Noise: The Not-So-Silent Stressor at Offices

FM newsroom – office management, productivity, well-being. Noise and loud environments are more than just annoyances; they’re actively undermining employee well-being and productivity, the latest Jabra research suggests. Therefore, companies should prioritize addressing noise as a key concern.

A noisy environment in the workplace is a problem for many companies even today, when employers invest in modern offices. Noise is a significant factor among the numerous stressors employees often face. Even with the flexibility to choose quieter environments, noise remains a top stressor, closely following workload and poor communication.

Solutions through systemic change can lead to a more conducive work environment that will ultimately benefit employees and employers.

Conversations, Calls, Concentration

A noisy office environment is affecting the well-being and productivity of employees. 63% of them have reported concentrating troubles due to noise in the workplace, Property Forum reports based on a current study by Jabra.

Distractions at work lead to reduced productivity, mental fatigue and sometimes even a sense of frustration among workers. The primary noise sources are conversations between colleagues and phone calls, frequent in larger offices or open spaces.

According to the study, 71% of employees are mentally exhausted by noise in the office, 47% admit that noise prevents them from working productively and 49% have problems with phone calls when colleagues at the desk are dealing with their own.

Reducing Noise-Related Distractions

The solution to these problems can be, for example, the implementation of sound masking technology. It can reduce the impact of noise on office operations and cooperation between employees. These measures improve concentration and increase overall well-being and job satisfaction.

Companies should also reconsider the layout of their offices to improve acoustic comfort. It is appropriate to create a balance between spaces for collaboration and areas intended for focused work. This can significantly reduce noise-related distractions.

Another solution is, for example, the installation of acoustic panels on the walls and ceilings, which can reduce the echo. Carpets and curtains, which also absorb sounds, can be suitably incorporated into the overall solution. Also, the appropriate placement of plants in the office can help reduce disturbing noise.

Last but not least, functional division of the entire space and using partitions or screens are also offered. They can separate noisy areas from those where you need quiet for work.

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