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Co-mingling leads to co-ringing

October 12, 2009 By

Co-mingling and co-ringing

There’s a reason dating a co-worker is frowned upon in most work places- it’s not that you don’t want your employees to experience a great relationship with someone in your office, it’s that you don’t want them constantly distracted when they should be working. 

Along the same lines, modern technology in open offices presents similar distractions.  Rather than concentrating on their work and meeting their deadlines, most employees find it challenging to keep their mind on the task at hand.  As soon as they do begin to focus, someone’s phone rings or the workers three cubicles down congregate to share a laugh about the weekend’s antics.  Who could ignore that?

Tuning it out

You’ve probably figured out that you can hardly ask, much less force, your employees to tune out noisy distractions.  But you can help them not become distracted by them in the first place by implementing a sound masking system.  Instead of random and sharp distractions, a sound masking system delivers a uniform and peaceful background hum that enables workers to…well, work.  And who could pass that up?

Filed Under: Blog, Business, office noise, Sound Masking Tagged With: , ,
August 27, 2009 By




Cutting costs doesn’t mean cutting corners

Businesses have fewer resources but clients who demand better service.  Every manager is looking for ways to cut costs and somehow not cut corners.  How can you get more from less? 

Maximizing the resource you have

Let’s face it, in an open office sound carries.  As one Cornell study found, “as sound levels increase, the complexity of the task one can complete generally decreases.”  In addition, they found that high levels of noise generally lead to higher levels of fatigue and irritability.  So, you get less or at least worse work from tired and stressed employees. 

The same Cornell study also stated that the best way to contend with excessive noise is by using a sound masking system.  Sound masking provides a uniform and low-level background noise to cancel out unwanted distractions, thus enabling your workers to produce higher-quality work in less time.

Without hiring any new staff, you can increase your company’s productivity exponentially by reclaiming the time lost due to unnecessary distractions. Don’t you think it’s worth maximizing your workers’ time?

 

Mardex, Justin. (2004) Auditory, visual, and physical distractions in the workplace.  Retrieved August 17, 2009 from http://www.scribd.com/doc/13038258/Auditory-visual-and-physical-distractions-in-the-workplace

Filed Under: Blog, Business, office noise, Sound Masking Tagged With: , , , ,

White noise generators and sound masking, the key to a productive office environment

August 12, 2009 By

Most of us experience distraction at work. The funny thing about this is that we usually feel most distracted when we need to finish a report or when we are rushing a presentation. The slightest noise veers us off course. Sometimes we just wish that we can shelter ourselves from such distractions so we can get the job at hand done as soon as possible. But the reality is that the workplace is really littered with noises that we just can’t eradicate.

Nothing can be worse than being unable to focus when you really need to, so cubicle workers and office dwellers need all the help they can get in order to compose their thoughts efficiently and without distractions. This is where sound masking and white noise generators come in.

White noise generators and sound masking is the technology that discreetly tunes out background noises that may prove to be a distraction by altering the ambient sounds locally heard by office workers and cubicle dwellers. By introducing white noise into the environment, it tunes out the other sounds heard in the space it is applied. White noise is commonly used by for song recording purposes when sound levels must be at their highest and most acute, but another application is the drowning out of other distracting noises in the area.

In sound masking, a new sound is introduced in the environment to drown out the unwanted sounds. So this is very different from white noise generators. For some, sound masking can be the use of music, or reading aloud etc. it differs from person to person, and from job types to job types.

There are new technologies that make the most out of white noise generators and sound masking; in fact, there are even cases in which both are combined to completely block out unwanted sounds. However, no matter what the approach, the effect can be greatly felt. The noises that may prove distracting can be drowned out creating a more relaxed and serene working environment.

By eliminating distracting noises in the work place, cubicle dwellers will surely enjoy increased productivity and decreased distractions. White noise generators and the masking of certain sounds will be a sure way to get a serene working environment that is conducive to creativity!

White noise generators are an office employee’s best friend especially when an ambient sound in your workplace distracts you from getting the job done. You know the usual office chatter, keyboard tapping and the mouse clicking; can surely veer you away from concentrating on your work. Sound masking also helps as it supersedes the distracting sound with another ambient sound that is more conducive to get the job done.


