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A noisy office environment can cause more harm to productivity than most people think. Recent research suggests that employee performance is as strongly influenced by the organizational environment as it is by skills, knowledge and aptitude. Workplace distractions caused by noise negatively impact employee performance and business productivity.

So, that explains why keeping office noise to a minimum will improve employee performance. Because it involves noisy coworkers and their sensitivities, the task of minimizing or removing noise in the office can prove challenging.

Certain styles of architecture make it more difficult to reduce or eliminate office noise. Many older buildings do not contain adequate sound insulation; newer buildings with large, open areas and brick or stone ceilings, walls and floors can be just as bad for containing noise. But there are still things that can be done to reduce noise in an office.

Originally, the human resources department needs to establish a policy that discourages employees from excessive talking or visiting, so that other workers aren't disturbed. Also, cell phones should be banned in halls and common areas. Instead, encourage workers to take personal calls outside the building, or in the lobby.

In the interests of greater worker output and a more pleasant work environ, the problem of noisy coworkers need to be addressed. Some workers play music on their computers to try to screen out other workers' chatter but this sometimes adds to the problem. What may help is providing headsets that reduce outside noise for those working on the computer. Headsets can help screen out distractions and help workers concentrate.

There are also many great individual and enterprise-wide technological solutions. Forward-thinking companies have had great results installing speech privacy systems throughout their open offices. Such sound masking systems cover speech, making noisy coworkers much less distracting. Sound absorbent wall and furniture panels can add to the benefit of sound masking systems, as well as contribute to the overall office decor. This method of noise reduction may require a larger investment; however, improved speech privacy in an office typically pays for itself in terms of increased worker productivity and decreased distractions.

If your employer does not wish to improve facilities by installing white noise machines you may be forced to consider some of the many individual solutions to this problem. There are personal white noise devices you could purchase. They don't take up much room on a desk and using them could help you concentrate on your work.