Moving from distracted to focused
It’s a sad, but true reality that we get distracted at work. Some distraction is inevitable and even necessary, such as a phone call from the manager or a client’s email that must be answered. However, most distraction is not necessary and is definitely not helpful or productive. I would wager that most of the 2 hours workers are distracted every day is from nonessential distractions and interruptions, such as the most common complaint: conversational distraction. Conversational distraction includes conversations you take part in, as well as those you just can’t ignore because they’re going on right around you.
Why Are Distractions a Problem?
Besides losing those 2 hours of productive work time, distractions are debilitating because they disengage workers from their jobs. Stress levels go up, errors abound, problem-solving skills plummet, and workers start to resent it. This costs businesses billions of dollars in lost time, absenteeism, and turn-over. Thus, distractions are absolutely worth dealing with.
Sound Masking
Sound masking is the art of using technology to mitigate noise problems. There are office-wide sound masking systems that are highly effective for entire floors. However, if you’re in an individual office, what can you do for yourself? There are two great sound machines that are ideal for single offices.
Personal Noise Systems
Sonet Personal White Noise System
If you need comfortable, reliable business-grade privacy, try the Sonet Personal White Noise System. More than a simple sleep aid, the Sonet takes the same highly-quality, targeted spectrum sound used in our enterprise VoiceArrest system, but in a form that works for an individualoffice or cubicle. This is the best solution for those in a single cubicle who don’t have the budgetary authority to provide better privacy for an entire department, floor or building. The Sonet targets the specific area of speech that is most effective in rendering speech unintelligible, while also helping to cover hundreds of other miscellaneous noises so common in an open environment floor plan. Plus, this individual masking unit does not require any specialized knowledge or training to install.
Privacy Guard
Another option is the Privacy Guard. With three integrated high-fidelity speakers and highly customizable sound that adapts to the sound conditions around you, this is perfect for those in a single enclosed office or a home office (versus a cubicle). The Privacy Guard comes with a selection of 10 extremely high quality sound recordings of nature that are up to 30 minutes or more in length. Each recording includes a wide range of complimentary nature sounds that are mixed into the foundational sound track in order to add richness and depth. The result is a natural environment even more conducive to concentration, sleep, or a more soothing sound environment in general at home.
If office noise is a problem for you {and chances are it is}, try a single-office sound masking system to cover the noise.