Source: Own illustration
Stress in everyday working or studying life has many faces. We usually think of overflowing inboxes, tight deadlines, or technical problems that make the day difficult. What is often forgotten is that the environment in which we work or study also has a major impact on our concentration and well-being. One of the most overlooked factors is noise.
Whether in the office, at home, or in the library, constant background noise challenges our brains and reduces productivity. On International Noise Awareness Day on April 30, it is therefore particularly worthwhile to take a closer look. In this article, we explain the effects of noise on our ability to work and how the acoustic environment can be improved with a few tricks.
Noise Makes You Tired – And Unproductive
Constant noises such as conversations, typing on keyboards, construction noise outside the window, or the humming of technical devices are often perceived as incidental. Nevertheless, our brain has to process all these acoustic stimuli. Even if we think we can ignore them, our brain works hard in the background to keep us alert.
Even a consistently low noise level can cause concentration to drop. The likelihood of mistakes increases and fatigue sets in more quickly. We often don’t notice this immediately, but constant exposure to noise can also have a long-term impact on our health.
What Are Possible Sources of Noise in the Workplace?
Not all noise is obvious. Many sources creep into everyday life and are therefore particularly stressful. Typical sources of noise are:
- Construction noise or traffic from outside
- Ventilation, heating, and air conditioning systems
- Conversations between colleagues
- Footsteps on hard floors
- Ringing phones or ongoing phone calls
- Printers, copiers, and scanners
- The whirring or humming of technical devices such as hard drives, fans, or monitors
The more of these noises occur at the same time, the greater the stress – especially in rooms with poor acoustics.
Structural Measures for Less Noise
Not all sources of noise can be easily eliminated in everyday life – especially if you have no direct influence over them. Many noise reduction measures relate to the room structure or technical equipment of a workplace and should ideally be taken into account during the planning stage. However, improvements can often be made during operation, for example through targeted furnishing or decoration.
Reduce reflective surfaces
Large, smooth surfaces such as ceilings, windows, or bare walls reflect a lot of sound. Sound-absorbing materials help to reduce reverberation: ceiling tiles with a perforated pattern, curtains, slatted blinds, or acoustic panels break up the sound and make the room more pleasant to listen to.
Decorative elements with an acoustic effect
Furnishings such as carpets, upholstered furniture, large indoor plants, pictures, or bookshelves improve room acoustics because they absorb or disperse sound. Plants in particular act as small sound absorbers due to their volume and structure – and they also create a more peaceful atmosphere. Some plant species also have the ability to filter pollutants from the air, thus contributing particularly efficiently to a healthier indoor climate.
Position technical devices sensibly
Printers, scanners, fans, and similar devices often cause a constant humming or whirring noise. Quieter models and placing such devices in adjoining rooms can significantly reduce the noise level. Special mats or sound-absorbing housings also help to minimize noise.
Well-thought-out room layout
The arrangement of furniture also plays a role: room dividers, shelves, or partition walls can help to acoustically shield louder areas such as printer stations and direct sound more effectively.
Many of these measures primarily affect the design of the working environment and are not always within your control. However, some ideas can also be easily implemented in your own home – especially if you want to create a quiet place to work or study.
What You Can Do About Noise in Your Everyday Life
Even if you can’t completely redesign your workplace, there are many small measures that can help:
- Noise-cancelling headphones
These are real lifesavers, especially in open-plan offices or shared apartments. You can use quiet music or soothing white noise to block out distracting sounds.
- Clear communication within the team
Talk to your colleagues or roommates about your needs. A “do not disturb” sign, headphones as a signal, or a quiet messenger status create awareness and consideration.
- Take conscious breaks
If the noise becomes too much for you, find a quieter place to take a break. Even a few minutes away – for example, outside or in an adjoining room – can clear your head. Companies can also set up quiet rooms where silence is deliberately maintained.
- Use noise traffic lights
These small devices use colors to indicate how loud it is in the room. This raises awareness within the team and encourages self-regulation. This can be particularly helpful in open-plan offices.
Noise is part of everyday life – but we don’t have to be at its mercy. With a conscious approach and a few targeted changes, the acoustic environment can often be significantly improved.
Responsible for the content of this article is Stéphanie Bauens.
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