Silence Please! Simple ways of dealing with a noisy workplace

By Chaitrali Sardesai, Mumbai Mirror 

If you are one of those who have a closed cubicle, you couldn't ask for more.

In today's day and age, almost every office is noisy throughout the day.

While there are some who can work irrespective of the noise, there are many who get disturbed.

Here are tips you could implement to fight a noisy office: 

Musical Wonders

The advantage of soothing music is known to all. 

This is a good way to waiver the noise at your desk while you work. 

Plug your headphones and make sure you have some instrumental music in the player/computer. 

"Noise in office can be a big barrier to your productivity. I carry my music player, or download soothing music in my mobile and listen to it in office. This not only nullifies the noise but also helps me to energize myself and get on with the tasks at ease" says Shivani Dorge, a management consultant. 

You can even opt for CDs which have the wonderful sounds of flowing water, gentle breeze, birds chirping and other such refreshing sounds.

These can really keep you peaceful and calm mentally, in spite of the noises around you. 

Get Some Greenery

One of the most effective ways to reduce the intensity of the loud bustling is to keep live plants in every section of your office.

Employees can suggest such initiatives to the top management and implement it. 

If not the management, you could buy a small plant for your work desk.

Plants absorb noise and look good too! 

‘Be Quiet’ Signs

Make small and attractive posters and pin it on the soft boards around office or even put up sign boards all over the office which would indicate people to be quiet at all times.

The boards/posters can have read 'Please maintain silence' or 'Silent zone".

Noise makers can thus, constantly be reminded of talking in hushed tones.

Offices can even have special noise free areas, where one can conduct interviews, meetings, etc.

Ensuring Discipline

The main reason why people clamour in office is due to the lack of rules and regulations.

Sushma Soman, Director at an IT firm says "If I see or hear any ruckus created by an employee or a group, I immediately walkup to them and tell them not to disturb the others. Unless top management takes such corrective measures, these things can never be implemented. Noise is a big reason for less productivity which has to be addressed there and then."

Companies should have a policy of keeping mobile phone ringers off and restrict the use of speaker phones inside the office.

Everyone should make sure their devices do not screech out a harsh tone or song.

This could help your colleagues to continue working without disturbance.

You can walk out of the office or to a corner and attend to phone calls instead of publicising your conversations.

Most offices face a problem of noisy machines. Noisy old printers, air-conditioners, and fans add to most of the disturbance at work. 

It is best to replace these with new ones.

Equipping modern noise-free equipment at workplace works wonders.

Sound Proof Material

Those having their offices in the heart of a busy area are undoubtedly affected by the constant noises of vehicles, horns, vegetable sellers, etc.

It could be embarrassing and unprofessional attend to a client's phone call with a loud car horn blowing up his/her speaker! 

Or even worse is having a meeting and not being able to be heard due to the chaos outside.

Such offices should have sound proof walls and material which can help lower the outside sounds.

Noise absorption carpets, curtains, ceiling plates and other such could be utilised.

Communicate with Colleagues and Bosses

If you want to work in a quiet office, keep reminding yourself and your office-mates to maintain silence.

If there is a particular co-worker causing all the commotion, you could directly deal with him/her.

It is important to let him/her know that his/her lack of office etiquette and manners is causing a problem to you. 

Those utterly affected with their noisy work surroundings should talk to their bosses and share the worry with them.

It is your productivity which is at stake and hence, it is important for you to open up to him/her.

All these factors will certainly help you reduce the noise levels at your workplace, improving drastically your productivity and work satisfaction at the end of the day.

Source:-The Economic Times