Filed Under: Business, office noise, Sound Masking

Sound Masking Helps Workers Focus by Reducing Office Noise

August 5, 2009 By

Back in your school days, did you ever have to slog through your required reading while there was a party going on at a neighbor’s place? If you did, then you know what it’s like to work distracting surroundings. And it also applies to the office environment. Some studies show that noise levels in an office can result in lower levels of productivity in workers. The Data Entry Management Association has found that bad acoustics in the office can result in up to a 27 percent increase in data entry errors. In recent years, noise levels have gone up in the average office. Cubicles and offices are getting smaller and placed closer together, so that it’s hard to tune out the sound of your colleague making a call, or just tapping on his keyboard. Phones and faxes are everywhere, adding to the din of of the workplace. All this has triggered dramatic improvements in sound masking.

Now, this practice isn’t new. The ancient Romans used indoor fountains in homes to mask the noise outside. You’re probably familiar with this phenomenon yourself: have you tried to have a conversation with someone in another room while you’re in the bathroom with the water running? This, in principle, is how sound masking works. Every noise (a conversation, for example) travels at a certain frequency. The human voice is travels at a high frequency. To make it inaudible, you need another sound to offset it: not necessarily a louder sound (which will just drown it out), but another sound with a low frequency that "cancels out" the other sound at the listener’s ear. Specialists use this principle to apply masking to your office. With a series of speakers usually mounted in the ceiling tiles themselves, a barely-noticeable sound is generated throughout the workplace. This sound is soft and non-distracting, and it will mask much of the noise in a busy work environment.

Not all offices are alike. Sound masking technicians will need to asses how to mask your office noise based on the size and shape of the room, which has an effect on acoustics, and on the usual activity that goes on in the work area, as certain offices are naturally more noisy than others. So try and consult a specialist. There are several companies out there that offer sound masking services. They can help you design your office in such a way as to ensure optimum acoustics, which will lead to greater productivity. They can also set up active masking systems for you, and make sure that your environment can help you work harder and focus better.

Today’s average office has gotten much noisier. Sound masking technology is now available to employers who want to help their workers focus and increase their productivity. With effective masking systems, a soft, unobtrusive low-frequency sound is generated by speakers throughout the office, which reduces much of the noise generated in a workplace. Specialists can also consider factors like the size and shape of the room and the usual office noises that can affect productivity.

Filed Under: Business, Sound Masking

Office White Noise System Adds Protection Against Employees Listening To Your Confidential Conversations

May 19, 2009 By

Today’s workplace is a flurry of activity and noise which can make it a difficult place to concentrate. One option to consider is an office white noise system which will mask some of the sounds making for a more pleasant atmosphere.

You increase productivity by making it easier for your employees to concentrate on their work without annoying background noise by installing a well chosen sound masking system.

The best quality of today’s direct-field office white noise systems is that they are set specifically to cover up human speech. Even though the high quality systems make no more noise than an air conditioner, even when working at full capacity, they are still strong enough to block abrasive office noise, phones, and even grouchy co-workers. This system will leave you and your employees free from distraction so that you can focus on the important things.

The most common office white noise system is meant to provide coverage for the cubicle used by one employee. More complex enterprise-wide systems have central control units and distributed speakers to be placed around the office. Productivity and morale will improve if your office uses either of these systems.

Even if you are not in a management position, consider purchasing one of these units for yourself. Your supervisors will be very impressed you took such a proactive step to increase your productivity. If you are in a managerial position, another benefit of these white noise systems is added security. Properly placed and configured units can prevent your employees from overhearing confidential information!

A white noise system in your office will boost the productivity of you and your employees, augment your security, and make everyone happier at work. Keep numbers up and turnover down with these modern devices. Do not tune out this excellent idea!

Today’s high quality office white noise system produce a precise sound spectrum design to mask human speech in particular. These systems, when turned on and fully active, usually sound like a whirring air conditioner. This gentle noise is loud enough to mask harsh office sounds, the phone, complaining coworkers, and more. Yet the sound itself is so basic that it is easy to tune out, leaving you and your employees free to focus on work. If you have never used a sound masking system, consider searching the web for examples, fundamentals and pricing.

