NOISY CO-WORKERS are a part of everyone’s working life. But if an organisation has an open work environment, it becomes a serious problem, and retaining concentration and productivity becomes that much tougher. Moresha Benjamin lists a few ways to cope with noise at the workplace.
Go Online An effective way of reducing noise at the workplace is by using more online communication tools. Social networking sites that are instituted and monitored by the organisation and meant exclusively for its employees are a great way to propel meaningful communication both at the personal and professional level, says Ravi Shankar, senior VP, human resources, HCL Technologies.
Talk it Out Approach loud co-workers directly and make them aware that their behaviour is disturbing everyone. People are receptive to such feedback, and make attempts to contain their behaviour. If they are unable to do so, you could also help them find an amicable solution to the issue at hand, says Surabhi Mathur Gandhi, senior VP, TeamLease Services.
“ Have Policies Place
"Request your manager or HR department to enact company policies regarding cell phone ringtones, speakerphone usage, paging systems and other noise-producing devices. Plants are also good at absorbing noise,” says Meenakshi Roy, senior VP, human resources, Reliance Broadcast Network. HR can also help by regularly reminding employees to use extensions and internet chat while interacting with each other.
Wear Ear Plugs
“Sound cancelling headphones are a great option for blocking noise but are often daunting to the average office-goer given their steep cost. The good news is that there are less expensive (and low-tech) options available like over-the-ear or in-ear buds that typically block out most interruptions,” says Shankar. If you are a music lover, an optimal way would be to replace the noise with music. Listening to your favourite tunes using headphones will also avoid disturbing people around you, says Deepak Kaistha, Director, Planman Consulting.
“Sound cancelling headphones are a great option for blocking noise but are often daunting to the average office-goer given their steep cost. The good news is that there are less expensive (and low-tech) options available like over-the-ear or in-ear buds that typically block out most interruptions,” says Shankar. If you are a music lover, an optimal way would be to replace the noise with music. Listening to your favourite tunes using headphones will also avoid disturbing people around you, says Deepak Kaistha, Director, Planman Consulting.
Use White Noise A personal white noise machine can help one achieve speech privacy in an open office. There is a variety of white noise products ranging from the very low-cost white noise CDs to very high quality multi channel products which cover entire buildings, says Shankar.
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