Searching for a way to implement the open-concept office trend but unsure how to overcome the unwanted background noises and distractions that come with it? Insert sound masking: covering up (or “masking”) unwanted sounds with ambient noise creates a more pleasant — and less distracting — environment. Learn how to harness the power of sound masking to take advantage of the collaboration and teamwork provided by open-concept offices, while reducing unwanted noises, acoustic challenges and privacy concerns. Our blog is your guide to improving employee satisfaction by adding a little noise.
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Many executives have entertained the idea of implementing an open-concept office space, only to be faced with the same dilemma each time: it can actually lead to increased distraction, decreased productivity and threats to employee and company privacy. In fact, studies have shown that despite 70% of all U.S. offices following the open-concept office trend, it actually decreased productivity by 15%. Why and how should you consider adopting this collaboration-boosting trend without sacrificing employee happiness, privacy and productivity? The “why” is the benefit of a more collaborative environment. The how? Let’s talk about sound masking and its three major benefits.
Sound Masking, Unmasked
The thought of casual coworker conversation in the background of an important phone call can be enough to turn enterprises away from an open-concept office design. By incorporating sound masking devices, companies can reduce the impact of pesky background noises such as the ringing phone, the hum of conversations, or the clicking of a co-worker’s pen by introducing a low-level, unobtrusive background sound to the pre-existing environment. This low-level, broad-spectrum sound, commonly referred to as white noise, blends with the existing landscape and creates an acoustic effect that is soft and comfortable to the ear.
What Can Sound Masking Do For You?
True to its name, sound masking is an innovative way for offices to cover up unwanted noises without changing the physical layout; all that’s required is the installation of small speakers throughout a space. The continuous use of sound masking minimizes the impact of sudden noises, reduces the intelligibility of speech coming from other workspaces, and creates a more consistent acoustic environment.
Here are three major benefits.
1. Increased Privacy
While decreased productivity and increased distractions may be an annoyance, they are both factors that employees and companies can manage with the right strategy and tools.
When it comes to the protection of company assets, however, executives aren’t willing to roll the dice. Sound masking techniques allow for the creation of a secure environment for private discussions by reducing speech intelligibility to those outside the conversation.
On a more personal level, studies show that employees are self-conscious both on phone calls and in meetings, leading to censorship of original ideas, thoughts, and opinions. To combat employees’ feelings of judgment and worries over the protection of ideas, companies should invest in sound masking to create a balanced acoustic environment that keeps private conversations private.
2. Enhanced Concentration and Productivity
One out of five employees find it difficult to effectively complete the task expected from them when they are working in an open-space layout. Sound masking can minimize the distractions inherent with overhearing project updates, lunch plans, or weekend escapades in an open-concept office.
3. Reduced Stress and Increased Overall Employee Satisfaction
The consistent, peaceful sound produced by ambient background noise creates a calming and stress-reducing environment — the first step to promoting employee well-being. This calming background noise, paired with the natural reduction of distracting sounds, has been shown to lower stress levels and in turn increase feelings of satisfaction at work.
If you’ve been on the fence about implementing an open-concept office, sound masking may be the tool that pushes you over the edge. This technique has proven to be integral in successful open-concept offices, providing privacy, concentration, and comfort without putting up walls. Ready to take the next step to improve your team’s satisfaction and productivity? Check out our workspace solutions.
