Companies advised to reduce office noise

Companies have been advised to consider various ways of reducing the amount of noise that goes on in the workplace.

According to Approved Business, excessive sound can have a negative effect on people's work rate, thereby reducing their overall productivity.

As a result, it has recommended that a firm which is setting up an office space take this into account when buying furniture and essential supplies.

For example, the website suggested using Bluetooth headsets instead of normal telephones.

In addition, it said careful planning of workstation positions could also minimise the amount of noise a worker has to put up with each day.

Approved Business commented: "Noise in the workplace is an important and often overlooked consideration."

The issue of noise has already been addressed by many manufacturers of essential office supplies, such as printers.

Earlier this week, Lexmark International revealed that its forthcoming range of printers will have a built-in quiet mode.