As open-plan offices become the norm, more firms are turning to acoustic design to protect privacy, improve focus and boost productivity.
Open-plan offices have become the default in many sectors – but their appeal comes at a cost. Lack of privacy, high noise levels, and constant distractions are taking a toll on productivity and wellbeing. In response, more companies are now investing in sound masking and other acoustic solutions to make these spaces work better for both staff and clients.
In finance, law, healthcare, and other fields where confidentiality is critical, acoustic design has become a practical necessity. Sound masking systems, which raise ambient noise levels in a controlled way to block out unwanted sound, are increasingly part of the office fit-out.
One firm that has made the switch is The Chamberlin Group, a financial advisory and wealth management firm based in St Louis. Founded by Don Chamberlin, the company specialises in retirement planning, investment advice, and tax strategies for clients across the Midwest. When it moved to a larger office, Chamberlin saw an opportunity to rethink how sound was managed in the workplace.
Open spaces, private conversations
“In our previous office suite, we used sound masking successfully in individual offices. It kept our clients’ private conversations confidential,” said Chamberlin. “Our new office was set up in an entirely different format. Instead of private offices, we have cubicles with a lot of open space. This created new problems that we had not seen when we had individual offices.”
To tackle the challenge, The Chamberlin Group brought in Callisto Communications, also based in St Louis, to install the Biamp Cambridge Qt X 300 sound masking system. The technology subtly increases background sound to make conversations less intelligible at a distance and reduce the impact of sudden noise.
Designed for productivity and privacy
The system was deployed across open-plan areas, conference rooms, and private meeting spaces, using small emitters to distribute sound evenly. Since installation, staff have reported fewer distractions and greater ability to focus on complex financial tasks.
“The new sound masking system has been even more effective than what we saw in our previous office space when people had their own offices,” said Chamberlin.
Maintaining client confidentiality is essential in financial services – but so is creating a working environment where employees can concentrate. The system helped on both fronts.
Scalable, low maintenance – and good for hearing health
Another benefit was to the hearing health of the firm’s employees. Bad acoustics and poor sound design have been shown by numerous studies to have an adverse effect on staff wellbeing, which ultimately impacts performance. Making hearing health a priority is therefore good for everyone involved.
“At Hearology®, we often talk about hearing health in the context of ageing or medical conditions,” said Paul Verney, Hearology®’s Acoustic Engineer. “But poor office acoustics can cause stress and listening fatigue too, especially in open spaces. Sound masking doesn’t just protect privacy, it helps people work more productively and feel better.”
The Chamberlin Group’s approach shows how careful acoustic planning can deliver practical gains in confidentiality, productivity, and employee wellbeing – without requiring a return to closed-door offices.
References
- Biamp Company Overview - Discusses Biamp’s commitment to delivering innovative audiovisual solutions, which aligns with the implementation of sound masking systems like the Qt X 300 for enhancing workplace environments.
- Biamp products - Highlights Biamp's product offerings, including sound masking systems like the Cambridge Qt X 300.
- Biamp Solutions - Offers insights into Biamp’s products and solutions, including sound masking systems designed to improve workplace environments.
- Cambridge Sound - Provides detailed information about the Cambridge Qt X 300 sound masking system, including its features and capabilities, which supports the claim about its effectiveness in enhancing workplace productivity and confidentiality.
- The Chamberlin Group’s St. Louis Office - Highlights the successful implementation of the Cambridge Qt X 300 sound masking solution at The Chamberlin Group's St. Louis office, corroborating the benefits of improved productivity and confidentiality.
- Why Choose Biamp - Explains why Biamp’s solutions are chosen for various applications, including sound masking for privacy and productivity.
