When designers plan office spaces, they tend to expect they will be quiet once they are in use. They do not take into account the noise that will almost certainly ensue. This poses a very difficult problem for the workers who must function in those areas. The constant chattering of one's colleagues carries through open-plan offices, resulting in disruption, distraction, stress, and loss of both creativity and productivity.

So what is the solution to noise pollution at the office? Numerous employers have chosen sound masking. This method doesn't stop noise but it does put a verbal privacy practice into use. Many businesses have discovered that this process works very well in their workplaces. Staff productivity has gone up because there are fewer disturbances when sound masking is put in place.

What makes sound masking work? It is in the physics of the situation. Given a subtle background noise in a given room, the other noises or conversations that may be taking place are more difficult to determine from each other. This is called white noise. With white noise you hear the sound but are not able to separate each sound sufficiently to be sure what actually you are hearing.

There are many types of acoustical treatments available. Direct field systems that are installed in the ceiling are the newest and best. These electronic devices emit a subtle sound that prevents workers from hearing private conversations in the room.

A white noise machine can be another effective option for individual employees for masking the office noise with relaxing sounds. Typically sounds on these machines are: waterfalls, ocean waves, crickets, steady white noise, falling rain, thunder and flowing brooks. It has been proved that the sounds alone can have a positive impact on the productivity of office workers.

No matter which path you choice for sound masking your office, you will see the benefits of taking care of the acoustic annoyance. You want your employees to get along with each other, optimally perform their tasks and be stress free! The small costs of masking office noise today can save you even more in the future.

It is important to use the technique of sound masking in order to increase worker productivity and reduce office stress. While there are several techniques, the best way to mask office noise is to install a "direct field" system into the office ceiling. This way, an unobtrusive sound will be produced that will interfere with the ability of workers to overhear private conversations. Another effective option involves the use of a white noise machine, which will make a variety of relaxing natural sounds to mask harsher sounds found in the workplace. Ultimately, there are many benefits to lowering the level of acoustic annoyance in the office.