Noise: The Open Office Conundrum

There’s been a lot of discussion lately about open office environments. According to many they’re problematic, with ‘too much noise’ and ‘hard to concentrate’ topping the list of complaints. The reality is, open office environments can be more distracting than traditional office layouts, but I still believe the pros outweigh the cons – especially given the fact that there are ways to mitigate noise if you take the right approach both in designing the space and in applying the latest technologies to manage distraction.

First let’s consider some of the pros of an open office environment:

• Savings related to real estate and facilities simplification can be significant. 
• Light, well ventilated spaces, especially those evoking nature, can reduce stress.  
• Lower/no walls makes collaboration easier and encourages team engagement.

Now to the cons and most particularly the issue of noise. People who move from offices or cubicles to an open office environment often report that they’re impacted negatively by noise. In many studies, noise is a top complaint people have about their workplace because that noise is triggering an even bigger problem – distraction. Studies show that on average it can take up to 23 minutes to get back on task after becoming distracted. And quite often that distraction is the result of overhearing conversations. But it’s not just any type of chatter that will tip the scales into distraction.  The intelligibility of the conversation is the issue; when you can make out words or understand the overheard conversation. If it’s a murmur or not intelligible it has little impact.

While there are no silver bullets, at Plantronics, we designed, built, and work in an attractive open office environment. The space was created for a few reasons. We wanted the cost savings, increased collaboration, and flexible space, but more importantly, we wanted a living lab for acoustics research in modern work environments. We wanted to experience then resolve the problems today that our customers would have in the future.

We believe more businesses will move to a practice that we call Smarter Working, part of which relates directly to preferred work space and work styles. In the office, an associate might choose to sit at an open desk area, or move to an enclosed team room or a dedicated focus space. Or they might choose to work from home or a coffee shop. We fully embrace the idea that work is more about what you do and not about where you sit while doing it. Are you productive? That’s what matters.

Plantronics has applied more than 50 years of research and expertise towards solving some of people’s most challenging communications and acoustic problems. Our knowhow helps create environments where noise distraction isn’t an issue. Our solutions create a great acoustic environment in the open office, on the go, and from noisy places like cafes, airports, or elsewhere.

We’ve been leaders in the audio space for decades. It is our goal to make a variety of solutions that not only help mitigate sound so you can focus and stay in the zone, but our devices are also incredibly comfortable and many offer simultaneous-device connectivity; so use them with your smartphone or your laptop – either one rings you just say ‘hello’.

Now, if we take another look at our initial pros and cons, the benefits of an open layout start looking much stronger when you eliminate the ‘cons’ of noise and distraction. Moving forward, we’ll continue introducing solutions that will help make open concept work environments, as well as traditional cubicle-style set-ups, even more enjoyable and productive. And who knows, maybe we’ll even change a few minds along the way.