This noise level is preferred in an office.

Imagine an office where you can hear your own thoughts. Where meetings are not drowned out by keyboard clicks, and where concentration is not a luxury, but a given. In a time when working environment and well-being are on the agenda in both public and private companies, noise level has become a key factor. But what exactly is the optimal noise level in an office – and how do you create the framework for it?

Why does noise level matter?

Noise is not just annoying. It affects our ability to focus, collaborate and ultimately thrive. According to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency , noise is a significant source of stress and can lead to both sleep problems and cardiovascular diseases. In the workplace, noise can lead to lower productivity, higher sick leave and poorer communication. It is therefore not just a question of comfort – it is a question of health, efficiency and job satisfaction.

Noise in office environments: An invisible threat

In open-plan offices – which many modern workplaces use – noise can be particularly challenging. Here, it is not only traffic noise from outside that comes into play, but also internal sounds such as conversations, telephones, printers and ventilation. The total noise level can quickly exceed what is recommended for a healthy working environment.

According to the Danish Working Environment Authority, the general noise level in offices should not exceed 45 dB. In comparison, 45 dB corresponds to the sound of a quiet conversation or light background noise. However, many offices are significantly higher, especially if the acoustics are not optimized or if technological and behavioral control measures are lacking.

How noise affects employee well-being and performance

Research shows that even relatively low levels of background noise can have a negative effect on cognitive tasks such as reading, writing and problem-solving. As noise levels increase, so do stress hormones in the body. This means that employees in noisy office environments are not just disturbed – they are also physically affected.

A study from Gate 21 shows that long-term exposure to noise can lead to chronic stress and an increased risk of cardiovascular disease. This applies not only to those who work near busy roads, but also to those who sit in offices with poor acoustics and many noise sources.

Noise Level and Behavior: How We Respond

Noise does not affect everyone the same. Some people are easily distracted, while others can continue working undisturbed. But what most people have in common is that noise changes our behavior. We become short-tempered, less likely to cooperate, and more tired during the day.

At ÅBN, we work to visualize indoor climate – including noise – so that it becomes easier for both managers and employees to understand what is happening in their surroundings. When the noise level becomes visible and measurable, you can start to act on it. It is the first step towards a healthier working environment.

What does it look like in Denmark?

Noise is not just a problem in the office – it is a societal problem. According to the Danish Environmental Protection Agency, over 700,000 homes in Denmark are exposed to road noise above the guideline limit value of 58 dB. This corresponds to almost every third home. In municipalities such as Aalborg and Høje-Taastrup, thousands of citizens are exposed to noise that exceeds the limit values on a daily basis.

Although these figures primarily relate to outdoor noise, it is worth noting that many offices and institutions are located in these areas. This means that employees are not only exposed to noise during working hours, but also at home. This amplifies the health consequences and makes it even more important to create noise-free zones in the workplace.

What is the optimal noise level in an office?

The ideal noise level depends on the task. For work that requires concentration, a level below 40 dB is recommended, while regular office work can tolerate up to 45 dB. In comparison, normal conversation is around 60 dB – already above what is recommended as background noise.

In practice, this means that offices should aim for noise reduction through both acoustic solutions and behavioral changes. Technology can play a crucial role here. With solutions like Skyen from ÅBN, it becomes possible to visualize the noise level in real time. This gives both managers and employees a concrete picture of when the noise becomes too loud – and what can be done about it.

How does it work in practice?

The cloud continuously measures indoor climate – including noise – and displays data on an intuitive dashboard. This means you can quickly identify noise problems and respond with concrete measures, such as:

Furnishing with noise-absorbing materials
Creating quiet zones
Behavioral changes in office culture

When noise becomes something you can see and understand, it also becomes something you can act on. It creates a shared awareness and makes it easier to work together towards a better working environment.

From data to action: A new approach to indoor climate

Many companies already focus on temperature and air quality – but noise is often the forgotten factor. This is a shame, because noise has a great impact on both well-being and productivity. At ÅBN, we work to make all aspects of the indoor climate visible, so that they are as understandable as the weather forecast.

With our technological solutions, you don't just get data - you get insight. And with that insight, you can make better decisions, both as managers and as employees. Read more about our approach to behavior change and documentation here .

What can you do today?

Here are three simple steps to improve the noise level in your workplace:

Measure the noise : Without data, it's hard to know where the problem lies. Use sensors and visualizations to create an overview.
Create different zones : Design the office with both quiet areas and collaboration zones to meet all needs.
Talk about it : Make noise part of the workplace health and safety conversation. When everyone understands the consequences, it becomes easier to create change.

Would you like to know more about how ÅBN can help your organization understand and improve noise levels? Contact us here – we are happy to advise.