The Rise of Acoustic Solutions in Office Design to Combat Distractions and Noise

Employees who have returned to the office after years of remote work are facing distractions and noise that are affecting their productivity. To address this issue, vendors are selling phone booth-style pods and soundscaping services, while furniture makers and interior designers are incorporating more acoustic-friendly materials and designing quiet spaces. Companies like Framery are creating fully enclosed glass-walled phone booths with sound insulation and a "sound masking" system, while Moodsonic is creating "responsive soundscapes" that adapt to the environment. The need for distinct acoustic and visual privacy is crucial for employees to willingly return to the office, especially for neurodiverse workers.