Did you know that noise is the number one distraction in the workplace? Further, sounds made by humans are the most distracting. If you have a few loud coworkers, you might not be surprised by this information. 

Excessive noise in the office significantly impacts employee productivity and well-being. In fact, workplace noise pollution impacts the productivity and concentration of 69% of employees globally and can negatively affect focus levels when exposed to just one conversation. On the flip side, offices also need noise to function effectively. Phones have to ring, and collaboration needs to take place. 

So, how much noise is too much? A study by the University of Arizona found that the optimal office noise level is around 50 decibels, which is about the same as a birdsong or moderate rain. Noise in the workplace can occur without interrupting employees’ concentration; you just need to plan for it.

Noise Isn’t All Bad

As frustrating as it is to be interrupted when you’re in the zone by noisy coworkers or a nearby printer, noise is a necessary evil. Conversational noise produces collaboration, networking, and connection among employees. Employers love to see employee collaboration, especially as the future of office spaces leans into the advantages that collaborative spaces offer. However, it’s just as productive to minimize distractions; all noise isn’t bad—there simply needs to be a designated place for it.

Impact on Employees

Unwanted noise harms more than just your organization’s productivity. Noise as loud as a phone ringing, a notification sound, or an overheard conversation interrupts concentration, making focusing at work challenging. Studies have found that after an employee’s state of flow is interrupted, it can take up to 20 minutes for them to regain focus. This issue frustrates morale and decreases productivity, which can lead to an increase in stress. Studies have found that 9% of high cholesterol and 14% of high blood pressure cases among workers could be linked to loud noise on the job. When employees are frustrated by office noise, their bodies release a stress-related hormone—raising blood pressure and damaging their mental health.

Minimize Noise Pollution

Effective office plans know how to achieve the best of both worlds. Implementing reservable office spaces cuts down on excessive noise while still allowing for collaborative conversation. Reserving seating allows employees to choose more isolated areas if they need to work without distractions while allowing others to choose open spaces or designated meeting rooms to work together on a project. 

Relo distributes our proprietary Workplace Productivity Analysis® to determine what needs changing before forming a redesign plan. The Workplace Productivity Analysis finds out what the staff will be doing in the office space and gives employees a protected voice so we can design an office space that reflects everyone’s needs. With three categories of focus, personal workspace, meeting spaces, and additional space, questions are asked about the percentage of time you are in meetings or private calls, what’s most important to be productive, and collecting data to implement the right workplace design. This allows us to minimize noise and create the right collaborative spaces for your office. Relo works with trusted architects who can help achieve an office that suits each individual’s needs. Whether you need a refresh of your office design or you are moving to a new office, Relo is here to help.

Noise is Inevitable, But How We Manage It Isn’t 

Office noise is here to stay, but its negative effects don’t have to. At Relo, we understand that every company has different needs and requires unique designs to create the ideal workspace. We can help you create an office space that fosters collaboration without compromising productivity through noisy distractions, setting you up for success. Reach out to us for a consultation.