In the United States, approximately 26 hours of productivity is lost in a month due to distraction. Breaking it further, roughly 6 hours 30 minutes is expended weekly due to the same distractions, further dwindling the potential excellent work rate of Americans.
It is inarguably correct that the environment plays a critical role in enhancing productivity levels. A recent report shows office noise as one of the factors against focus and productivity. While a large percentage of the correspondents voted mobile phones as their biggest distractor, about 50% of the vote went to office noise, with causes cited as chatty coworkers and side distractions.
In this case, a peaceful work environment is preferred as it helps to boost productivity and keep the mind focused on necessary tasks. This is where sound masking systems are required. This article will explore the importance of a sound masking system in boosting productivity levels in an office.
First, What are Sound Masking Devices?
Beyond affecting an employee’s productivity, excessive noise can derail the well-being of any worker. Excessive noise, when exposed to it for a long time, can potentially lead to stress, fatigue, and other long-term health issues. This report https://www.workamajig.com/project-management-software/top-distractions-at-work, as mentioned earlier, provides more insight into the causes of distraction and how it affects productivity.
Phone notifications, conversations, footsteps, and traffic noise if the office is located close to the road, are leading factors of low productivity.
Sound masking devices are, however, designed to help eliminate these noises that disturb productivity and threaten mental clarity. Here is how:
They are low-level emitting non-distraction masking devices. Room noise cancellation devices are designed to specifically reduce ambient speech and create a peaceful and focused environment. When installed in an office space, they can reduce traffic noise and help in improving speech privacy.
Benefits of Sound Masking System for Office Productivity
- Reduces distraction
Room noise cancellation systems operate by generating an obtrusive background sound that now helps to mask distracting noises. They help in masking noises such as phone calls or conversations from coworkers which can really distract and make someone lose their productivity.
The obtrusive sound that is emitted helps to create a peaceful work environment, allowing workers to focus on their tasks and deliver excellent work completely.
Click here for more information on how room noise cancellation systems reduce distraction.
- Improves concentration
While it is a physical device, the sound masking system’s efficiency is enjoyed mentally. It helps employees filter out unwanted noise with its consistent low-level background sound, which is considered soothing and effective.
It works even better in an environment where the interruptions are uncontrollably frequent. By improving employees’ concentration, the employees can perform complex cognitive tasks.
- Adapts to office dynamics
Interestingly, room noise cancellation systems work according to the office dynamic. It is designed with features that allow it to adequately adjust to the rising noise levels, ensuring that employees can experience consistent noise masking.
This singular feature makes it a must-have in any office setting, as it promises long-term effectiveness without break-ins.
Choosing the Best Sound Masking System
When selecting a sound masking system, there are key factors to consider.
- Uniform coverage
One thing to avoid is choosing a room noise cancellation system with inadequate coverage. This has damaging effects as it can then lead to distracting variations in noise levels – which is even worse because it leaves employees with a disrupted focus.
To avoid this, it is important to ensure that the selected masking system employs the right number of sound masking emitters. This ensures that uniform coverage is achieved all over the workplace without leaving any space out.
- Installation and set-up costs
The fixed budget is another important consideration. While it is better to opt for a high-quality device, which is often more expensive, it is important to find a balance between selecting a high-quality device that is equally affordable and not out of budget.
Some manufacturers might offer a low price. However, the goal is to use a premium device that is durable and lasts for a long period. If you do not find a quality device within the fixed budget, you might have to choose between slightly upping your budget or going for a device with fewer features and quality.
- Centrally controlled vs. Network
While networked room noise cancellation systems require multiple connections and outlets, centrally controlled systems are more reliable and easier to manage. This is major because they are low-voltage and centrally controlled with just one electrical connection.
The network systems, on the other hand, require several connections all along the area which doesn’t make it a practical option for large workspaces.
Sound masking systems with centrally controlled power enable different kinds of sound masking zones.
- Customer review and feedback
It is advisable to look out for other users’ remarks on the room noise cancellation system you are particularly interested in. Manufacturing companies will employ effective storytelling to sell their product even when they might have certain pitfalls that leave you at a loss.
However, other users who have invested heavily financially are more likely to comment on how effective or durable the system is. This feedback would guide you on what sound systems to avoid, and the ones that are good enough. The decision, of course, lies with the buyer. However, their authentic opinions can guide the buyer into making an informed decision.
- Explore Multiple Options
One thing you can explore to your advantage is the variety of competitions out in the market. Fortunately, there are multiple companies out there that can offer you the ideal sound masking system for office productivity. One optimal way to go about it is to explore the different price points, quality, and post-installation services that they offer to help you maximize your cost benefits and user experience.
Find out which of these options best suits your budget, office space, and other requirements on your list.
Final Words
Truly, distractions are almost inevitable where people are gathered. However, the noise masking system is designed to help reduce its inevitability. As mentioned in the sections above, sound masking systems are designed to help tune out distractions and help employees focus on tasks.
Additionally, they also create a peaceful work environment that facilitates innovative thinking and enhances mental clarity. Perhaps, with the widespread use of noise masking systems in offices, the distraction rate might significantly reduce to a healthy number.
