Noise Matters

DID YOU KNOW?

headphones icon
32% of people use headphones to block out distraction.

(source: Study from Oxford Economics Study, 2018)

Open Plan Office

The open plan office has been the favourite layout for designers and companies for some time. Not only does it make sense for space planning, it encourages teamwork and collaboration. However, this can be to the detriment of noise levels. The explosion in the use of video conferencing has created a new dimension to this challenge. Having a Zoom call in an open plan office is never a popular decision.

Research suggests that noise and distraction impacts wellness, productivity and even financial performance, yet executives aren’t doing enough to address the problem.

In the Oxford Economics study, 63 percent of employees said they lack quiet space for focused work, which has a negative effect on their productivity, satisfaction and wellbeing. Indeed, employees in the noisiest office environments are more likely to say they may leave their job in the next six months.

96 percent of executives see employee productivity as critical to their financial performance, yet just 40 percent understood the link between noise, distraction and productivity.

The open plan office has been the favourite layout for designers and companies for some time. Not only does it make sense for space planning, it encourages teamwork and collaboration. However, this can be to the detriment of noise levels. The explosion in the use of video conferencing has created a new dimension to this challenge. Having a Zoom call in an open plan office is never a popular decision.

Research suggests that noise and distraction impacts wellness, productivity and even financial performance, yet executives aren’t doing enough to address the problem.
In the Oxford Economics study, 63 percent of employees said they lack quiet space for focused work, which has a negative effect on their productivity, satisfaction and wellbeing. Indeed, employees in the noisiest office environments are more likely to say they may leave their job in the next six months.

Open plan office 3D model

SOLUTIONS FOR SOUND

Silen Space 2

LOHKO FLEX 21

LOHKO PICEA

LOHKO BOX 5

LOHKO BOX 1

PodLounge

Martela Frankie – Conference table with metal A-legs

Martela Drop – Bar stool

Martela PodWork Xpress – Workstation module with high screens

Martela Capa – Modular locker cabinet

Martela PodMeeting Xpress – Table with screen

In Stock: Sono Phone Booth

Martela PodMeeting Cove – Meeting module with table and screen

Martela PodMeeting – Meeting module

Martela PodBooth Meeting – Meeting module for 1 to 6 people

Martela Podbooth – Phone Booth

Martela Noora Meet & Work – Meeting module for 2-6 persons

Martela Podbooth Duo – Soundproof meeting module for 1 to 2 people

Framery 2Q Huddle

Framery One

Framery O Video Conference Ready

Framery QFlow

Framery 2Q Lounge – The Full Size Meeting Room

Framery 2Q

Framery O

Framery Q Meeting Maggie

Framery Q Flip n’ Fold

The open plan office has been the favourite layout for designers and companies for some time. Not only does it make sense for space planning, it encourages teamwork and collaboration. However, this can be to the detriment of noise levels. The explosion in the use of video conferencing has created a new dimension to this challenge. Having a Zoom call in an open plan office is never a popular decision.

Research suggests that noise and distraction impacts wellness, productivity and even financial performance, yet executives aren’t doing enough to address the problem.

In the Oxford Economics study, 63 percent of employees said they lack quiet space for focused work, which has a negative effect on their productivity, satisfaction and wellbeing. Indeed, employees in the noisiest office environments are more likely to say they may leave their job in the next six months.

96 percent of executives see employee productivity as critical to their financial performance, yet just 40 percent understood the link between noise, distraction and productivity.

96 percent of executives see employee productivity as critical to their financial performance, yet just 40 percent understood the link between noise, distraction and productivity.

We now know that excessive noise can create mental fatigue and distraction. A noisy workplace puts stress on employees, who struggle to concentrate and who must find ways to work around the problem. Many people wear headphones to help block out the background noise, but they are often seen as a barrier to creative thinking and collaboration. The mental state of employees may progress from distraction and an inability to concentrate, to irritation, poor job performance, frayed tempers or even anger towards colleagues. And there is a financial impact as well.

Excessive noise can also have a negative effect on the cardiovascular system and long- and short-term memory. In the U.S, the The EPA cites “stress-related illnesses, high blood pressure, speech interference, hearing loss, sleep disruption and lost productivity” as the possible health results of noise pollution. Workers who are aware of these risks may well feel more anxious in a noisy workplace.