsive during both delivery and installation.”
.webp)
All our pods are delivered quickly across Europe and come with a 5-year warranty. For any first order, we offer a 100-day trial with a full refund if you're not satisfied.
Optimal acoustic fit-out of an open-plan office isn't just about buying furniture. It's a comprehensive process that starts with a precise diagnosis and continues with a carefully thought-out layout strategy.
Before any investment, it's essential to accurately assess the acoustic situation of your space. Several methods exist:
Smartphone apps like Sound Meter Pro or Decibel X already give you a first assessment. For a more precise analysis, professional acousticians use calibrated sound level meters and can produce a complete sound map.
One of the most effective strategies is to create different acoustic zones by activity:
Quiet zones: spaces dedicated to focused work, fitted with tall separators and absorbent materials
Collaborative zones: informal meeting spaces with moderate acoustic treatment
Transition zones: corridors and circulation areas with reinforced acoustic treatment to limit how far noise carries
Strategically placing Island pods lets you instantly create quiet zones with no complex construction work. Their mobility also makes it easier to adapt the space as needs change.
In a context of hybrid work and flexible organisation, acoustic solutions need to be able to adapt easily to change.
Work With Island pods answer this requirement perfectly:
This modular approach lets you gradually adjust your acoustic fit-out based on your experience and changing needs.
The acoustic performance of furniture largely depends on the materials it's made from. Their environmental impact is also an increasingly important selection criterion.
Modern acoustic solutions favour materials that are both effective and eco-friendly:
Certifications like B Corp or Origine France Garantie guarantee products that respect both health and the environment.
Quality acoustic furniture is a durable investment, provided it's properly maintained:
All our acoustic pods come with a 5-year warranty.
Investment in acoustic furniture should be considered in terms of return on investment, both for productivity and employee wellbeing.
The budget needed varies considerably with the scale of the project and the type of solutions chosen:
Affordable solutions (accessible budget)
Mid-range solutions
Premium solutions
To optimise your investment, we recommend a gradual approach, starting with the most problematic zones.
Several options are available to finance your acoustic project:
Leasing: all our Island models are available on a leasing contract from €68/month, with an option to buy at the end of the contract.
Grants and subsidies: some regions offer support for improving working conditions.
Refurbished pods: to lower the initial budget, you can buy second-hand or refurbished acoustic pods. It's also a responsible choice: extending a product's lifespan reduces its environmental impact.
Work With Island stands out for its unique approach to acoustic furniture:
Our team of experts supports you through every stage of your project, from the initial diagnosis to installation, including the custom configuration of your pods.
“We needed a partner who could handle production and delivery in a very tight timeframe, with really solid logistics. On that front, Work With Island was truly exceptional.”
Want to know more? Fill in this form and get all the key information about our pods: weight, dimensions, prices and more.
Absorption is a material's ability to "capture" sound waves to reduce reverberation. Insulation aims to stop sound spreading from one space to another. An effective acoustic fit-out generally combines both approaches.
The number depends on your working habits and the number of daily calls or confidential meetings. Assessing your needs lets you work out the right ratio for your organisation.
No, that's one of their main advantages. Island pods install in under an hour and only need a standard power socket. No specific connections are required.
Yes, Work With Island pods are designed to be moved easily during a reorganisation. Their structure allows relocation with no full disassembly.
A well-designed acoustic fit-out can significantly reduce perceived noise levels. Our Island pods offer certified reduction of up to 31.1 dB to the ISO 23351-1 standard, creating genuine pockets of calm.
Most modern acoustic solutions need minimal upkeep: regular vacuuming and cleaning with a slightly damp cloth for fabrics, non-abrasive products for hard surfaces. Always check the manufacturer's specific recommendations.