Causes of Stress at Work – Background noises

To reduce background sound in open offices – Install partitions to lessen the sound, use meeting rooms separate from the main work area, use quiet rooms or corners when concentration is needed, and when all else fails, use earplugs. If the layout of your workspace is not in your control, which is generally the case; then consider making a well-thought-out suggestion to the management as to how things could be improved. Emphasize the benefits of making the change; do not criticize them.  Make sure that you explain to your co-workers why you are making those changes; you don’t want them to think that you are separate from them.

Quality of Air
Poor air quality is more insidious as an issue. While people tend to notice obvious problems with atmospheric pollution, they are often unaware of the negative effect of invisible and odorless pollutants like Carbon Monoxide and Nitrogen Dioxide. High levels of atmospheric pollutants can damage people’s ability to concentrate. Similarly, lack of ventilation can deplete oxygen in the air, and can lead to headache, tiredness and reduced concentration.

You can do a number of things to improve air quality and reduce the stress caused by it -

• Ban smoking in the office.
• Keep office windows open.
• Use an ionizer or a de-humidifier.
• Introduce plants where the air is too dry. Not only do plants raise the amount of oxygen in the air and reduce stuffiness, they also help to absorb pollutants from the air.
• Keep drinking plenty of water least you get dehydrated.

To Be Continued …