Increased productivity and fewer errors through reduced noise

The problem of noise is more widespread than many people realize. Noise doesn't just mean high noise levels - everything from buzzing machines to whirring vents and talking colleagues can contribute to a poor sound environment. Noise levels affect the well-being of staff as well as their performance.

Noise-related sick leave remains consistently high, with 930 reports in 2010 and a record 1500 in 2003. Industrial environments top the statistics, despite the many benefits of reduced noise levels. For those workplaces that address the problem, not only is sick leave reduced, but the benefits include staff working more efficiently, making fewer errors and communicating better.

A common reason why problems are not addressed is that noise levels are only detected and noticed after the damage has already been done. Noise from machinery and ventilation can go relatively unnoticed, but can do a lot of damage if staff are exposed to it for a long time. Hearing loss, tinnitus and sound hypersensitivity are just some of the effects that can result from a poor noise environment. Read more about the problems of noise in the workplace and how it can be reduced in our white paper "How to reduce hearing damage".

A problem for the whole company

Noise, like many other health and safety issues, affects not only the individual employee, but ultimately the whole organization when sick leave and reduced productivity are the consequences. What many people may not know is that noise also increases the risk of accidents in the workplace. When employees cannot hear each other, more mistakes are made and unnecessary risks and accidents occur.

Every employer has a responsibility for the working environment and should work systematically and preventively towards a healthy sound environment. Learn more by downloading our white paper "How to reduce hearing damage".