Noise and stress prevention at work

No matter how loud they are, noise is an integral part of everyone’s professional life. Every job has its own, from the sound of the door opening for a bus driver to the continuous buzz of computers in an office environment. Even though it is often downplayed by employers, noise can cause damage to the health of employees and ultimately to the company’s productivity. What can be the impacts of occupational noise pollution? And above all, what solutions exist to prevent it?

Noise at work: what consequences?

For Health

Exposure to high levels of noise in the workplace can cause hearing fatigue. It is characterized by the appearance of continuous ringing in the ear. It should be noted that this is an unpleasant but generally mild ailment, with doctors usually prescribing patients to evolve for a while in a calm environment, so that the inconveniences disappear.

Continued exposure to a larger source of noise can cause hearing loss of varying severity. They are characterized by destruction of cellular elements of the inner ear whilst their role is crucial in driving the sound.

Collateral damage: the appearance of stress symptoms that can affect the most vulnerable. According to scientific studies, exposure to noise above the body’s tolerated threshold decreases the body’s ability to provide restful sleep. Workers then feels permanent fatigue. In most severe cases, it can even lead to cardiovascular disease. It is therefore important to recognize the symptoms in time and seek medical attention.

For business productivity

Concentration is the first affected by noise pollution. Here again, scientists recommend operating in an environment producing a maximum of 55 decibels. Above this threshold, the concentration of workers falls inexorably.

As mentioned above, fatigue generated by stress can prove to be a real brake on productivity. Even if its impact is still difficult to quantify today, policymakers would do well to pay attention to it.

Noise at work: what solutions?

The most common response given by business leaders to noise pollution in workplaces is the acoustic cabin or box. Often as functional as it is design, it allows you to work in peace and meet confidentiality needs. Particularly popular in open spaces, it allows the area to be partitioned and workers to recover when feeling the first signs of hearing fatigue.

There are several models in the market. The Phone Box inspired by old telephone booths, from the time when there was no cell phone. Its individual model is equipped with conventional and USB sockets as well as a lighting system. Reviews also note the sleek design of most models.

The Meeting box is, as its name suggests, designed to accommodate 2 to 5 people. In short: quiet and confidential meetings. It is notably equipped with a double air fan (because it is designed, unlike the Phone Box, to accommodate people for longer period), an optional table, recessed LED lighting and a block sockets.

Individual or designed to host work meetings, the acoustic box is a real response against increasing noises in workplaces. Especially in open-spaces, allowing better communication between employees but above all increasing stress factor for them too.