Effects of sound in offices: subjective experience vs objective assessment

Purpose To guide facilities professionals regarding the use of scientific research and provide an objective framework in the decision making on facilities planning and management. Design/methodology/approach Eleven abstracts of scientific studies addressing the effects of sound in offices are reviewed and discussed. The correlation between subjective experience and objective assessment is investigated. The study indicates that subjective experience seldom parallel the objective assessment of the effects of sound in offices. Findings Few of the abstracts use standardised assessment strategies. This impairs comparison between studies. There is seldom convergence between end‐users’ view on the workplace (subjective experience) and the view of designers and facilities managers (objective assessment). This might make communication difficult between the users and professionals in projects. Research limitations/implications This pilot study needs to be extended to a larger sample to confirm the results. Also, it indicates the need of measurement procedures and metrics that better correlate to the subjective experience of sound, to facilitate comparison between field studies. Practical implications This paper will help workplace managers and/or designers to make a better use of research in the decision making. It should not be used alone and should not replace the involvement of staff in the implementation of new work styles. Originality/value This paper stresses the importance of both research and end‐user involvement in design and management of workplaces. Also, the role of facilities managers as mediators between research and the end‐users of the facilities is emphasised.