- Frank Barnett

Filed Under: Business

Sound Masking – Attenuating Sound At Work

March 18, 2009 By

Call Centers are noisy places. No matter how carefully you position the workstations, or how good your audio and call equipment is there will be office noise to deal with, noise to plan around, and noise to eliminate. Furthermore, there is always the issue of sensitivity in conversation to deal with. If people call into a Call Center and sense background noise and chatter they are more apt to regard the Center as a fly-by-night operation and potential fraud risk. Not only ergonomics but psychology must rule the construction of a good Call Center.

If the Call Center has to deal with any sort of customer service, you’ll be dealing with issues of call sensitivity. Offices all over the place which have customer service arms must consider this factor, whether the Call Center is located off the company campus or is in-house. This is the case as well for government and military operations, contractors with clearances, or corporate meeting areas in private corporations. You are at risk in any place where you deal with personal info.

Because of the unique properties of sound, it is able to pass through many materials such as parts of a building. If someone is intent on hearing the conversation of somebody else, they would likely be able to do this using machines specifically for this purpose. Also, privacy can only be kept if the most careful measures are taken to do so.

Conventional acoustic treatment techniques include the creation of rooms that have high sound attenuation. This means diminishing the intensity of the sound that is traveling through a medium and is achieved via absorption, spreading, or scattering the sound. Many organizations don’t have money available for high-class attenuation and thus look to another option: sound masking.

Sound masking basically fills in the sound spectrum and makes speech less intelligible in given places. Usually confused with noise cancellation, sound masking will not truly change the frequency of a sound wave. It just covers it up. This technique of ensuring acoustic privacy is often the most effective in regard to the return on the investment.

Basically, the benefits for the Call Centers are not just the safety of the conversations but also the lack of equipment intrusion. Sound masking, if installed properly, reduces costs for cubicle walls while also greatly enhancing the overall environment. It also reduces the risks of clients or customers overhearing other customers’ private info when call center reps repeat it back to them.

Call Centers will benefit greatly from masking and workers’ health will improve, since background noise is such a stressor. For the health of the employees, giving them a workplace environment protected from extraneous noises is vital. For both customers and employees, sound masking is a great help for all Call Centers.

Call centers, by definition, are noisy places. After all, everybody is talking! It is important,however, that this office noise not be allowed to define the business to the client. No one wants to think their personal information is at risk. Since sound can pass through almost all mediums, the office managers should consider sound masking. Masking doesn’t cancel the sound but fills in the spaces of the spectrum so speech is not identifiable and the result is a white noise. Masking is more cost effective than other methods. The results are more pleasing to both the workers and the clients.

- Frank Barnett

Filed Under: Business, Sound Masking Tagged With: ,

Sound Masking Systems Guide

February 27, 2009 By

Businesses need to get the most from their workers in order to maximize their profits. Greater, mopre focused output from workers results in a more productive business. Companies can realize the full potential of their employees by providing a working environment that is free from anything which could hinder the workers and reduce their productivity.

Sound masking systems are the best way of improving the business and their working environments. Offices are normally busy places and installing this system makes it lively. Busy workers normally make noise, even though they are good for business. Usually if the workers talk over the phone, use equipment; discuss business matters, typing on the keyboard and team meeting.

There are some specific causes of excessive noise in offices. One factor is the design of the typical office. Most offices have multiple work stations in the same open area. Even if these workstations are partitioned off into cubicles, the noise from one travels throughout the entire area.

Another cause of noise in an office is equipment. Computers are far quieter than old typewriters, but can still make noise from speakers and keyboards. Faxes and copy machines also make lots of noise which might distract workers. If a reception area is open to a work area, more noise is made by customers and clients as they come and go.

Talking in the office atmosphere leads to noise on the floor, which cannot be controlled as we cannot restrict employees talking each other. Because in an office they have to communicate with their co-workers to get the things done and it is not a school to restrict them. So, obviously noise would be produced by their conversation and mechanical sounds. We can implement online chat messenger to the employees, so that they would speak less and we could control noise to some extent.

