Is your workplace noisy?
ALTHOUGH I have the advantage of working from home, I still face distractions that often derail my train of thoughts. On normal days, I can work right through the hum of traffic, the afternoon soaps blaring on the television, kids shouting, dogs barking, the doorbell's incessant ringing or some pesky salesman conniving to make me buy some of his `imported' knick knacks. But, then a day comes along when even the sound of breathing is enough to drive me to distraction.
If a home can be such a hub of noise and distraction, what about workplaces? Noisy workplaces can cause real problem for employees. Research indicates that even moderate levels of noise endemic to modern workplace- such as the ringing of phones, people talking, the whirring of copiers- can increase stress levels to such an extent that it can considerably lower the motivation levels in employees.
Often you have little option but to put up for most part with a loud, noisy and boisterous world. So is there anything that can be done to eliminate excess noise at work? There is. Here is what the experts advise.
The most effective approach to dealing with office noise is a simple one, according to Richard K. Fullmer, principal acoustical engineer with Spectrum Professional Services in Salt Lake City. He suggests moving noisy equipment to a room that can be closed off. If it cannot be moved, look for a way to contain the noise behind a barrier.
If the drone of machines or your colleagues conversing in the next cubicle is keeping you from concentrating on your task, try and buy a white noise CD to play in your computer. This means you will be listening to the echo of distant thunder, the pitter patter of rain or just plain static to help drown out the distracting or annoying sounds of your work environment.
`Dress up' your cubicle to cut down the din. You can use plants, curtains, dividers, or carpets that absorb and soundproof your cubicle. They not only help dissipate the noise, they add a touch of class to the workplace too!
Then there are people whose preferred mode of communication is a shout across cubicles ostensibly to communicate with their colleagues. Not for them the intercom or a short walkover to discuss the issue. If it is people who are responsible for the racket in your office, talk to them and point out how their loud behavior is causing distraction to others. They may not even be aware of how loud they are.
Designate a conference room or an area that can be used to escape the noise.
You need to have a quiet place to consult with clients or interview candidates.
Make some noise of your own and urge administration or HR to enact stringent policies regarding cell phone ring tones, speakerphone usage, paging systems and other noise-producing activities.
Simple and friendly "Quiet" signs in hallways and outside conference rooms will help remind co-workers to keep it down when leaving a meeting or heading down the hallway. Get some attractive posters to that effect.
No matter how you look at it— or listen to it— noise is a problem. Even when it is not loud enough to cause hearing loss, noise can cause other problems.
It can be irritating, interfere with communication, make you lose focus and concentration and generally contribute to job stress. Follow these simple and effective guidelines to get the edge off the workplace buzz. And remember, if all else fails, you can always get yourself some good old earplugs and `noise proof' your workplace, the good old fashioned way!
BINDU SRIDHAR
faqs@cnkonline.com
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