Dealing with noise in the office: that's how it works!

Noise pollution in the office; it is one of the annoyances that we experience at our workplace. Plantronics, a global audio communications leader, recently commissioned a study into whether and, if so, the extent to which employees suffer from noise nuisance from colleagues. In a time when many companies work in the so-called office gardens, the result is not surprising: a vast majority of employees working in an open office are hampered by the 'noise' of others.

• The research is in line with findings from previous international investigations. For many employees, the noise nuisance mainly results in a lack of focus; they are easily distracted and therefore receive less work. People who have their own office or share a space with only one person, therefore, have a lot less noise nuisance in the workplace.

How do you deal with noise pollution?

• The materials used to build the office building plays a significant role in this issue. Many office spaces are made of concrete and glass and, more importantly: without thinking about good sound insulation. So there is a considerable challenge for project developers, etc., who design and build the offices of the future. But that does not solve the current problems. Therefore in this article, several ideas with which you can minimize noise pollution in the workplace.

1. Working from home or flexible working hours

• By allowing employees to work at home occasionally, you solve multiple problems in one fell swoop. Because fewer people are in the office at the same time, you can, for example, rearrange the office space so that there are more safe workplaces where people can work in peace.

2. Installing

• Soundproof screens can be a quick and practical solution to limit noise pollution. For example, there are freestanding walls that are easy to connect to each other and that you can also move quickly. Handy in smaller office spaces or an open office garden where many people work together. A soundproof screen is more than just an optical separation. The walls also dampen ambient noise, allowing you to work focused.

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3. Separate workspaces for different activities

• Everyone who works in an office knows that some events are noisier than others. A quick question from someone from another department to the colleague next to you will get you out of your concentration, but that question is no less important or urgent. Therefore set up different workplaces for different activities. Create a place where people can work concentrated and at rest, for example, in a closed booth or with the help of soundproofing screens. But don't forget the importance of brainstorming and sparring. Make a comfortable place in the office building for that too.

• By the way, acoustics is also an essential factor that you should pay attention to before you move into a new office or think about renting or buying it. Many office buildings are mainly built to look good and are sometimes not functional at all. And that is remarkable! Indeed because the Plantronics research has shown that the majority of respondents cite the noise nuisance of colleagues as what has the most negative effect on their productivity. More than a quarter of the respondents also indicate that less disturbing noises in the workplace would also reduce stress. And if something is terrible for productivity.

Read Also: Relaxation At The Office: 5 Tips For A Relaxed Working Environment