Loud office environments are mentally draining workers says Jabra report

Jabra has released a report, stating that 71% of UK workers working in loud environments are becoming ‘mentally tired’ from the volume.
 

The Jabra research was carried out amongst 2,000 knowledge workers across France, Germany, the UK, and the USA. The findings highlighted that 71% of surveyed workers think that neurodiversity in the workplace can drive better business results, creating an inclusive space that positively influences mental wellbeing and productivity, encouraging better mood, and providing organisations with a competitive advantage.

47% of respondents said that it was difficult for them to be productive at work when colleagues were taking calls at their desks without headphones, while 49% reported it was equally difficult to lead or participate in calls when colleagues are taking calls from their desks without headphones.

53% of surveyed UK workers said that they are expected to take calls or online meetings away from their desks, with 66% of employees taking calls in a separate room and using professional headphones.

More than half of surveyed UK workers also said that poor audio quality has negative consequences on work and wellbeing, with poor audio quality during conference calls negatively impacting employee wellbeing.

Higher quality meeting audio can positively impact interpersonal skills, according to workers, with clearer communication (46%), improved collaboration (44%), and enhanced communication skills (39%) identified as positive impacts.

To combat audio issues, surveyed employees identified noise-cancelling headphones as part of standard office equipment (36%), allowing employees to work from home more frequently (39%), or specific areas designated for different types of activities (34%), including quiet zones or collaborative zones.

Nearly two-thirds (64%) of UK workers agree that employers should invest more in creating an inclusive, neurodiverse workplace, with improved neurodiversity in the workplace seen by more than half of surveyed employees as a way to boost work performance (61%).

Nigel Dunn, VP EMEA North, Jabra, commented: “The way of work is constantly evolving, and with the return to the office, UK workers are struggling with the ability to focus in the workplace. Sound type, intensity and individual sensitivity play significant roles in how we function at work and have a huge impact on mental health and wellbeing, and productivity and performance. GN’s recent ‘Listen to This’ campaign highlights the strong link between audio and our overall cognitive and mental wellbeing. UK leaders need to invest in creating an inclusive and neurodiverse workplace, combined with high-quality technology to ensure workers can bring their true and best selves to work and thrive professionally and mentally.”

 

Source: Inavate