Background noise cannot be avoided, but it may be masked with the generation of office white noise to combat it. White noise is produced via sound masking systems. These systems will generate sound waves that cover the offensive office noise. Sound masking systems will improve a work environment by reducing hindrances and distractions caused by office noise.

Reduction of employee tension is a very real advantage of sound masking systems. The continual distraction of background noise is highly tension-producing. Those who are working can become irritated by the disruptive interactions of other employees as well. Therefore, a firm that installs a masking system can make the workplace a better place to function in and ameliorate both office relationships and productivity due to greater job satisfaction.

At any one time, workers may be making phone calls, discussing business, using office equipment, or doing other work activities. In order to reduce the noise level, workplaces can install sound masking systems. Computers send out a lot less noise than old typewriters, but they still send out noise because of the keyboards and speakers. Having a reception center is in the same area as the work area, then more noise is made by customers and clients that are entering and exiting. One obviously can’t eliminate every bit of office noise, but one can mask most of it by means of the generation of office white noise.

Filed Under: Business, Sound Masking

Trouble Concentrating At Work? Try An Office White Noise Machine.

February 23, 2009 By

Occasionally it can be difficult to maintain focus in the workplace. Noisy coworkers and copiers, blaring telephones, even shouts from beyond the office can all interrupt you at work. These distractions contribute to making it harder to concentrate on the work you are assigned.

In the event that you are confronted with stumbling blocks like these, think about using office white noise equipment. White noise devices can lessen the capacity to hear distracting sounds, making it simpler for your mind to concentrate. Following several minutes, your ears actually ignore the irritating sounds, facilitating your ability to relax and focus.

Workplace white noise equipment is a type of sound masking machine that generates a noise resembling the sound of an electric fan. Simple models entail air flowing through apertures in the equipment’s casing that produces the sound. Moreover, the placement and dimension of these apertures may be adjusted to raise or lower the decibel level of the white noise.

Please be advised, though, that you ought to steer clear of digital sound-making equipment, CDs or MP3s, since they usually play a pre-set sound loop. Numerous individuals state that they start recognizing a sound pattern with these digital players, destroying their focus. For this reason, be certain to search for equipment that truly produces white noise, and not merely a recording.

Usually small and compact the machine generally has a diameter of around 4" and a height around 2.5". Placing them in a corner area, or under a desk, will not only provide the machine with more surface off of which to ‘bounce’ noise, but also keeps them out of the way. Doing this helps the white noise become a surround noise, helping to better block interfering noises.

Office white noise machines typically run from about $50 to $200, with higher-quality sound usually coming on the higher end. However, the investment is usually worth it. Not having to deal with noisy coworkers and irritating sounds can make working in an office setting much more pleasant. Additionally, getting work done on time without added frustration will make your job more relaxing as well.

Nobody desires to hate their own workplace. Just putting in a sound masking device under a desk could make a big difference. If you’re having trouble concentrating or you find that you are getting annoyed at work, ponder looking into office white noise machines.

White noise devices can lessen the capacity to hear distracting sounds, making it simpler for your mind to concentrate. Office white noise machines are sound masking devices that produce a sound similar to that of an electric fan. Please note, however, that you should avoid digital noise machines, CD’s or MP3s, as they typically run a pre-programmed loop of sound, which actually will cause annoying distractions. White noise equipment for the workplace can cost in the range of $50 to $200, with the top quality sound priced at the top of this range. If you are having difficulties concentrating or find yourself getting irritated by noisy coworkers, think about looking into an office white noise machine.

Filed Under: Business

Sound Masking Solutions For Excessive Office Noise

February 23, 2009 By

People working in busy offices can be bothered by noisy environments and have trouble working. As a result, there is an increase in stress levels and a decrease in productivity. The probability of making mistakes increases as well. Therefore, employers must consider investing in sound masking technology so their employees can share office space and remain productive.

