Office suites are designed to keep noise to a minimum. Unfortunately, most employees do not benefit from this design goal as there is a simple flaw in the plan. Noise travels up and over most cubicles and creates a constant background distraction. Employees find it difficult to complete their own work while constantly filtering out the conversations of others around them.
So, how are you supposed to deal with a noisy workplace? Many offices now use sound masking. While this method will not stop noise completely, it helps a great deal by employing verbal privacy. This method has been found to work very well by many companies. Because of the reduced noise, the workers increased their efficiency.
What makes sound masking work? It is in the physics of the situation. Given a subtle background noise in a given room, the other noises or conversations that may be taking place are more difficult to determine from each other. This is called white noise. With white noise you hear the sound but are not able to separate each sound sufficiently to be sure what actually you are hearing.
There are many types of acoustical treatments available. Direct field systems that are installed in the ceiling are the newest and best. These electronic devices emit a subtle sound that prevents workers from hearing private conversations in the room.
For individual employees, a white noise machine is another alternative. This device will play a variety of soothing sounds, mainly nature based sounds like waterfalls, rain falling, or jungle animal noises, which can act to mask low level noise in an office. White noise has been shown to be beneficial, as offices that have these devices reportedly have higher productivity levels among their workers.
No matter which path you choice for sound masking your office, you will see the benefits of taking care of the acoustic annoyance. You want your employees to get along with each other, optimally perform their tasks and be stress free! The small costs of masking office noise today can save you even more in the future.
It is important to use the technique of sound masking in order to increase worker productivity and reduce office stress. While there are several techniques, the best way to mask office noise is to install a “direct field” system into the office ceiling. This way, an unobtrusive sound will be produced that will interfere with the ability of workers to overhear private conversations. Another effective option involves the use of a white noise machine, which will make a variety of relaxing natural sounds to mask harsher sounds found in the workplace. Ultimately, there are many benefits to lowering the level of acoustic annoyance in the office.
- Frank Barnett