Improving Work Productivity

If you’ve watched the new hit show “The Office,” then you’re aware of how much nonproductive time occurs in the workplace. The reason this show has achieved the level of popularity that it has, is because it’s very typical of the American office! Low productivity in the workplace is the cause of a great deal of loss—not just to companies, but to individuals as well. Most low productivity at the office is caused by distractions from the many environmental distractions; and this is where the white noise machine makes a big difference.

White noise machines are small, compact devices that emit a gentle “humming” sound, much like that of a fan. The white noise machine's hum is actually composed of every sound audible to the human ear, so that any one individual sound in the environment is “absorbed” into the white noise machines sound. This phenomenon is similar to the way in which one individual voice is indistinguishable from that of a large crowd.

This is important because humans have a natural tendency to tune into any sound in the environment. This survival mechanism is natural and necessary to help us become aware of danger should it arise. But in the office, this natural reaction to tune into various conversations going on in the hallway or the irritating noises from the next cubicle are more of a hindrance than a help. As you can probably imagine, when white noise machines are placed on desks or in cubicles, people are better able to focus on the task at hand with a more intense level of clarity.

The “Other” Use for White Noise Machines

White noise machines can make a big difference for those that want to get ahead at work and in life, and whose results aren’t up to their own standards because of lack of concentration and focus. If you were to add up all of the moments in your day spent actually working on tasks, you might be surprised at how much unproductive time is spent at work. How much further you could be in your career or how much closer you could be to your financial goals if you could improve those results?

For bosses, white noise machines can mean a big surge in productivity when put into use throughout the office. Imagine how even a 10% increase in productivity from each person could impact sales and time to completion goals! Because many people in an office depend on each other, when one person increases their productivity, there is a ripple effect throughout the entire team. When considering the big picture, the sum of the whole is often far greater than the sum of the parts.

White noise machines are a small investment in what can be a major impact on results. There are white noise machines with all sorts of bells and whistles like alarm clocks and radios, as white noise machines are often used by those who have trouble falling and staying asleep due to ambient noise. However, for the office, a basic white noise machine may be just the solution you’ve needed to increase productivity and achieve your goals.