Is a Noisey Workplace Really That Bad?

What's the noise level like in your workplace? Some workplaces are relatively quiet. In a typical administrative office, for example, there's little to no noise, allowing employees to work in peace. In construction, aviation, manufacturing and other industries, however, noise is a common occurrence. And while some employers may turn their head at the thought of noise hindering their success, it has some severe repercussions when left unchecked.

Lower Productivity

Exposure to loud noise has been shown to cause lower productivity levels among employees. It's no secret that employees are more productive when they are given a distraction-free environment in which to work. As noise levels in your workplace increase, it distracts employees away from their respective tasks, thereby promoting lower productivity levels.

Increased Risk of Accident

Employees are also more likely to cause an accident when exposed to loud noise on a regular basis. Loud noise prevents employees from effectively communicating with each other. As a result, there's a greater risk of accidents happenings. An employee may unknowingly drive a forklift into the patch of another worker, for example. When loud noise is present, the worker probably won't be able to heart the forklift.

Increased Risk of Heart Disease

Furthermore, research shows that people who are exposed to chronic loud noise are more likely to develop heart disease than their counterparts. A study conducted by researchers from the Massachusetts General Hospital in Boston, for example, found that people who are exposed to loud noise have a higher risk of developing both heart disease and stroke.

"A growing body of research reveals an association between ambient noise and cardiovascular disease, but the physiological mechanisms behind it have remained unclear," said the study's lead author and researchers. "We believe our findings offer an important insight into the biology behind this phenomenon."

Increased Stress

According to the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) exposure to loud noise also causes stress. This alone can have a detrimental effect on employees' productivity as well as their overall health. Chronic stress increases rates of fatigue, which in turn makes employees less productive. And stressed workers are also more likely to get sick, as stress suppresses the immune system and leaves workers susceptible to infectious illness.

The bottom line is that all employers should take a proactive approach towards minimizing noise in their workplace. As revealed here, exposure to loud noise can have a negative impact on employees' health and productivity in several ways.