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What does annoying noise in the office do to employees and how do you prevent that?

Did you know that in the Netherlands, more than 900,000 people work every day in an environment where there is actually too much noise, according to Veiligheid.nl? Very much. And it's not about extreme noise. It's just the usual office noises that add up: colleagues talking, phones ringing, devices buzzing. From research by the Eindhoven University of Technology It appears that people work best below 48 dB, and even below 35 dB for concentrated work. In many offices, the noise is far above that. If that's the case every day, your head gets full faster. People get tired, have less overview and make more mistakes. If the noise persists day after day, someone gets to a point where it can't be maintained anymore. Then the work pace drops and sometimes even the employee himself. That is why annoying noise is not only a source of annoyance, but a risk that should not be underestimated.

What is annoying noise in the office?

Annoying noise is sound that does not have to be massive for the hearing, but does disturb attention. According to research by the FNV talking colleagues, phones, alarms and devices are the biggest sources of nuisance. This type of noise usually occurs at levels between 45 and 60 dB. The brain has to constantly filter what is relevant in the zone, which costs a lot of energy.

What are the consequences of annoying noise in the office?

According to the program's final report 'What should it be like in the workplace? ' works through too much background noise in many ways.

‍Fatigue
You hear everything, even if you don't want to. As a result, you have to work just a little bit harder throughout the day to stay focused.‍
Stress and irritation
Noise causes unrest. Many people find that they are more easily stimulated or have trouble keeping the day “light”.‍
Concentration problems
When there is always noise around you, your attention wanders more quickly. Thinking then takes longer and takes more effort.‍
Communication issues
In busy spaces, you miss details more quickly. You have to ask more often what someone said and that leads to misunderstandings.‍
Hearing fatigue and tinnitus
Those who work in noise day in and day out get tired more quickly. In the long run, this can even contribute to tinnitus.

How many decibels are acceptable in the office?

Research by TU Eindhoven recommends noise levels below 48 dB for regular work and below 35 dB for tasks that require a lot of concentration. Nuisance often occurs between 45 and 60 dB. Harmful levels only start at 80 dB (A) under the Working Conditions Act, but that does not mean that everything below is healthy. The standard only protects against hearing damage, not fatigue or stress.

How can you reduce annoying noise in the office?

You don't have to do a major renovation to make it noticeably quieter. A few practical steps already help to prevent the risk of stress, overload and ultimately absenteeism.

record annoying noise in the RI&E
measure how things really work in different places
make agreements about calling, consultations and walking routes
ensure that devices are properly maintained
create a few places where people can work quietly
offer office hearing protection for those who are easily distracted

Teams that tackle this together actually always notice an immediate difference: more rest, more focus and a lot more fun at work.

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Article by

Seeh | Hans Anders Business

With more than 20 years of experience, Seeh is your partner in eye and hearing protection. Together with Hans Anders, we easily help companies in the Netherlands and Belgium find customized eye and hearing protection. With our solutions, you ensure that your employees can always work safely and comfortably.

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