New research released today by Jabra analyzed the role audio plays
on cognitive, emotional, and physical wellbeing in the workplace
and found return to office initiatives can create unintended
consequences if not managed well. The research was carried out
among 2,000 knowledge workers across the United States, the United
Kingdom, France, and Germany. The findings revealed that improving
workspaces to correlate with employee preference can positively
influence mental wellbeing and productivity, ultimately encouraging
a positive office culture and providing organizations with a
competitive advantage.
After years of isolation following
pandemic-forced remote work, the solution to prevent burnout and
loneliness was the return to office. Yet according to Jabra
research, promising an ideal workplace culture through a hybrid
structure isn’t enough – technology investments also have an
important role to play.
While 9 in 10 knowledge workers say getting work
done, being able to focus on work, and maintaining good mental
health are equally important, the changes needed for workspaces
that will allow for the return to office to be successful are being
undersold. Nearly three quarters (74%) of workers say working in a
loud environment makes them mentally tired and look towards clear
and high-quality sound to enhance their ability to focus. For
company leaders encouraging a return to office, investing in spaces
and technology that improve their employees’ productivity is a
necessity.
Office buzz or a productivity
buzzkill?
While organizations are continuing to push for
employees to return to offices, nearly half (47%) of respondents
say they are stressed by noise at the office not allowing them to
focus. To successfully hire, retain, and encourage a positive
office culture, Jabra research calls for a strategic approach to
revamping spaces that align with employee working styles.
Audio plays an important role in eliminating
distractions: 37% of knowledge workers surveyed say it is difficult
for them to be productive at work when coworkers are taking calls
at their desks without headphones. While 39% reported it was
equally difficult to lead or participate in their own calls when
coworkers are taking meetings from their desks without headphones.
To avoid noise and limit distractions, over half of workers (59%)
say they are expected to take calls away from their desks in a
separate room and use professional headphones (69%).
The findings show the impact noise has on
overall productivity and performance. With 74% saying clear and
high-quality sound enhances their ability to focus on tasks and
projects, it is critical that leaders do all they can to provide
the right technology and a conducive environment for employees
returning to the office to avoid the productivity buzzkill.
Loud environments and their impact on
mental wellbeing
Beyond disruption, poor audio quality also has
negative consequences on work and mental health, with 54% of
knowledge workers saying poor quality audio during conference calls
negatively impacts their wellbeing.
The impact loud environments have on mental
health and wellbeing is clear: nearly three quarters (74%) say
working in a loud environment makes them mentally tired.
Furthermore, nearly two-thirds of respondents agree that working in
a loud environment makes them physically tired (63%) and it is
difficult for them to feel passionate about their work when working
in such an environment (63%).
Investing in the right technology for employees,
whether in-office, remote, or operating on a hybrid schedule is
necessary for business success. Jabra’s research notes that
knowledge workers believe higher-quality meeting audio can
positively impact their interpersonal skills in the workplace
through clearer communication (43%), improved collaboration (40%),
and enhanced communication skills (37%).
Business success relies on strategic
workspaces
As disruptive noise was found to have a negative
impact on overall mental health and productivity, knowledge workers
believe employers have a responsibility to address audio issues in
a variety of ways to improve office culture. This ranges from
providing noise-cancelling headphones as part of standard office
equipment (37%) and allowing employees to work from home more
frequently (37%). Nearly a third (32%) say their employer could
also designate specific areas for different types of activities
such as quiet zones or collaborative zones to ensure employees have
options available in the offices.
With a positive impact on both business and
employees, 2 in 3 knowledge workers agree that employers should
invest more in creating an inclusive workplace. Gone are the days
where offices solely catered to a single type of employee and one
perceived working style.
Josh Blalock, Chief Video Evangelist at
Jabra, said: “The way of work is constantly evolving, and
with offices pushing for a hybrid working model, knowledge workers
today are struggling with the ability to focus in the workplace.
The office is filled with distractions, and unwanted and disruptive
noise can have a significant impact on employees’ mental wellbeing
and productivity. Leaders requesting a return to office need to
invest in creating an office space that caters to all working
styles, in addition to investing in high-quality technology to
ensure knowledge workers can bring their best selves to work.”
Note to editors
The survey was carried out by TEAM LEWIS
Research amongst 2,000 knowledge workers, aged between 18 and 65 in
4 countries worldwide across United States of America, United
Kingdom, Germany, and France. The study was conducted between March
27th and April 5th, 2024.
PR contactHayley Minardihminardi@jabra.com
Lauren JohnsonTEAM LEWISjabraus@teamlewis.com
About Jabra
Jabra is a world leading brand in audio, video
and collaboration solutions – engineered to empower consumers and
businesses. Proudly part of GN Group, we are committed to bringing
people closer to one another and to what is important to them.
Jabra engineering excellence leads the way, building on over 150
years of pioneering work within GN. This allows us to create
integrated tools for contact centers, offices, and collaboration to
help professionals work more productively from anywhere; and true
wireless headphones and earbuds that let consumers better enjoy
calls, music, and media. www.jabra.com
Founded in 1869, GN Group employs more than
7,000 people and is listed on Nasdaq Copenhagen (GN.CO). GN's
solutions are sold in 100 countries across the world. Visit our
homepage GN.com or connect with us on LinkedIn, Facebook, and
X.
© 2024 GN Audio A/S. All rights reserved. Jabra®
is a registered trademark of GN Audio A/S. All other trademarks
included herein are the property of their respective owners (design
and specifications are subject to change without notice).
A photo accompanying this announcement is available at
https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3aa61a7d-20cf-4bac-abd4-31a58b105700