Abstract

Over time, the human brain has evolved a sophisticated method of prioritizing the sound information that matters most. How we process auditory inputs from an open-plan office, though, is a relatively new provocation to our sensory system and a persistent industry challenge for designers, acousticians, and office managers. This ten-page paper explores the economic impacts of workplace noise distraction, our unique response to particular nature sounds, and innovative strategies to improving office sound environments informed by both psychoacoustics and biophilia. The findings signify actionable insight that could aid in the recuperation of hundreds of thousands of dollars in productive time spent in the workplace.

Co-Authors

Bill Browning – Terrapin Bright Green

Dakota Walker – Terrapin Bright Green

Acknowledgements

The authors would like to thank Catie Ryan for editorial guidance and Plantronics for sponsoring this effort. The opinions and conclusions in this report are solely those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the sponsor.