Noise nuisance
From an economic point of view, open-plan offices are becoming increasingly popular, as they save a great deal of floor space. Yet it appears that sickness absence can be up to 90% higher in an open-plan office.
The causes are a lack of privacy and distraction from noise, which lowers job satisfaction. Human speech turns out to be the most disruptive: 71% of distractions in an open-plan office can be attributed to it. The consequences are impaired cognitive performance, loss of concentration and less efficient working.
Studies also show that communication between employees is not necessarily much improved in an open-plan office.
The importance of acoustics
Proper ergonomic design, such as visual and/or acoustic screening, can tackle the nuisance in open-plan offices. These offices should be fitted with an acoustic ceiling and sound-absorbing screens that both absorb disturbing noise and provide more privacy. It is also important to create different workspaces according to the task. Spaces can be divided based on focused work, phone calls, meetings, breaks and printing.
(source: ergonomiesite.be)
10 benefits of a pleasant, quiet working environment:
- You give employees more privacy when they hold conversations
- You reduce distraction from unwanted noise
- You reduce stress
- You create a confidential atmosphere for clients
- You promote concentration
- You improve your employees' productivity
- You reduce disturbance from noisy colleagues
- You reduce noise from peripheral equipment
- You create a pleasant atmosphere
- You ensure satisfied employees
