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Recent research provides business owners sufficient justification for investing in systems designed to diminish office noise and corroborates the widespread experience of office workers far and wide. Anyone ever employed in a busy office knows the capacity to which office noise and conversational distractions lead to wasted time, reduced productivity, higher stress levels, and an increase the frequency of unnecessary mistakes.

Published in the Journal of Applied Psychology, a study by Cornell University researchers discovered that even small quantities of office noise led to higher levels of stress, a decline in motivation, and diminished productivity. An increased stress level, as verified by increased amounts of adrenaline in the bloodstream, is thought to contribute to heart disease and other serious health problems. Not only is there lost productivity, but employers may also be required to cover these related health care expenses.

There is also a study conducted by the American Society of Interior Designers that shows that productivity levels drop commensurate with increasing levels of ambient noise. This study also found that excessive noise is very prevalent in modern day office environments of open cubicles rather than enclosed office space, and an array of electronic devices only adds to the noise level.

Mixed office environments pose particular problems for the modern office worker. For example, a sales person making phone calls from a nearby cubicle can prevent a technical writer, who requires considerable focus and concentration, from producing his or her best work in the allotted time.

Excessive office noise is a serious problem with many available solutions. Ear plugs or earmuffs, as well as desktop white noise machines are often used by distracted employees. Unfortunately because these devices stifle all sounds, they also tend to reduce overall staff efficiency. Distracting noises can be diminished without muffling important sounds by using headphones with active noise cancelling technology.

The wise business decision to help with loud offices noise begins with the correct office design, proper sound insulation, or a well working installment of a sound masking system. The cost for systems have dropped quite a bit over the past years. With the information and the cost being low, a smart employer has no reason to ignore the problem of loud workplace noise.

Research conducted with well known office workers provided more than enough reason for purchasing systems which can cut down office noise. There is also a study conducted by the American Society of Interior Designers that shows that productivity levels drop commensurate with increasing levels of white noise. Mixed office environments pose particular problems for the modern office worker. Excessive noise is a serious problem with many available solutions. Conversational distractions can be diminished without muffling important sounds by using headphones with active noise canceling technology. The smart solution for reducing noise levels begins with the design of the office, along with proper sound insulation.