Office Sound Masking and White Noise Machines: What You Should Know
Various businesses suffer from the side effects of day-to-day chatter, and this normal noise could even be putting your company and clients at risk. Distracted employees are more likely to make mistakes, and mistakes can be costly, especially in highly regulated fields like medicine and finance. Even more concerning, personally identifying information spoken aloud offers opportunistic thieves a chance to listen in and compromise the security and reputation of your hard-working business. That’s why more and more office environments – especially ones that deal with confidential information – are looking into office sound masking systems to protect themselves and their clients. So what are the benefits of these “white noise” systems, the drawbacks, and what types of companies can see these as an asset?
What is an Office Sound Masking System?
Sound masking systems produce a monotonous humming sound at the same frequencies as the human voice, making it no more distracting than an air conditioner. This sound disrupts the voices in the room so they do not travel farther than the space of a normal conversation, preventing opportunistic thieves from overhearing information they shouldn’t, employees from getting distracted by other conversations, and more.
The Benefits of White Noise Machines in the Office
There are many benefits to using commercial office sound masking systems in a variety of office settings, but some of the most notable include:
- Distraction Reduction: Sound masking can cover up the annoying sounds of ticking clocks, clicking keyboards, and other distractions, as well as conversations that may sidetrack employees.
- Increased Productivity: Fewer distractions lead to higher productivity levels.
- Increased Accuracy: When employees aren’t overhearing conversations they aren’t a part of, they are less likely to make mistakes and slip up when typing or handling important information.
- Increased Privacy: Clients expect conversations to stay between them and the intended employee(s). When your company uses sound masking, they are more reassured that this is the case.
- Higher Client/Customer Satisfaction: When clients know that their information is kept private, and when there are fewer mistakes involving their information, they tend to be more satisfied with your services.
- Stress Reduction: When there are fewer distractions, fewer mistakes, and happier clients, employees tend to be less stressed. When employees are less stressed, productivity stays up and there are lower rates of absenteeism and employee turnover.
Are There Any Side Effects to Having White Noise in the Office?
Some people do have an adverse reaction to continuous exposure to white noise, particularly increased stress and anxiety levels, which can affect stress-related conditions such as high blood pressure. However, the majority of individuals find that white noise in offices actually soothes anxiety and stress. For those that do have issues with white noise, you may want to consider allowing them to listen to music or other soothing sounds that suit them, so long as it won’t disturb nearby co-workers or disrupt workflow.
What Types of Office Settings Would Benefit from Sound Masking Systems?
There are a number of different types of workplaces that would benefit from office sound masking systems. Any office that handles private, sensitive information would certainly be on this list, such as call centers, medical offices and hospitals, or financial institutions. Additionally, offices with open floor plans or just generally noisy environments may find advantages in having office sound masking systems.
The Professionals Can Help You Find the Right Sound Masking System for Your Office
Customer 1st Communication has expert technicians who know sound masking solutions and will work with you to develop a plan customized specifically for your office. We’ll create a sound masking system solution that will meet all of your office’s needs without breaking the bank, and we’ll do so in your time frame. Not sure if white noise sound machines are right for your office? Not sure where to begin? Give us a call at 855-TECH-C1C (855-832-4212) or contact us online to schedule a FREE consultation, and we’ll help you determine how to make your office space more privacy-conscious and productive.
