Noise in the workplace
“It’s Dead in Here.” One of the last things you want to hear about any workplace - or café, or hotel, or restaurant. And yet, in our efforts to achieve perfect post-pandemic spaces, some workplaces may have misunderstood acoustics as meaning total silence.
In our drive to reduce noise and distractions, we’ve forgotten that sound isn’t the enemy - it’s just the type of sound that matters. What many workplaces really need isn't a quiet vacuum, but balanced acoustics that support both focus and vibrancy.
Recently, we have been piloting background music in workplaces. We’ve been encouraging curated, team-friendly playlists designed to bring energy back to the floors.
And the change we’re seeing? When the earbuds come out, people start interacting!
Of course, not every part of the workplace should be buzzing. A great neurodiverse workplace must support a range of sensory needs; quiet zones for retreat and focus, as well as areas that invite activity. Balanced approaches are critical, but one thing's certain: environments full of life and sound are magnets for energy.
Here’s our challenge to you. Try piloting background music for three months. Pick a small area of your workplace, build the playlist, mind the volume, press the play button.
You might just discover that the best workplace acoustics include a soundtrack for your people.
Author: Sean Willcock, Director at Davenport Campbell
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