What is noise pollution at work?

Noise pollution at work refers to unwanted or unnecessary sounds that negatively impact worker experience, productivity and health. Sources of noise pollution can include machines and equipment, exterior noise, ambient noise in a space, ringing phones, computer chimes and even talking.

When everyday office noise creates an unpleasant and distracting environment, you may need to take action as an employer.

Why is noise pollution at work a problem?

Too much noise in an office, a factory, a warehouse, a retail store or any other work location can lead to a number of negative outcomes.

It’s bad for worker safety

One-fourth of US workers have experienced hazardous noise at work at some point in their lives, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). This can lead to hearing impairment, and the CDC reports that one-fifth of noise-exposed workers who are tested have noticeable hearing loss.

It hurts productivity

Noises can impact concentration and focus, making it difficult for employees to complete tasks. A quieter environment can encourage higher productivity, more team collaboration and communication.

It increases worker stress

For many people, constant noise can increase stress at work, especially if they have sensory processing challenges or are sensitive to these types of inputs. Office noise can be a source of stress within an employer’s control. Explore our tips for managing it below.

5 tips for reducing noise pollution at work

When it comes to managing noise pollution, employers have a significant responsibility. Here’s how company leaders can address this issue effectively:

• Understand the impact of noise pollution: Begin by understanding how noise affects employees in various work areas. This can involve gathering feedback through surveys or interviews to understand their experiences and challenges with noise.
• Adopt noise management policies: Develop and implement policies that address noise control and create a quieter work environment. This could include guidelines on acceptable noise levels, designated quiet areas or restrictions on noisy activities during specific times.
• Invest in acoustic solutions: Consider investing in acoustic treatments such as soundproofing materials, noise-canceling technologies and layout adjustments. For example, installing acoustic panels, using noise-absorbing materials and arranging workspaces to minimize noise disruptions can make a substantial difference.
• Provide personal noise control options: Offer employees tools to manage their personal noise exposure, such as noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. Allowing individuals to choose what works best for them can enhance their comfort and focus.

Noise challenges are unique in every industry and location. However, some of the solutions below work in a variety of environments to avoid noise pollution at work.

1. Change layouts

Open office spaces support cross-functional collaboration, but without the right layout and decor, they can be especially noisy. Consider whether the interior layout of your location contributes to noise pollution. Some common options for reducing noise include:

• Tall partition walls that help block computer, phone and other work noise
• Carpet installation to cut down on the sound of footsteps
• A more closed office concept that creates team-specific spaces where smaller groups of people work in open rooms or their own offices

Consider how team members tend to communicate with each other. If they’re calling back and forth across partitions or several desks, the noise in the area may be more than anyone realizes. Raising your voice to ensure someone at least three feet away can hear you means you’re reaching 85 A-weighted decibels (dBA) or more.

2. Provide workers with appropriate safety equipment

While factory environments or construction zones likely can’t use carpets or walls to block noise, you can support warehouse worker safety or construction safety by providing the right safety equipment and training. Develop policies that determine when employees should wear protective devices on their ears.

3. Integrate natural elements indoors

When possible, consider bringing outdoor elements into a space to lessen noise pollution. Wood and cork surfaces may absorb sound better than metal or glass, and adding plants throughout a space can reduce echoes and other noise issues. You might also consider adding pleasant water-sound elements, such as small fountains, to reception areas, lobbies or break rooms. The sound of moving water can cover more distracting noises, such as low-volume conversations or the whir of office machinery.

4. Create flexible remote working policies

Hybrid and work-from-home options are high on the worker preference scale when it comes to benefits, and many desire remote work because home is often quieter. When employers support flexible scheduling and hybrid work environments, they also reduce how many people may be in the office at one time, potentially cutting down on noise at work.

5. Implement quiet times or spaces

To support employee wellbeing at work, consider ways to give your team members a break from constant noise. In a noisy space like a factory floor, you might create a quiet break room. In an open-concept office, you might install quiet workrooms that team members can use when they’re tackling a challenging task. Alternatively, you could implement quiet times at certain parts of the day and ask everyone to keep any noncritical business sound to library levels.

FAQs about noise pollution at work

What level of noise is dangerous to human ears?

According to the National Institute on Deafness and Other Communication Disorders, when people experience long-term exposure to noise that measures 85 dBA or higher, it can lead to hearing loss. To understand what level of noise that is, a normal speaking conversation ranges from 60-70 dBA. Noises from a kitchen blender, alarm clock or lawnmower range from 80-100 dBA.

Does OSHA have rules about noise at work?

Yes, the Occupational Safety and Health Administration has standards regarding noise at work. For example, if noise exposure is 85 dBA or higher for a total of eight working hours, employers must have a hearing conservation program.

What work locations tend to be noisiest?

Construction sites, factories, warehouses and other locations where machinery is present and operating tend to be noisy. Other noisy work environments include restaurants and bars, clubs and theaters and stores or locations that often become crowded.