Productivity in the office is a critical element for any business owner or manager. The more productive the employees are, the more successful the business will be overall.
However, employees face many challenges in the workplace that inhibit their workflow, thus hindering results. What are some of these challenges? Statistics tell us that only 30% of staff are actually engaged at their job.
This is quite a startling and discouraging number. While it’s likely true that many factors are at the root of this lack of engagement among employees, there is one factor that surely contributes to it, and that is that employees are distracted at their job.
When you can’t focus on doing your work, then the potential to lose interest is far too high.
Employee Distractions Could be Blocked By Internal Office Pods
Employees are overwhelmed and overstimulated, and as a result, they aren't able to concentrate on various tasks. If you’ve ever been distracted over and over again while working on something important, then you know how easy it is to become disengaged after awhile.
Employees face these same challenges when they come to the office and are met with a barrage of sounds, loud or talkative coworkers, and activities taking place near them when they are trying to work. It makes focusing on the job difficult, to say the least.
The trendy open office comes with its many downsides. According to one study, 74% of people in the workplace say they are bothered by noise or loud sounds.
The noise of telephones ringing, printers humming, people jabbering, and the hustling and bustling of work activity all combine to make a stressful environment. When everyone is working in such close proximity, you also can’t help but hear the the office's excessive talkers.
Internal Office Pods vs Cubicles and Partitions
So, what is the solution that will bring calm and tranquility back into the office? Some companies have constructed partitions to provide a separation between employees. However, there are a couple of problems with that “solution.” Let’s take a look at a few reasons why cubicles alone won’t solve the problem of distracted employees.
Partitions are Not a Full Enclosure
First, partitions only provide partial coverage. Some cubicle partitions are only four feet tall while even some of the tallest ones are just eight feet tall. On average, your standard cubicle will be between five and six feet tall.
A good amount of people will become visual distractions because the barrier isn't high enough. Not only that but noise can easily travel across the office. There's a reason why our bedrooms are completely sealed - we crave privacy, and a cubicle's design just doesn't cut it.
Doesn't Block Nearly Enough Office Noise
If you have ever been in a cubicle before, then you know that the material construction isn't made to block noise.
They usually consist of plasterboard and other materials designed to be inexpensive and easy to construct. However, you can hear your neighboring coworkers right through the walls, which makes it difficult to concentrate on the job you’re doing.
Some people may become accustomed to a particular sound or two, but when you add in a whole room full of workers, it becomes far too difficult.
Cubicles Only Give the Illusion of Privacy
In 1937, the open office workspace was designed much differently than it was in later years. All the desks were lined up neatly in a large open room. You may have six feet, if that, between you and the next person but there were no walls, cubicles, or separations.
Then in 1967 the cubicle design was created and went on the market. Companies began adopting this new way of conducting business. However, it didn’t solve the distraction issue for the reasons stated previously. You could still see and hear your neighbors.
But now a new problem arose. According to workplace design expert, Alan Hedge, the cubicles may make the work environment worse because the semi-enclosed area gives the illusion of a private area. This makes people think they can be louder because they visually see walls. So, they end up making more noise and disturbing one another even more than before.
The Solution to Workplace Distractions
It’s not practical to tear down your entire office and build anew. That would be far too costly. Most of the time, people simply need some R&R to regroup when they become overwhelmed by too much noise.
Providing an office privacy booth where employees can get away from the sensory overload will allow them to refocus. That’s where the office quiet room comes into play. Let’s take a closer look at some of the features of these rooms.
- Fully enclosed
- Blocks 40 dBs of noise
- Skylight ceiling for added light
- Ventilation system makes the room fresh and cool
- Transparent door allows everyone to see if the room is occupied
- Built with eco-friendly materials
- Contains USB ports and an electrical outlet
Why Use an Office Pod?
Employees may have a variety of reasons for using a Zenbooth, but its primary focus is to provide an area where they can do any of the following:
- Concentrate on a project that needs to be completed
- Unwind after a highly stressful deadline or any other stressful work situation
- Participate in a small meeting
- Make an important phone call
- Type a pressing email
Zenbooth Product Options
Zenbooth offers two size rooms. One is an individual size that resembles a phone booth. It’s 84.5" H x 45.5" W x 41" D and is equipped with a corner table, making it convenient to use your laptop or work there.
The 2nd product is an executive style booth which measures 84.5” H x 82 “W x 41" D. It's big enough for 2 people and is a nice conference room alternative for important meetings or brainstorm sessions.
With the use of office quiet room, employers can be sure the workplace is humming along productively. To learn more about our products and get a quote on shipping rates, contact us here.
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