Noisy offices affect wellbeing for four in 10 staff

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Almost half (44%) of office workers say that noisy working conditions have a negative effect on their wellbeing, significantly affecting productivity and stress levels. Forty per cent of the 1,000 office workers polled admitted noise at work made them feel stressed, while 65% said it affected their ability to complete work in an accurate and timely manner. More than half (52%) said they were interrupted by noise distractions more than five times a day and a further 17% claimed they were distracted more than 10 times a day. The Noise and Wellbeing at Work 2019 survey, carried out by sound masking system supplier the Remark Group, also found 64% often felt they lacked privacy at work. Fifty-one per cent had overhead a confidential or sensitive conversation, while 70% had heard a colleague who felt upset or distressed. This meant more than half would feel uncomfortable speaking about a confidential matter in the office. Penelope Harrall