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Noise annoys in the workplace

From ringing phones to humming photocopiers to colleagues’ voices, today’s workers are subjected to a cacophony of sounds at work – and that adds tension to those already feeling stressed out.
The U.S. National Institute on Deafness and Communication Disorders says that comfortable hearing levels should be under 60 decibels.  

Here is a list of decibel levels for a few workplace sounds:

50-65: Normal conversation in an office

60: Background music

70: Conversation in a loud voice

80: Ringing telephone

90: Shouting:

Something that has been a source of problems for workplaces is work station design.  More organizations are going for the open-concept.  However, the open-concept work environment only worsens the noise problem.   

The materials that are being used for work stations now reflect noise instead of absorbing it, something that is a major distraction and problem for employees.  

Tips for reducing noise in the workplace:

Employers:


Do a sound audit.

Develop a workplace respect policy

Soundproof your space.

Provide quiet rooms

Allow staff to tune out with headphones.

Group staff according to the work they do.

Employees:

Use your inside voice.

Ask for help if noise becomes a constant source of irritation.

Silence your cellphone.

Use headphones

Statistics around noise in the workplace:

21%of U.S employees say speakerphones and cellphone ring tones are a major pet peeve.  

18% of British employees state people who talk loudly on the phone are one of the most annoying workplace behaviours.

71% of employees want music to be played in the workplace.  

85% of employees say they are happier when they are listening to music in the workplace

62% of employees say listening to music makes them feel as though they are more productive.  

13% of employees say listening to music at work is not professional. 

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