The American Society of Interior Designers released a study recently which demonstrates that office productivity is reduced when noise levels increased. The researchers believe the problem has become worsen by open modern designs in which cubicles replace offices, and electronic noises are commonplace.

The results of study conducted by Cornell University has shown that increased levels of office noise causes increase in stress hormones which decreases energy level and motivation of doing work among employees and hence productivity is decreased .A further research in this field published in the Journal of Applied Psychology ,indicated that this increased stress causes various chronic health problems, such as cardiovascular disease .So the employees unknowingly are bearing the cost of associated health problem with the cost of decreased productivity.

Today’s white-collar employee, who generally has more highly developed skills than those of years gone by, is also more likely to be distracted by an overly high level of noise in the workplace. Just think about the advertising copywriter or technical writer who really needs to concentrate but has to sit close to the sales representative calling potential customers. The salesperson is unlikely to be bothered by the author, but the author may not be able to complete his or her work in the time assigned or to the level expected.

Luckily there are many different devices that can help solve this ongoing dilemma. An employee that is bothered can use ear plugs or white noise machines to keep that negative background noise from the ear.

The outgo solution for businesses begins with offices properly designed to offer employees needful equanimity spaces. For existing offices, the installment of more say insularism, or – noneffervescent modify – a end staff unbroken masking group, can pay for itself with augmented fruitfulness, wellbeing, and employee keeping. With a spreading difference of inexpensive safe masking solutions acquirable, employers no somebody feature make to disregard the capital difficulty of immoderate

People who work in full of activity offices realize the extent to which noise and unrelated discussions sidetrack their attention. These interruptions add to strain levels, decrease efficiency, and add to the likelihood of making errors. Sound mask technology can eradicate their problems. Augmented levels of office noise causes add to in stress hormones which reduce vigor intensity and inspiration of working. But for designed or already existing offices, new installations would cause the budget go out of run. Sound masking system that pays back with increased productivity as employees are provided with calm atmosphere ,they work a lot and the results are with you.

Filed Under: Business, Sound Masking

Office White Noise Ideas

February 18, 2009 By

According to recent research, people working within offices are becoming increasingly less productive than they were in the past mainly because of over-crowding. The problem is that people are having to double up within a confined space, such as a cubicle, which proves to be too distracting for most.

The main reason for the diminished worker productivity in offices is the disruption caused by conversations among employees. Such disruptions happen when face-to-face talking or phone contacts are sufficiently loud as to cause interferences in the usual working patterns. If cubicles are not large enough and the staff is forced to share small spaces, conversational interruptions become a major deterrent to proper office functioning.

If you have ever worked in an office, you know there are distractions there that can derail productivity. One method that has proven helpful in keeping everyone focused is office white noise and one way of providing white noise is through use of a special office white noise machine. These machines are affordable and are as close as your online office supply market.

An office white noise machine makes a sound to create an environment so workers feel somewhere else, like the beach or the woods. Many different selections are possible. With a higher cost model, a special white noise can be created that hides other noises.

Another cause may be the fact that machines are not specifically made to produce white noise. Some of these things are items such as fans or air conditioning machines. Machines such as these can be a low costing solution to the distraction problem in a workplace. However, it is possible that these will not produce a good effect for distractions such as noises as would a noise machine. Either way, you can buy the small white noise machines for each cubicle; or you can purchase a larger noise machine for an entire office.

By using a white noise device, you can make certain that your employees will have higher productivity, this will create better productivity for your entire business. Having a higher productivity creates workers to have more satisfaction, being workers will not become annoyed due to loud noises. Your workers will have less complaints with human resources, and overall will have a feeling of more space and less crowdedness.

Research has shown that a key weapon in the arsenal against distraction in the workplace is the use of office white noise. The main reason for the diminished worker productivity in offices is the disruption caused by conversations among employees. Such disruptions happen when face-to-face talking or phone contacts are sufficiently loud as to cause interference in the usual working patterns. If cubicles are not large enough and the staff is forced to share small spaces, conversational distractions become a major deterrent to proper office functioning. With higher productivity also comes greater worker satisfaction, because workers don’t have to get frustrated because of excessive noise.

Filed Under: Business
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