White Noise and Its Noise Masking Properties

Although the white-collar labor force has grown much in recent years, actual productivity has been declining. Some have observed that the problem lies in the increasing worker density of office buildings. There are simply more people being employed per square foot of office space. As such, declining productivity is a consequence of worker interruptions and overcrowding. These interruptions usually result from noise generated by employee conversations and office equipment. As such, the above-mentioned problems from office density lie in the increasing noise density. In effect, the growth of the white collar work force has reached a tipping point in which this growth is creating the decline of productivity, rather than an increase.

One way to stave off the disruptions generated by office noise is to utilize white noise; a form of noise that has more to do with wavelengths than with the color white itself. It is a combination of multiple sound frequencies emitted across one stream, similar to how white light is the light which results from the absorption of multiple light frequencies.

Due to these properties, white noise can mask most noise interruptions around it when broadcast loudly enough, simply because it can absorb these noises into its own mix of frequencies. It can effectively combat the various forms of noise pollution which exist in the office today such as street traffic, ringing telephones, idle chit chat and humming workstations and can alleviate serious emotional and physical stress from such noise.

Recent years have seen an upswing in the popularity of white noise machines, as they have proven to be of good use in the office environment. They provide a calm and soothing form of relief from the kind of noise pollution that persists in the office, and have been proven to help increase productivity. They have also been put to good use outside of the office by people who need help in sleeping at night.

Because the flat spectrum of true "white noise" is actually quite annoying, the kinds of sound generated by these devices is typically much more targeted and can range from the soothing natural sounds of a waterfall and/or birds chirping to those of man-made objects such as distant trains and radio static. As such, there are a broad range of machines that can be chosen to suit one's preference and help reduce noise-related stress.

- Frank Barnett