Influence of indoor soundscape perception based on audiovisual contents on work-related quality with preference and perceived productivity in open-plan offices

Abstract

Open-plan offices (OPOs) are being increasingly implemented to promote communication and collaboration among coworkers. We investigated the effects of indoor soundscape perception on productivity and preferences for the work environment in OPOs containing various audiovisual contents to achieve high work-related quality. A subjective evaluation was performed through two experiments conducted in a virtual reality environment with various stimuli. In Experiment 1, we investigated the correlations of visual complexity and acoustical variability with work-related quality. The results on a seven-point Likert-like scale (−3 to 3) indicated that visual complexity and maximum appropriate acoustical variability of an OPO was recommended at −1.3 to −0.2 and −0.3, respectively. In Experiment 2, the participants identified various noise sources and responded on their effects on the perceived affective quality and work-related quality. The results revealed that indoor soundscape perception can be interpreted in a comfort–content dimension and is significantly influenced by worker interactions such as conversation and laughter. Increased comfort improved the work environment preferences, and increased content significantly influenced the perceived productivity. Considering the factor score of the comfort–content dimensions, these results suggest the need to design a balanced OPO sound environment with preferred and productive zones by ensuring comfort and content distributions in the ranges of 0.3–0.7 and 0.6–1.2, respectively. The need to achieve an appropriate level of content in the indoor soundscape is confirmed, contradicting the notion that OPOs should be quiet. Therefore, these results can guide the design of sound environments in open office spaces.