Acoustics and Workplace Productivity: The Unseen Connection

Architecture, Fire Safety, Research, Sound, Sustainability

Acoustics and Workplace Productivity: The Unseen Connection

November 6, 2023
2:00 am

The Significance of Acoustic Ergonomics

Ergonomics, commonly associated with physical designs such as chairs and keyboards, also encompasses the acoustic environment. Acoustic ergonomics – the science of designing auditory environments to optimise human well-being and overall system performance – plays a crucial role in workplace productivity. An environment riddled with distracting sounds can impede concentration, while a well-curated sonic space can enhance focus and efficiency.

Impact of Ambient Noise on Cognitive Performance

Ambient noise, or background noise, affects cognitive performance differently based on its type and volume. Research shows that intermittent speech is more distracting than continuous ambient noise, like the hum of an air conditioner¹. It’s not just about volume; the nature and predictability of the noise matter.

Distracting Conversations

Overheard conversations can disrupt a worker’s flow state. The brain instinctively tries to make sense of speech, leading to involuntary eavesdropping and a consequent decline in task performance².

Constant Ambient Noise

Steady, predictable noise levels can sometimes aid concentration. White noise, for instance, has been shown to improve cognitive performance in some tasks by masking more disruptive noises³.

Benefits of Acoustic Design in Workspaces

Implementing effective acoustic design in workplaces is not merely about reducing noise, but also about creating a sound environment that fosters productivity.

Soundproofing

This includes adding barriers and absorbers like acoustic panels, ceilings, and carpeting. Such features minimise the intrusion of external noises and prevent the reverberation of internal sounds⁴.

Zoning

Designing spaces based on activity can isolate noise. For instance, creating dedicated zones for collaborative activities and quiet areas for focused work can prevent the overlap of disruptive sounds⁵.

Sound Masking

Introducing specific sounds can help mask disruptive ambient noise. Systems that add a soft, unobtrusive background sound to an environment can reduce the intelligibility of human speech, making it less distracting⁶.

Striking the Right Balance

While the absence of distracting noise is crucial, a completely silent workspace isn’t necessarily ideal. Humans perform best under moderate ambient noise levels, which enhance processing difficulty, leading to abstract thinking and thus fostering creativity⁷. Workspaces should aim for a balance where ambient noise levels aren’t too high to be distracting or too low to be stifling.

Empirical Insights and Future Research

The nexus between acoustics and workplace productivity is undeniable. As workspace designs evolve, understanding this connection becomes even more pertinent. Future research must delve deeper into understanding the specific nuances of how different soundscapes affect varied tasks and diverse individuals.

References

Banbury, S. P., & Berry, D. C. (2005). Office noise and employee concentration: Identifying causes of disruption and potential improvements. Ergonomics, 48(1), 25-37.
Jones, D. M., & Macken, W. J. (1993). Irrelevant tones produce an irrelevant speech effect: Implications for phonological coding in working memory. Journal of Experimental Psychology: Learning, Memory, and Cognition, 19(2), 369.
Szalma, J. L., & Hancock, P. A. (2011). Noise effects on human performance: A meta-analytic synthesis. Psychological Bulletin, 137(4), 682.
Hedge, A. (1982). The open-plan office: A systematic investigation of employee reactions to their work environment. Environment and Behavior, 14(5), 519-542.
Kim, J., & de Dear, R. (2013). Workspace satisfaction: The privacy-communication trade-off in open-plan offices. Building and Environment, 70, 245-253.
Loewen, L. J., & Suedfeld, P. (1992). Cognitive and arousal effects of masking office noise. Ergonomics, 35(9), 985-993.
Mehta, R., Zhu, R., & Cheema, A. (2012). Is noise always bad? Exploring the effects of ambient noise on creative cognition. Journal of Consumer Research, 39(4), 784-799.

Published

November 6, 2023
2:00 am