Workplace distraction is making it difficult for employees to get their work done, according to a new report released by commercial flooring company Interface.
Noise negatively impacts a majority (69%) of global employees’ concentration levels, productivity, and creativity. The finding comes from a survey of more than 2,000 adult workers in the U.S., U.K., and Australia by Radius Global Market Research.
For about half of the respondents, noise levels in an office would impact their decision to accept a job. Some 16% of those surveyed choose to work remotely due to unsolved noise problems. Top distractions include conversations among employees, phone conversations, phones ringing, and people walking around.
Open work environments seem to be part of the problem. Nearly one-third (32%) of employees surveyed report working at an assigned desk or workstation in an open environment. Only 31% of all respondents indicate that employers provide private spaces for phone calls or conversations.
“The best designs are those rooted in solutions specific to company culture, environmental aspirations, and respect for individual user choice,” says Chip DeGrace, vice president of workplace applications, Interface.
Related Stories
Codes and Standards | Aug 7, 2018
International Fire Safety Standards (IFSS) Coalition created
Professional associations and building standards organizations join forces.
Codes and Standards | Jul 31, 2018
Workers allegedly held in captivity by construction subcontractor in San Jose pay theft case
Contractor pays $250,000 in back wages in Dept. of Labor enforcement action.
Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018
Heat island effect can turn deadly in extreme conditions
Of all the impacts of global climate change, it’s extreme heat that kills more Americans each year than any other weather-related event.
Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018
NIMBYism, generational divide threaten plan for net-zero village in St. Paul, Minn.
The ambitious redevelopment proposal for a former Ford automotive plant creates tension.
Codes and Standards | Jul 17, 2018
In many markets, green features are more of a requirement for apartment renters
Renters in many U.S. cities have come to expect green features in apartments that they rent, with an eye toward energy efficiency and healthy indoor air.
Codes and Standards | Jul 16, 2018
Length of North American construction disputes continues to increase
They already far exceed global average.
Codes and Standards | Jul 12, 2018
Developer says net zero Salt Lake City apartment high-rise built at standard cost
Off-site solar, and mechanical/electrical system savings aid the achievement.
Codes and Standards | Jul 11, 2018
D.C. local worker requirement not being met
Government doing little to verify self-reported project data.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
Carbon emissions in cement production threaten GHG reduction goals
Cement is essential to many infrastructure projects that address climate change.
Codes and Standards | Jul 10, 2018
DOE’s Better Buildings Summit to be held in Cleveland, August 21-23
Agenda includes technical training and networking opportunities.