The modern workplace is usually a noisy, busy place, with phones constantly ringing, multiple conversations happening at once, and all the noise of foot traffic and office machinery in operation, it’s a cacophony that really isn’t conducive to concentrating on tasks and getting one’s best work done! This results in the workplace being a highly stressful space for employees, who are increasingly complaining that it is not only adversely affecting their work, but their sense of comfort and well-being.
Obviously, this is a situation that is not good for the employees, or for the business! Wise employers list the well-being of their employees at a high priority, and will do whatever they must to alleviate a situation that is non-conducive to their best performance, after all it is in their best interests to have a happy, productive workforce! But what can be done to improve the situation? One of the most popular solutions that has emerged is to install an acoustic booth in the office. Today’s office workers often say that they just wish they had a quiet space they could escape to when they need to concentrate extra hard on an important project without noisy distractions. Having one or more acoustic booths available will give them an oasis of silence where they can perform their very best, and keep their stress levels down!
To delve a bit deeper into this subject, employee well-being is very important for many reasons. People spend a significant portion of their day working in the office, and ideally, it should be a safe, positive space for them to be in. The mental health of the employees should be a top priority if for no other reason than it’s a good business practice – here are some of the reasons why!
- Boosts Work performance – Having a positive sense of well-being has been shown to boost the employee’s performance at work, inspiring them to be more productive, more creative, and more eager to listen to new ideas and collaborate with their colleagues.
- Positive Company Culture – Making employee well-being a priority instead of an afterthought helps to build and maintain a positive company culture. The increased mutual respect, camaraderie, and feeling of a shared purpose makes employees more excited about their work and more eager to add their contributions to the company’s efforts.
- Increases Employee Retention – When the workforce is happy, they are much more likely to want to stay in the company long-term, making retaining talent easy since they feel comfortable, valued, and invested in building their career there.
Those are just some of the reasons why maintaining a positive sense of well-being among employees is so important for a business. We will now examine how the addition of acoustic booths to the workplace can help make that happen!
Supports Individual Work Styles – Every employee is unique and has their own individual work style. Some people are very gregarious and really enjoy working through challenges and collaborating with fellow employees. On the other hand, some people prefer to think things through on their own before sharing their ideas. An acoustic booth facilitates both styles. If a small group wants to hold a lively discussion on a work issue but doesn’t want to disturb employees in the surrounding area, they can hold a spontaneous meeting in the acoustic booth. Alternatively, the quiet thinker can enjoy some peace and quiet as they tackle a complicated project in the quiet and solitude the acoustic booth offers.
Reduces Distractions – The busy workplace being a hive of activity with a constant level of noise is pretty normal. The buzz and whirr of office equipment, the chatter going on between co-workers, the ceaseless ring of phones- in most offices there is no recourse to escape other than leave the office on a break! It’s easy enough for employees to feel concerned about rapidly approaching deadlines, and to get stressed out about problems that come up, so the noise level making it difficult to concentrate can really drive them to the edge. It’s a fact that nervous, stressed-out employees aren’t going to be able to accomplish their best work. That’s when an acoustic booth can make all the difference by giving them a quiet space where they can enjoy some tranquillity while focusing on the tasks at hand.
Peaceful Work Environment – When employees are feeling heavy pressure the noisy office environment only contributes to their anxious feelings. It’s not just the noise, but needing to get out of that chair for a while because they want to stretch their legs or get relief from an ache in their back, or maybe all those bright overhead lights are causing a headache- those factors can add up to strain on an employee’s mental health and well-being. Acoustic booths are designed to give the harried worker a comfortable and comforting respite from the office’s pressure where they can work unharried and in peace. The booth’s lighting is adjustable so it can be set at the preferred level and the seating is ergonomically designed to be relaxing and supportive so workers can sit for extended periods without experiencing discomfort. Finally, the interior atmosphere is well-ventilated and kept at a comfortable temperature. Anyone who is struggling to accomplish their tasks will find that the acoustic booth offers relief and a place where they can really get things done!
Improves Employee Relationships – Sometimes employees need a safe space to talk in, whether sharing a burdensome problem with a caring coworker, or working out a problem with a coworker they are having a disagreement with. The acoustic booth is the perfect place for them to speak their mind freely and open up, without worrying about being overheard by someone not included in the conversation. An acoustic booth also provides a great space for brainstorming and discussing new projects. All of this serves to improve employee relationships!
So, if your company’s office space tends to feel a bit like bedlam, install some acoustic booths to provide a refuge where employees can escape the hectic environment, it’s good for them, and it’s good for business!