It might not seem like it’s really possible to have a properly quiet workplace, and it might not even seem as though it’s all that important – after all, the world is such a noisy place that we might as well just get on with it and try to block out the sounds as best we can if we really have to.
Although that might seem like the best option, the truth is that finding – or making – a quiet workplace isn’t just about finding a bit of peace and quiet; it can actually be good for our mental health (and physical health, come to that). With that in mind, let’s take a look at exactly what a quiet workspace is essential for mental health so you can put measures in place to make it happen.
Reduced Stress Levels
Noise pollution is a huge issue in society in general, and studies have shown that there’s a definite link between high noise levels and high stress levels. After all it does make sense – if your surroundings are too loud, whether that noise comes from traffic, construction, or just people talking too loudly in the office near where we’re trying to work, your body reacts negatively, and it releases a lot of stress hormones like cortisol as a result. That means that the more noise you’re exposed to, the more stress you’ll experience.
So if that’s true, it also makes sense that having a quiet (or at least quieter) workplace means you’ll be less stressed because there will be fewer stress hormones coursing through your body. Of course, that might not make up for the physical issues caused by loud noises, and it might be that if you’re suffering from any kind of hearing-related issue, you should get expert help. You can manage tinnitus with a hearing specialist’s help, for example.
Better Focus
Have you ever tried to concentrate on a task or a job when there’s a load of noise going on all around you, like loud conversation or some kind of incessant background noise? If you have, you’ll know it’s all but impossible to really drown everything out so you can actually focus on the task at hand. That’s because our brains are wired to look for patterns and pay attention to what’s in front of us, and when we’re distracted by other noises, we can’t find those patterns anymore, which means we’re less productive.
If you can have a quiet workspace, you’ll have a way to be a lot more productive because you won’t be getting bombarded with noise from all sides. When there are fewer interruptions, you can find your patterns again, meaning you get into a flow or routine that makes whatever you’re doing much easier.
More Creativity
Even if you don’t think your job is all that creative, the fact is that you’re going to need to use the creative side of your brain at some point – whether it’s the work itself, or the way you go about doing that work. Most of the time you’ll be creative without even really realizing it, but what you will realize is when you’re not able to think properly and you’re not able to be creative – and that’s often down to noise.
If your workspace is nice and quiet, you’ll be in a much better position to be as creative as you need to be, and that’s got to be a good thing.