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The latest research indicates that an organization's environment is extremely important to employee performance. It has as much effect as individual skill and competency. A noisy work environment is detrimental to efficiency. It can really lessen employee output. A good working environment is essential for business success.

So, that explains why keeping office noise to a minimum will improve employee performance. Because it involves noisy coworkers and their sensitivities, the task of minimizing or removing noise in the office can prove challenging.

Depending on the architectural style of your building, getting rid of office noise might be particularly tough. Older buildings don't have much in the way of sound insulation. And the modern stone atrium style that is popular today echoes like crazy. However, if you suffer from a noisy workplace atmosphere there are still things you can do.

First and foremost, rules should be established that help to limit employee chatter within their cubicles so that co-workers are no disturbed. The next step is to prohibit employees from accepting personal telephone calls while in their cubicles or hallways. Should it become necessary for an employee to take an urgent personal call, he or she should leave the office area and conduct the telephone call in the lobby.

In the interests of greater worker output and a more pleasant work environ, the problem of noisy coworkers need to be addressed. Some workers play music on their computers to try to screen out other workers' chatter but this sometimes adds to the problem. What may help is providing headsets that reduce outside noise for those working on the computer. Headsets can help screen out distractions and help workers concentrate.

Additionally, you will find a great many technological solutions for individuals and enterprises alike. Many companies have had excellent success with speech privacy systems incorporated throughout their offices. These systems mask the sound of speech so that noisy coworkers are less of a distraction. Sound dampening walls, furniture, and panels can also contribute to the aesthetics of an office. Speech privacy systems may require a significant investment. But the investment often pays higher dividends in the form of increased productivity.

Other individual solutions for noise control are available to your employer if they do not want make facilities improvements. White noise machines are usually small and do not take up much space. They can help you concentrate on the task at hand instead of that annoying coworker.

Keeping office noise to a minimum will improve employee performance. Because it involves noisy coworkers and their sensitivities, the task of minimizing or removing noise in the office can prove challenging. All workers should be advised against the use of desktop or laptop speakers for playing music. To ensure that employees do not consider this as a harsh sound masking measure, the organization may choose to provide them with earplugs or headsets. There are also many great individual and enterprise-wide technological solutions. Forward-thinking companies have had great results installing speech privacy systems throughout their open offices. Sound absorbent wall and furniture panels can also help.