How to Create a Quiet Work Space Out of a Noisy One
Whether you work in a cubicle, home office or on your kitchen table, you likely have occasional issues with distracting noise and decreased concentration. If you work in a particularly noisy area, creating a quiet workplace can help inhibit frustration and increase productivity. Creating a calm haven requires making physical changes to block and absorb sound in the room, drown it out with white noise or alter the environment to include fewer unhelpful noises.
Other People Are Reading
Things You'll Need
- Soundproofing tape or acoustic caulk
- Plush rug
- Noise-canceling headphones
Instructions
-
-
1
Eliminate noisy distractions such as televisions, video games and alarm clocks. Silence cell phones and other electronics that beep or vibrate with notifications. This leaves you free to check messages and calls as needed at scheduled breaks rather during your work time.
-
2
Seal cracks and seams in the walls to block sound from other rooms and outdoors. Use soundproofing tape or acoustic caulk to close small gaps around windows and doors. Buy door pads from a home-improvement store and affix them at the bottom of doors to limit sound leakage.
-
-
3
Add a plush rug to the room to absorb sound and vibrations. Installing thick carpeting serves the same purpose, but a rug is a simpler, more cost-effective choice.
-
4
Wear noise-canceling headphones as you work to limit the volume of outside sounds. A low-volume track of white noise, natural sounds or soft music can drown out distracting noise without interfering with productivity.
-
5
Communicate with co-workers, family and neighbors about your work habits and goals. Although some noise is unavoidable, people are often willing to lower their voices and avoid foot traffic through an area if they know it bothers you.
-
1
Tips & Warnings
Eliminate visual noise and clutter in your work space to help you concentrate.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Photos.com/Photos.com/Getty Images
