Concentration | 6 in 10 say office noise destroys productivity

Whilst the modern workplace is far more flexible than before and more professionals are opting to work remotely, there are still some basic parameters that all workspaces need to fulfil. For example, breakout areas and lounge seating are becoming more popular, yet many professionals still require some form of desk that they can work from. This workspace needs to be well lit too.

A study by the University of London found that there is a very real relationship between proper lighting and worker wellbeing. “Researchers have been able to document consistent effects in relation to the impact of lighting on visual performance and health. Poor lighting can result in eye strain, fatigue and aching, which in turn is likely to lead to deterioration in performance,” stated a passage from the paper.

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Another key example of basic requirements is control over sound. Legally, bosses have a duty to ensure that noise levels in the workplace meet certain requirements. The Control of Noise at Work Regulations came into force for Great Britain on April 6 2006, with the aim of ensuring that workers' hearing is protected from excessive noise, yet it isn’t just extreme noise that affects workers.

A report released by workplace sound specialists Oscar Acoustics revealed that 60% of London-based workers felt that noise was ruining their productivity. Over half of those surveyed even went as far to say that the issue of working in a loud environment has permanently damaged the hearing of someone that they know, and whilst their physical health has taken a toll, so has their mental health.