Office Sound Masking - Making A Peaceful Work Environment

In today's business world, communication of key information is paramount. However, in most open office plans, such communication is heard both by those who need to hear it and by those who don't. For those who don't need to hear a particular communication, it's just more noise and can become distracting making such workers dramatically less productive.

Because the majority of tasks call for concentration and not just collaborating and interacting with other employees, companies should be sure to put in sound masking systems so that people only have to listen to what they are meant to hear. The term for this is "speech privacy." Speech privacy necessitates superior workplace sound masking.

Facility managers often use office sound-masking providers in order to integrate the sound-masking structures into businesses, intending to allow for speech privacy.

However, the products offered now are very different from the ones used years ago. Even office sound masking systems that were in use only a few years ago are now obsolete. Now, many different types of systems exist along with manufacturers. These days, the least expensive, most effective sound masking systems are called "direct-field" systems.

One of the most important things for managers to consider when choosing a sound masking system is sound quality in the system that is being purchased. Nearly all of the major industrial sound masking manufacturers give product demos to potential customers. Many will also offer a customer walk through, be sure to take advantage of this opportunity. Old systems may need regular tuning and continued maintenance, and may not initially produce relaxing ambient sounds.

Effective sound masking is the easier part.The top and best sound masking systems will give effective speech privacy and also a quiet environment to work in. For example, using a working lawn mower can give privacy of speech - but it is certainly not a very pleasing sound to listen to.

Before finalizing the deal, you should make sure that you listen to the sound. Always go for a masking system that gives a soft, non-directional, consistent sound and which does not have any identifiable repeats or loops. Preferably choose one with multiple channels, rather than an older-style mono system.

If you decide to purchase an outdated system, you will have to consider the costs of continued maintenance and repairs. Indirect field systems need recalibration whenever the furniture is moved, and usually require at least annual calibrations. New direct-field units do not require this kind of continued maintenance.

In all those wall-free and door-free office spaces of the modern business environment, employees are frequently distracted by being forced to listen to everything going on, whether it is important or not. This high noise level has extremely negative effects on their productivity. The sound masking products which are available these days are vastly different from the simple White Noise systems available just a few years ago. The easy part is the effective Office Sound Masking. The ideal system will also provide effective Speech Privacy in addition to a tranquil work environment. Newer, direct-field systems also do not require tuning.

- Frank Barnett