New research from Jabra, carried out among 2,000 knowledge workers, shows how important sound is for mental, emotional and physical well-being in the workplace. Almost three-quarters (74%) of respondents say that working in a noisy environment makes them mentally tired and that clear, high-quality sound improves their ability to focus on tasks.
As businesses continue to push for workers to return to the office, nearly half (47%) of respondents say they are stressed by noise in the office that makes it difficult for them to focus.
According to Jabra’s survey, 37%, for example, find it challenging to be productive when colleagues answer calls at their desks without headphones on. 39% report that it is as difficult to lead as it is to participate in video meetings under these conditions.
High noise levels strain legs for mental well-being
Noisy environments have a significant negative impact on mental health and well-being in the workplace: almost three-quarters (74%) say that working in a noisy environment makes them mentally tired. In addition, almost two-thirds of respondents agree that working in a noisy environment makes them physically tired (63%) and it is difficult for them to feel passionate about their work when working in such an environment (63%).
But it’s not just a high noise level that affects mental well-being, so does poor sound quality. Over half (54%) of knowledge workers say that poor audio quality during an online meeting negatively affects their well-being. 74% say that clear, high-quality sound improves their ability to focus on tasks and projects.
Knowledge workers also believe that higher audio quality in meetings can have a positive impact on their interpersonal skills in the workplace through clearer communication (43%), improved collaboration (40%) and improved communication skills (37%).
Noise is an employer’s responsibility
While noise has a negative impact on overall mental health and well-being, knowledge workers believe that employers have a responsibility to address the issues This can be done, according to 37%, by offering noise-cancelling headphones as part of standard office equipment and allowing employees to work from home more often (37%). One in three (32%) suggest their employer designates specific areas for different types of activities, such as quiet zones or collaboration zones, to ensure employees have the best conditions to perform optimally and achieve mental well-being.
In other words, the study shows how crucial it is that a quiet working environment is established and emphasizes the need for clear guidelines and solutions to reduce noise disturbances in the offices. Solutions which, among other things, can have a great impact on how companies design their office environments in the future, as well as the equipment they make available to employees if they want to increase productivity and general well-being.
Source: nettips.dk
