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It’s time to make some noise about workplace noise. Where work gets done has shifted over recent years, but the
work-from-home culture is changing again, with many companies calling employees back to the office. While this
return to office is aimed at boosting productivity and collaboration, it can have negative repercussions. The
flexibility focused reimagining of office spaces and work practices has failed to effectively consider the
disruptive impact the buzz of daily office life has. Particularly an office life, where workers come in for
collaboration and socializing primarily.
Our latest Jabra research suggests a startling truth that noise and loud environments are more than just
annoyances; they’re actively undermining employee wellbeing and productivity. Fortunately, our findings also
indicate measures for mitigating noise and its impacts. By adopting strategies such as innovative audio
technology, flexible work policies, and intelligent office design, we can alleviate the negative effects of
noise and enhance wellbeing and productivity.
Dive into the key learnings of our research “Making the workplace sound better” and download the full report.
Noise is a significant factor among the numerous stressors knowledge workers often face. Regardless of where they
work, evading all noise can be challenging. Even with the flexibility to choose quieter environments, noise
remains a top stressor, following closely behind workload and poor communication. Therefore, companies should
prioritize addressing noise as a key concern.
02 A loud environment impacts wellbeing more than you think
We all have different tolerances for noise and varying needs regarding the sound levels in our work environment.
However, our research reveals that only a small minority thrive in noisy settings. In fact, less than 10% of
respondents say a loud environment is optimal for their work. Most knowledge workers report that noise
negatively affects their productivity and concentration. By actively reducing noise, companies can create a more
comfortable and efficient workspace, helping employees feel better and perform at their best.
03 The creative ways employees are giving noise the silent treatment
Sometimes employees have to get creative to ensure they can work effectively. Surprisingly, 1 in 10 even confess to retreating to the bathroom to evade noise. However, most employees adopt strategies that are much easier for companies to address. These tactics highlight a clear need for workplaces to provide spaces or technology that offer a disturbance-free environment. By understanding and accommodating these needs, companies can significantly enhance their employees' productivity and well-being.
04 The high cost of low-quality audio in online meetings
In today's fast-paced work environment, the quality of our auditory surroundings significantly impacts our mental
health. Our research indicates that not only environmental noise, but also poor audio quality in calls and
meetings are major stressors affecting mental wellbeing. Knowledge workers report that poor audio quality is
particularly detrimental to their mental health at work. Meanwhile, employees experience a range of benefits
from higher quality audio, suggesting that companies can see several benefits from recognizing the importance of
audio quality.
54%
say that poor audio quality during conference calls or video meetings impact their mental wellbeing
negatively
05 Need a solution? Your employees have the answer!
To create a disturbance-free work environment, knowledge workers often seek specific spaces or technological solutions. They also advocate for these solutions to be officially adopted to successfully mitigate the disruptive effects of noise. The most popular strategies include offering workplace flexibility, equipping employees with high-quality audio technology, and designing office areas to accommodate varying noise levels. Companies embracing such initiatives stand to gain a competitive advantage, as they can create better work environments that enhance employee wellbeing and productivity, regardless of location.
Getting the best of sound in the workplace
In the future of work, success hinges on companies that understand and cater to the evolving needs of their workforce. Creating better work environments to prioritize employee wellbeing enables companies to boost wellbeing and improve productivity, ultimately driving business results. Simple measures - such as allowing work-from-home days or investing in professional audio technology - can significantly mitigate the impact of noise. It's time to tune out the noise and tune into what truly matters.
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