How To Manage Office Noise Pollution

HOW TO MANAGE OFFICE NOISE POLLUTION

• Posted by Officework

The primary difference between a buzzing environment and a noisy one is that one keeps you motivated while the other makes you wish you were somewhere else. Certain office layouts, like an open office layout, are made so that employees are constantly interacting with each other. Infact, an open office layout is endorsed by a lot of modern-day businesses. Too much noise however can be distracting, demotivating, and also dangerous. Employees spend almost 8 hours or more in their offices. Being constantly exposed to a noisy environment cannot be good for them or their employers. Ignoring noise in an office can lead to more trouble than employers might want to handle. Here is why office noise pollution is a serious issue. 

OSHA Guidelines and Rules Against a Noisy Office

OSHA stands for the Occupational Safety and Health Administration in the United States of America. According to their guidelines, anything above 85db is not acceptable office noise. In case your employees are exposed to noise above 85db, then the company is obligated to offer a hearing conservation program. In such a situation the employer needs to inform employees about the program and make provisions for them to observe it if they want to. Also, employers are obligated to provide hearing protection for employees. 

If the noise level surpasses 90db then restrictions become more strict. In such a situation the employer is obligated to redesign the work area to minimize the noise. Noise-reducing material needs to be installed to get the acoustics of the place in order. 

Noise Reduction Measures

One of the most affordable and easy ways to reduce noise in the workplace is by installing office partitions. Office partitions are made of different materials. Movable glass walls are an effective way to get the noise down. Also, wooden office partitions serve as an excellent sound-absorbing material. Office partitions can be installed in any office layout. They are easy to install and dismantle. Not only do they help cut down the noise, but they also help create a productive environment and improve the aesthetics of the workplace. Apart from this, several measures can be taken to reduce workplace noise pollution.

•  Designating specific areas where people can work solo and collaboratively is an effective way to control workplace noise.
• Installing cubicle partitions.
•  Vinyl flooring or carpets help keep noise under control. 
• Choosing soundproofing materials for furniture.
• Office plants help improve the air quality and also help create a calmer workplace

The Damage that Office Noise Pollution Causes

Being exposed to noise constantly can cause permanent hearing damage.  Temporary or permanent hearing loss is something to worry about. Noise pollution also causes several health issues. Apart from health issues, a noisy office is not a productive place of work. Most people function well by working by themselves. This is one of the reasons why the cubicle office layout is one of the most effective layouts since its inception in the 1970s. Soundproofing and noise reduction methods are necessary for open office layouts. 

The Solution to Office Noise Pollution in Florida

If you’re looking to create a quieter office space in Florida, we are who you need. Our experts can help you design the perfect office which your business needs. Also, we supply all kinds of office partitions. So what are you waiting for? Call +786 557 5017 today or visit our website for more information.