Noise Pollution: Is your workplace hurting your health?

Isabel Day Diggins
Oct 8
3 min read

Each year, the CDC reports that around 22 million workers are exposed to noise levels that can damage health. While hearing loss is the most familiar risk, the effects go far deeper. Persistent noise exposure has been linked to heart disease, disrupted sleep, elevated stress, and trouble with memory and focus. In other words, workplace noise isn’t just a daily distraction—it’s a long-term threat to both productivity and overall well-being.

AVERAGE NOISE LEVELS IN OFFICES

AND WORKPLACES

We don’t usually think of offices as noisy places—certainly not compared to construction sites or factory floors. But the steady mix of chatter, ringing phones, clacking keyboards, printers, and humming HVAC systems quickly adds up.

Most office sound hovers between 45–60 decibels (dB)—roughly the level of a normal conversation. The World Health Organization suggests keeping it under 55 dB for a healthy workspace.

That may not sound loud, but your brain is constantly working to tune it out. Over time, that hidden effort saps focus, slows productivity, and leaves employees more drained than they realize.

EFFECTS OF REPEATED EXPOSURE

Workplace noise isn’t just irritating—it’s a powerful stress trigger. Many employees blame their workload for rising stress, but the constant hum of phones, chatter, and machines can quietly intensify the pressure. Research shows that people distracted by noise are often less productive, more fatigued, and more prone to illness—making sound control an organizational must-have, not a luxury. As National Geographic reports, chronic noise exposure has been tied to elevated blood pressure, disrupted hormones, and ongoing stress responses, which over time may contribute to heart disease and sleep problems.

WHY PEOPLE EXPERIENCE NOISE DIFFERENTLY

Not everyone experiences workplace noise the same way. Some employees can multitask and block it out, while others feel overwhelmed, overstimulated, or unable to focus.

The type of work plays a role too—deep-focus tasks are far more disrupted by noise than routine or repetitive ones.

This wide range of responses makes a one-size-fits-all fix nearly impossible. Instead, it highlights the need for flexible office design and choice so employees can find the environment that works best for them.

COMPARING IN-OFFICE WORK TO REMOTE WORK

The rise of remote and hybrid work has made the contrast between office noise and home setups hard to ignore. At home, employees can often shape their sound environment—whether that means working in quiet, shutting the door, or using noise-canceling headphones. While remote work brings its own interruptions, people generally feel more satisfied when they can control the noise around them.

In the office, that control is limited. Open-plan layouts, once promoted as collaboration-friendly, often backfire—leading to more distractions, higher stress, and lower efficiency. For employees tackling complex, mentally demanding work, these environments can be especially challenging.

ACCOMMODATING NEURODIVERGENT EMPLOYEES

Supporting neurodivergent employees who are sensitive to workplace noise requires both awareness and flexibility. Employers can provide quiet zones, private workspaces, or noise-reducing tools like headphones and acoustic panels. Flexible scheduling and the option to work remotely or during less busy hours can also help minimize sensory overload.

Clear communication, predictable routines, and allowing employees to customize their workspace give them the control they need to stay focused and comfortable. By creating an environment that respects sensory differences, organizations not only reduce stress but also empower neurodivergent employees to thrive.