Behaviour-Based Office Rules – Why Noise Isn’t the Whole Story

Many offices try to reduce distractions through rules focused on noise levels. But it’s rarely the noise itself that’s the issue – it’s the behaviour behind it. As a workplace strategist, you play a key role in shaping a workplace strategy that fosters clarity, concentration, and respectful collaboration.

Why noise-based rules fall short

Noise is subjective – what’s distracting to one person might be energising to another. This makes noise limits hard to enforce or agree on. Instead, focus on:

• Clearly defined behaviours by space type
• Transparent purpose and function for each zone
• Design that encourages the right use – nudging over policing

Examples of behaviour-based norms

• In quiet zones: take all calls elsewhere – even whispers
• In collaboration zones: be mindful of neighbouring teams
• In project areas: indicate your team’s usage times

These kinds of norms are easier to understand, communicate, and follow than “no more than 30 dB.”

What can the workplace strategist do?

You create clarity through space design, signage, policies, and dialogue. Using nudging techniques and social cues, you help build shared expectations and a healthy workplace culture.

Want to dive deeper into nudging and behavioural zoning?

Explore our article on behavioural norms in open offices for practical tips on turning small interventions into big cultural shifts.

At workplacestrategist.eu, our e-learning course will show you how to apply behavioural science, environmental design and communication strategies to build sustainable office cultures – a core skill for every workplace strategist.

Expand your knowledge on workplace strategy by visiting weoffice.eu.