Can Everyone Hear You at Work? Here’s How to Fix That
Why speech privacy matters more than ever — and what you can do about it
Have you ever been in a meeting room or open office and realized… everyone can hear everything?
You’re not alone.
Most offices today weren’t designed with privacy in mind. Glass walls, open layouts, and shared spaces look modern — but they don’t do much to stop sound from travelling. That creates awkward moments, distractions, and real concerns about confidentiality.
So how do you fix it?
Let’s break it down.
The Problem: Everyone Can Hear Everything
In busy offices, especially in government, legal, healthcare, and financial spaces, this is a real issue:
- Private conversations don’t feel private
- Employees hesitate to speak freely
- Clients may overhear things they shouldn’t
- Staff struggle to focus in noisy environments
It’s not just about comfort — it’s about trust and professionalism.
The Common Fixes (That Don’t Work Well)
Some teams try:
“Quiet zones” (that still carry sound through walls)
Extra drywall or insulation (expensive and disruptive)
White noise machines (too loud, not targeted)
These can help a little, but they’re not built for real, consistent privacy.
The Better Fix: Sound Masking
Sound masking is a smarter solution. It gently fills your space with a low-level, unobtrusive background sound — like airflow — that makes it harder to overhear conversations.
Here’s what makes it work:
Custom-tuned to your space: It adapts to how sound moves in your office
Automatic volume control: It adjusts based on the noise in the room
No need to speak louder or change habits: It just works in the background
It’s not about making things louder — it’s about making voices harder to hear clearly from a distance.
Real-World Benefits
When sound masking is installed properly:
Private meetings stay private
Staff feel more comfortable making calls or handling sensitive info
Distractions drop — and productivity goes up
Visitors and clients notice a more professional feel
In short, your team gets more peace of mind and fewer interruptions.
A Real Example from a Saskatchewan Client
One of our recent clients — a government office here in Regina — came to us with a familiar challenge. Their employees were working in a large open office environment, and the constant background noise was starting to affect focus and comfort.
Even though the team was doing their best to stay productive, conversations carried easily, and people felt distracted during calls or when trying to concentrate.
We visited their office to review the sound challenges and layout. After assessing the space, we recommended a zone-based sound masking system tailored to their needs. The system was set to gradually ramp up over several days, giving staff time to adjust to the new background sound naturally.
Once fully active, the change was immediate. The space felt quieter, even though the overall noise level hadn’t changed — because conversations no longer stood out. Staff said they felt more comfortable and focused throughout the day.
That’s the power of proper sound masking.
Local Help, Canadian-Made
At Hillman AV, we install sound masking systems across Saskatchewan using high-quality, Canadian-made products built for modern workspaces.
Our systems are designed to deliver real results — with simple control, professional installation, and long-term reliability.
Want to Know if It’s Right for You?
We offer a free sound check.
We’ll come out, look at your space, and let you know what would work — no pressure, no pushy sales talk.