Right arrow Raised Access Flooring for Call Centres

Raised Access Flooring for Call Centres Supporting IT and Power Layouts

Raised access floors provide the service routes that keep call centres running: structured cabling, power feeders, network links and patching paths beneath seating banks. The behaviour of these floors affects acoustic control, panel stability, footfall noise and the reliability of cable distribution. This article builds on insights from our work with acoustic flooring in call centre workspaces, extending the focus to how panel systems support IT-heavy environments.

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20 +

Years
Working With Access Floors

Call centres rely on consistent floor behaviour under dense seating layouts, headset hubs and IT bundles. Raised access systems must manage weight distribution, routed services and thousands of chair movements each day. We align panel specifications, pedestals, bracing and finishes with the operational pattern of the workspace so that IT distribution, acoustic goals and operator comfort remain predictable throughout the building’s lifecycle.

Right arrow The Role of Access Floors in Call Centre Operations

A modern call centre may support thousands of voice connections, data links and auxiliary systems. Raised access flooring allows this infrastructure to be hidden from view while remaining accessible for maintenance, upgrades and layout changes. Panel integrity, pedestal spacing and finish choices influence how stable seating clusters feel, how easily cable trays can be reconfigured and how movement noise transfers between zones.

On new builds, access flooring requirements can be established during concrete slab installation, ensuring levels, tolerances and fixings align with panel systems. On refurbishments, targeted resurfacing works can improve compatibility between existing slabs and new panel types, while reception and visitor areas may adopt polished concrete adjacent to raised systems without compromising stability.

Right arrow Key Requirements for Access Floors in Call Centres

  • Panel stiffness that supports dense seating clusters and continuous chair movement.
  • Consistent levels between adjacent zones, including meeting rooms and quiet spaces.
  • Clear pathways for IT cabling, power feeds and telecom bundles.
  • Stable interfaces at transitions, reducing noise transfer and step variation.
  • Capacity for reconfiguration when headcount, clusters or equipment change.

Right arrow Common Issues with Access Floors in Call Centres

Many operational problems arise not from the IT equipment itself but from floor systems that were not designed or maintained with modern call centre demands in mind.

Loose or uneven panels transmitting footfall noise into neighbouring desk clusters.

Cable congestion under seating rows leading to difficult maintenance and restricted airflow.

Panel edges catching chair castors or trolleys, causing vibration and operator disturbance.

Inconsistent levels where raised access meets fixed floors at entrances or meeting rooms.

Underfloor routes conflicting with power, comms or cooling layouts during reconfiguration.

Access hatches placed in high-traffic strips, creating noise and movement challenges.

Right arrow Our Approach

How We Integrate Access Floors with IT and Power Layouts

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STAGE 1

Reviewing IT, Power and Seating Requirements

We begin by mapping seating clusters, network cabinets, power distribution units and headset hubs. This gives a clear understanding of where high-density cabling must run and how frequently technicians need access to underfloor routes. Acoustic behaviour is also reviewed to ensure compatibility with findings from call centre acoustic studies.

Double arrowsSTAGE 2

Defining Panel, Pedestal and Routing Strategies

Using the operational map, we specify panel densities, pedestal spacing, bracing requirements and routing corridors that avoid congestion. Interface heights, transition profiles and access hatch positions are coordinated so that movement noise, step variation and vibration are kept predictable across the workspace.

Double arrowsSTAGE 3

Implementing Works Around Live Operations

Many call centres operate long shifts or stay open continuously. Upgrades are phased so that high-use areas remain available, with cabling, panel replacement and finish installation timed around changeovers or low-demand windows. Particular care is taken with hatches and transitions to ensure the system remains stable throughout the works.

Panel Stability Under Seating Banks

Seat clusters create concentrated loads and constant movement. We ensure panel stiffness and pedestal support match the density and layout of each operational zone.

Clear Underfloor Routing Paths

Effective routing prevents congestion and overheating and simplifies maintenance. Cable trays, power feeds and telecom bundles are organised so that technicians can work without disrupting adjacent desks.

Predictable Transitions and Interface Levels

Meeting rooms, quiet areas and corridors must connect smoothly to raised floors. We design transitions that avoid step variation, vibration and unwanted noise transfer.

Service Flexibility for Future Layout Changes

Call centres evolve frequently. We ensure routing and panel systems are prepared for new seating plans, revised network layouts or expanded equipment zones without major disruption.

Get a Quote for Access Floor Integration

We support call centres across the UK with access floor planning for IT routing, power distribution and workspace reconfiguration.

Contact us to discuss your call centre flooring requirements:

Right arrow FAQ

Access Flooring in Call CentresCommon Questions

Why are raised access floors used so widely in call centres?
They allow power, data and telecom routes to be distributed beneath the workspace while remaining accessible for upgrades and maintenance. This flexibility supports dense seating layouts and frequent reconfiguration.
How does panel quality affect call centre performance?
Panel stiffness and fit influence movement noise, vibration and the stability of seating clusters. Poorly fitted panels can disturb operators and reduce acoustic clarity across open-plan areas.
Can access floors be upgraded without major disruption?
Yes. With phased works, panel replacement, routing improvements and finish upgrades can be delivered around shift patterns so that essential seating areas remain operational.
Do access floors cause noise problems?
They can if panels or pedestals loosen over time. Correct specifications and regular checks help maintain consistent acoustic behaviour across the workspace.
What is the first step when planning access floor upgrades?
The first step is to map IT routes, seating density and problem areas such as uneven panels or noisy transitions. This forms the basis for a targeted upgrade plan.