According to recent studies, the performance of employees can be affected by factors within the organization as well as by his or her abilities. Most people are not aware of just how detrimental a noisy office environment can be. The truth of the matter is that office noise can have an enormous negative impact on the performance of employees, no matter how skilled or competent they may be.

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.

All workers should be advised against the use of desktop or laptop speakers for playing music. To ensure that employees do not consider this as a harsh sound masking measure, the organization may choose to provide them with ear plugs or headsets. Noise canceling headsets can be especially helpful as workers attempt to focus more on the task at hand and less on their noisy coworkers.

A number of technological solutions are available as well, both for the individual and for offices. Speech privacy systems that have been installed by some progressive organizations have been quite successful. These sound masking systems mask speech, making noisy coworkers less intrusive. Sound absorbing panels on walls and furniture assist in noise reduction, at the same time adding to the office decor. These solutions may require a significant financial investment, but improved noise reduction often pays for itself as worker productivity increases as a result of fewer distractions.

There are also many individual solutions, in the event your employer is not interested in such a facilities improvement, often known as white noise machines. Such systems generally take up little desk space and can help you concentrate on your work instead of "Bob-noxious" down the row.

All workers should be advised against the use of desktop or laptop speakers for playing music. To ensure that employees do not consider this as a harsh sound masking measure, the organization may choose to provide them with ear plugs or headsets. Noise canceling headsets can be especially helpful as workers attempt to focus more on the task at hand and less on their noisy coworkers. There are also many great individual and enterprise-wide technological solutions. Forward-thinking companies have had great results installing a speech privacy system throughout their open offices.