On the surface, managing background noise with more background noise seems counterproductive. But audio communications company Plantronics is doing just that at its Hoofddorp workspace - and it seems to be working. This is because not all sound is created equally, according to Plantronics CEO Joe Burton. The intelligibility of the conversation - being able to understand what's being said - is what creates the interference. Here, Burton explains how to bring staff back from the brink of distraction.
Plantronics' office has three indoor waterfalls. "These act as a complementary visual aid to the audio overlay of a babbling brook that you can hear from speakers above," Burton explains.
Companies can arrange office layouts to address various needs. Designated "concentration areas" help people get away from noise and focus on their tasks in a peaceful environment.
Minimising distraction does not mean ditching open-plan offices. Burton suggests making simple adjustments such as avoiding hard, shiny materials, which are challenging for acoustics.
Each Plantronics worker has a noise-cancelling headset because, as Burton says, "The best IT solutions take into account workers' individual preferences, as well as their overall comfort."
This article was originally published by WIRED UK
