For many leaders, the open office challenge is about maximizing productivity in an environment that is full of distractions. Taking away walls and doors can encourage teamwork and promote equity. But it does come with a downside.
A new study from Future Workplace found that three quarters of office workers are regularly distracted at their personal workplace. The survey of 5,000 office workers also revealed that 36% say noise causes a loss of an hour of work every day.
What are the some of the biggest complaints:
- Loud-talking co-workers on the phone
- Phone rings or alerts
- Office celebrations
- Nearby group meetings
While the open office challenge isn’t going away, let’s focus on some possible solutions:
Talk About Telephones
Since the second grade, I’ve had no instruction about how to use a telephone. I’m sure myself and others could use a tuneup. Some of us may have fallen into bad habits, where we speak loudly into a phone, even though it has a microphone that’s inches away from our mouths.
We also may speak louder than necessary out of excitement or nervousness.
While it may seem strange to have to teach your team how to speak on the phone, keep in mind what it’s like to be on a call where the other person is too loud. It’s a turnoff.
And don’t forget to discuss ringtone levels. See how far away you can hear a loud ring and decide if that level of alert is needed.
Use Unused Space
Many offices have a conference room that sits unused for parts of the day. Perhaps during those times, the room is open for employees to use as a study hall. Remember study hall, where silence was demanded of students and they had to focus on their homework? That’s the kind of quiet environment you want to create.
This location can also be the go-to spot for spontaneous meetings or celebrations.
Win the Open Office Challenge with Equipment
Pieces of equipment like copiers will make a certain amount of noise. If they’re working well, then it’s more like background sound.
But if they jam frequently, those near the copier will be distracted by drawers being pulled out and people trying to figure out how to get the machine back online.
Properly functioning equipment creates fewer distractions. Consider replacing things that require a lot of unscheduled maintenance and make sure employees are using them correctly.
Go Shopping for Silence
I’m a fan of noise-cancelling headphones. You’ll see me wearing them on airplanes or when there’s some sort of landscaping work nearby.
Consider making a bulk purchase of some noise-cancelling headphones. While these are an added expense, they will likely quickly pay for themselves when compared to the loss of productivity due to a noisy workplace.
If your budget can’t stretch that far, consider buying the headphones for those employees who are near distracting locations, like copiers, break rooms and bathrooms.
While the employee may feel like he or she is not in the best real estate in the office, you’re making a meaningful gesture of support by encouraging silence.
