Previous research suggests that, in open-plan offices, noise complaints may be related to the high intelligibility of speech. Distraction distance, which is based on the Speech Transmission Index, can be used to objectively describe the acoustic quality of open-plan offices. However, the relation between distraction distance and perceived noise disturbance has not been established in field studies. The aim of this study was to synthesize evidence from separate studies covering 21 workplaces (N = 883 respondents) and a wide range of room acoustic conditions. The data included both questionnaire surveys and room acoustic measurements [ISO 3382-3 (2012) (International Organization for Standardization, Geneva, Switzerland]. Distraction distance, the spatial decay rate of speech, speech level at 4 m from the speaker, and the average background noise level were examined as possible predictors of perceived noise disturbance. The data were analyzed with individual participant data meta-analysis. The results show that distracting background speech largely explains the overall perception of noise. An increase in distraction distance predicts an increase in disturbance by noise, whereas the other quantities may not alone be associated with noise disturbance. The results support the role of room acoustic design, i.e., the simultaneous use of absorption, blocking, and masking in the attainment of good working conditions in open-plan offices.
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