Boosting Productivity with White Noise
What is white noise?
White noise gets its name from white light which includes all the colors of the spectrum. White noise includes indistinguishable sounds from the entire audible sound spectrum. With today's technology, white noise is specifically focused on the sound range of human speech.
First, let's consider the idea of adding noise to a work environment in order to improve the sound quality. Have you ever been in a dark room where there is a flashing light, like a cell phone or a child playing with a flashlight? That little light can be very distracting and irritating. But if you turn on the bright room lights, you hardly even notice the smaller light anymore.
Sound machines work on a similar principle. By adding general white noise, similar to that of a fan or an AC unit, distracting sounds around you, like conversations, street noise or neighbors, are hardly noticeable.
Does white noise really work?
Although the science behind it may seem confusing and far fetched, the application is all it claims to be. This technology is used in many government offices, medical facilities and businesses because it has been proven extremely effective. White noise creates an environment with less distractions and greater privacy.
Why use white noise?
White noise helps cover invasive sounds. Here are a few of the many applications for white noise.
Less distraction at work - The constant conversations in the workplace can break your concentration and lower your productivity. A personal white noise machine allows you to tune out this noise. Sound masking throughout the office space can provide this benefit to the entire office.
Improved privacy and confidentiality - For example, in a doctor's office or hospital, sound masking systems use white noise to cover the conversation in the hallway or neighboring room, so other patients do not overhear you personal information.
Less interrupted sleep - White noise can mask boisterous neighbors and jolting, street noise for a better night's sleep, for you and your kids. It can also provide better sleep when traveling by covering unfamiliar sounds.
Sound therapy for tinnitus - Some sound therapies have been proven to lessen the discomfort caused by 'ringing in your ears' or tinnitus.
White noise can help you increase your productivity at work and experience more restful sleep at night. With the increasing availability of free white noise generators and portable sound machines, everyone should give this technology a try. The benefits are definitely worth it!
Published August 6th, 2010
Filed in Business