A study on the relationships of acoustic parameters relative to serial recall performance and acoustic satisfaction in open-plan offices

Speech is one of the most annoying noises in an open-plan office. Clear speech reduces work performance, job satisfaction and acoustic satisfaction, and can even weaken mental health. In this study, a laboratory study was conducted to examine the relationships between acoustic parameters and work performance and acoustic satisfaction in open-plan offices. Forty-one students from Huaqiao University in China participated in this study. Their work performance and acoustic environment perceptions were tested under eight acoustic conditions with different speech levels. The serial recall task, a common cognitive task used to determine the effects of indoor environments on work performance in offices, was utilized in this study. Acoustic satisfaction and subjective performance in each acoustic condition were also collected. Examining the relationships of acoustic parameters relative to work performance and acoustic satisfaction in open-plan offices demonstrated that the sound pressure level of speech (LA,S) had a more significant impact on the objective performance of the serial recall task and acoustic satisfaction than background noise level (Lp,A,B) and total sound pressure level (LAeq,total). This work also shows that acoustic dissatisfaction is over 50% when LA,S is up to 48 dBA.