Office noise is one of the most frequent complaints amongst office workers, especially in an open office environment. As many companies plan to redesign offices and provide more collaborative space for a hybrid workforce, it is becoming more challenging to address this issue.
A noise-induced workplace can affect employees in many ways –psychologically, physically, and productivity.
Study shows there is a significant causal relationship between open-plan office noise and physiological stress. Participants were placed in a simulated open-plan office for just eight minutes at a time and the results showed that noise heightened negative mood by 25%. Of course, in real life, employees are exposed to noise continuously for a much longer period. The EPA’s “Noise Effects Handbook” also reports that “noise can cause people to exhibit such anti-social behaviour as aggression and violence, though they would not normally do so.”
According to the UCLA Health Impact Assessment, noise pollution can have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system and long- and short-term memory. Interestingly, a Cornell University study on office noise found that those working in noisy office environments are less likely to ergonomically adjust their workstations for comfort, which can contribute to musculoskeletal problems.
Employee wellbeing and productivity go hand-in-hand in the workplace. Noise pollution creates distraction and mental fatigue, which in turn reduces overall productivity. According to a University of California Irvine study, it takes an average of 23 minutes and 15 seconds to refocus and get back to the task.
Does that mean everyone works better in a completely silent office? Not necessarily. You may notice that some people like to put on loud music, work in a busy café and perform better in a rather noisy environment. Stochastic resonance study shows that a small amount of noise may improve cognitive functioning. However, the optimal level of noise that can enhance cognitive functions could be different for everyone.
How do you balance the needs of people who enjoy working with some background noises and others who can only concentrate and thrive in a quiet working environment? Acoustic blinds, curtains and panels may reduce some noise. For optimal noise reduction, a fully enclosed acoustic office pod will provide your employees with the best private and quiet spot for working.
Our portable Acoustix Pod comes in 2-6 people configurations and features acoustic panel walls tested to 27% decibel reduction, perfect for individual work or small meetings. It is also classified as a Class A Speech Reduction Pod (speech level reduction by 30-33 decibels) in accordance with ISO standards, which means it not only reduces noise from outside but also protects the privacy of discussion inside the pod.
Speak to one of our team members to find out more about our Acoustix Pod.