A recent study conducted by researchers at Concordia University has found that the volume of speech in office environments is influenced by more than just individual speaking habits. Published in the journal Science and Technology for the Built Environment on November 5, 2025, the research highlights the significant role that office design and the type of communication play in shaping how loudly employees speak.
Instead of relying on artificial environments, the researchers examined real-world speech levels in two active offices located in Montreal and Quebec City. Over 70 employees participated in the study, communicating in either English or French. To capture accurate sound levels, high-precision sound meters recorded conversations and other vocal activities across various office settings, including open-plan spaces, private offices, and meeting rooms.
Key Findings on Speech Levels and Office Design
The study revealed that workers tend to speak significantly louder in open-plan offices with partitions. According to Joonhee Lee, an associate professor in the Department of Building, Civil and Environmental Engineering, the presence of partitions may lead employees to feel they can increase their volume. “While the partitions can reduce noise, their full benefit might not be realized, as individuals may feel encouraged to speak louder than they would without these barriers,” Lee explained.
In contrast, the research indicated that meeting rooms maintained consistent speech levels, irrespective of size. Interestingly, teleconferences resulted in slightly higher speaking volumes compared to face-to-face conversations. Moreover, the language used did not have a notable effect on speech levels, suggesting that environmental factors are more influential than linguistic ones.
One of the most surprising outcomes was the discovery that actual speech levels in office settings are generally lower than those established by industry standards. These standards are often based on tests conducted in anechoic chambers, which lack the natural feedback that helps speakers gauge their volume. This discrepancy suggests that current guidelines for speech privacy and noise control in office design may not accurately reflect real-world interactions.
The Role of Background Noise in Office Environments
Lee further noted that an optimal office environment should include a certain level of background noise. He pointed out that completely quiet spaces could be just as distracting as overly noisy ones. “A decrease in background noise only amplifies the perception of other kinds of noise,” he said. “Some degree of background noise actually helps people perform better.”
This research not only sheds light on how office design affects communication but also underscores the need for reevaluating existing standards that guide office layouts. With workplaces increasingly adopting open concepts and flexible working arrangements, understanding the dynamics of sound in these environments is essential for enhancing productivity and employee satisfaction.
The study was conducted in collaboration with Soft dB, an acoustics firm based in Montreal, which contributed expertise on background noise and room acoustics. As organizations continue to adapt their workspaces, findings like these offer valuable insights into creating environments that foster effective communication while maintaining comfort.
For more information, refer to the study: Rewan Toubar et al, “Speech level variation by office environment and communication type,” published in Science and Technology for the Built Environment (2025). DOI: 10.1080/23744731.2025.2551480.
