Adaptive soundscaping for a calmer healthcare workplace

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Medibank's Wollongong workplace was designed to support employee wellbeing, neurodiversity and a stronger connection to place. Valeo Technology helped shape an adaptive sound environment that improves comfort, focus and acoustic experience across varied work settings.

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Rather than relying on traditional background audio, the project introduces a responsive soundscape that evolves throughout the day. Nature-inspired environments help reduce distracting noise while supporting focus, calm and restoration across the workplace.

 

Connection to Country

 

A key feature of the project is the bespoke entry soundscape. Developed in collaboration with local Dharawal Elders, the experience takes visitors on a sonic journey from the coastal Five Islands to the summit of Mount Keira.​​​​

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Authentic recordings of local wildlife, including kookaburras, bell miners, cicadas and evening owls, create a living connection to the surrounding landscape. Spoken word recorded on Country welcomes visitors in the morning and gently marks the transition to evening.

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The story behind the Medibank Wollongong soundscape, developed with local Dharawal Elders.

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Designed For Different Ways Of Working

 

Different areas of the workplace are designed to support different activities. Calm sound environments support focused work, while other zones provide a more social and energetic atmosphere.

This zonal approach allows employees to intuitively choose the environment that best supports how they work and how they feel throughout the day.

 

A responsive workplace environment

 

Behind the scenes, integrated sensing and audio technologies allow the soundscape to adapt to activity levels across the workplace. The system can respond dynamically to changing conditions, helping maintain a consistent and comfortable acoustic environment throughout the day.

The result is a workplace where sound becomes an active part of the design, supporting focus, wellbeing and a deeper sense of place.