Investigating the effect of indoor soundscaping towards employee’s speech privacy

Abstract

This paper presents the emerging results of a soundscape evaluation of a two open office spaces. Aims of this research is to identify sound sources within an open office space and understand if their contributions to employees speech privacy. Thematic Analysis as part of Grounded Theory is used to examine how employees perceive the soundscape of their work environment. Semi- structured interviews are conducted with 20 employees from two companies. Responses are used to create a theoretical framework that conceptualizes employee’s response to the soundscape of their work environment. In order to analyze the acoustical characteristics of the office space, a combination of in-situ measurements and Odeon Room Acoustics Software are used.