Companies Grab ‘Distraction Innovations’ Opportunities As People Return To The Workplace

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In the wake of a global shift towards remote work prompted by the COVID-19 pandemic, a significant challenge has emerged for employees returning to office settings: managing the cacophony of distractions that seem more intrusive than ever before. 


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“As businesses across the globe encourage or mandate a return to the physical workspace, the noise levels and interruptions in open-plan offices have become a major point of contention, affecting productivity and employee well-being,” said Linda Trim, Director at Giant Leap, one of SA’s largest workplace design consultancies. 

Studies show that in workplaces where people's conversations are easily audible, employees experience more interruptions - especially when the topics of conversation are not relevant to the work they are supposed to be doing. It is estimated that reducing his productivity by up to 40% compared to working from home. 

This situation is not isolated; it's a widespread issue as reported by numerous employees re-entering the office environment.

The Impact of Noise on Productivity

Research and surveys, like those conducted by US data services company Leesman, have placed noise levels among the top ten most critical features affecting office satisfaction. 

Only about 32% of employees are content with the current acoustic environments in their offices. This dissatisfaction stems from a variety of sources including louder Zoom meetings, increased collaborative chatter, and the general hubbub that fills open spaces. 

A study from the Journal of Management & Organization further underscores the physiological impact of such environments, showing that typical office noise levels can lead to increased stress, as evidenced by higher heart rates and negative mood swings among workers.

Innovative Solutions to Office Acoustics

In response to these challenges, businesses are not just redesigning; they're rethinking the very essence of office design:

  • Acoustic Furniture and Pods: Companies like Framery, which makes soundproof booths and pods, are seeing success with their soundproof office pods. These modern, enclosed booths, starting at $8 700 (R150 000), provide a sanctuary for focused work or private calls, reducing noise both inside and outside the booth through innovative sound-masking technology.

  • Dynamic Soundscapes: Moodsonic,a technology company working with sound, design and science in the built environment, has introduced adaptive sound environments. By using sensors to detect the office's activity level, it modifies background noise to either soothe or stimulate, depending on the need, with nature-inspired sounds that help mask disruptive chatter.

  • Quiet Zones and Libraries: “Email marketing company Mailchimp in Atlanta, has redesigned their office to include over 60 quiet rooms, a stark contrast to their previous setup. Such spaces are designed with acoustic-friendly materials to dampen sound, fostering areas for silent, focused work. Similar approaches are being adopted by companies like Salesforce, which has created "library" spaces in their new Chicago office to cater to neurodiverse employees and others needing a quieter environment,” Trim noted. 

  • Technology and Policy Adjustments: Beyond physical changes, companies are distributing noise-canceling headphones, rethinking office layouts for more privacy, and even encouraging desk calls to manage the availability of meeting rooms, thereby promoting a balance between privacy and collaborative needs.

The Business of Quiet

The push for quieter office spaces isn't just about comfort; it's a burgeoning business opportunity Trim said. 

Furniture makers, architects, and tech firms are capitalising on this trend with products and services designed to enhance office acoustics. IKEA, for example, has introduced MITTZON, a line featuring noise-reducing materials in its office furniture, reflecting the new demand for environments conducive to both work and well-being.

Future Outlook

As we move further into the post-pandemic era, the office landscape continues to evolve. While some advocate for a hybrid model where efficiency is the sole metric of success, arguing that if employees meet their targets, their work location should be irrelevant.

The reality is that physical office spaces remain central to many corporate cultures. The challenge lies in balancing the need for collaboration with the growing demand for quiet, personal workspaces.

This shift towards acoustically considerate office designs signifies not just a response to current complaints but a proactive step towards creating environments where productivity can thrive without sacrificing the social and collaborative aspects of office life.” Trim concluded. 

Suggested Article:

Open plan office

In today's dynamic work environments, the open-plan office is both celebrated for fostering collaboration and criticized for its propensity to distract. 

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