HEALTHY COMPUTING EMAIL TIP 582: CONTROL THE SOUND
Do you notice it takes more effort to listen when there is lots of background noise? Do you feel exhausted after being in a room with lots of noise? Many sounds including white noise -- used mask out other unpleasant sounds--significantly reduce work productivity. In open plan offices, with lots of background noise, productivity often drops by two thirds. Increase you energy level and improve productivity when you CONTROL THE SOUND*.
HOW TO CONTROL THE SOUND:
Identify and locate all sources of noise such as equipment electrical hum, background music, and slamming of doors. Reduce the noise sources over which you have control such as turning the equipment off until you need it or closing doors or windows. If you do not have control over the source of the sound, wear earplugs or sound attenuating headsets to improve your productivity.
To induce a feeling a relaxation and safety, play nature sounds that include the chirping birds or pleasant music. Biologically, we are primed to relax and feel safe when we hear birds chirping.
*For more information:
http://www.ted.com/talks/julian_treasure_the_4_ways_sound_affects_us.html
