What about noise? Perception of noise at the workplace – office study

Abstract

Noise pollution is nowadays an environmental burning issue, as well as a social problem. It is reported to be a strong factor influencing people’s health, well-being, as well as productivity, and mental capabilities. The effects noted occur mostly to be of adverse nature, however positive impacts have also been recorded in certain studies. The purpose of this paper is to investigate the subjective perception and declared influence of noise reported by a group of Polish office workers (taking into consideration their declared sensitivity to noise) and to assess its intrusiveness for white-collar work. The methodology is based on the acoustic ecology approach proposed by R. Murray Schafer et al. (1977) that focuses on the subjective testimony given by the subjects. To assess the sensitivity to noise, Weinstein’s Noise Sensitivity Scale is used. It is combined with a series of interviews conducted with a group of Polish office workers. Results of the qualitative research show the subjective impressions of office workers related to noise and sound, their approach to the issue. They also identify the most intrusive noises, the levels of annoyance, and declared physical and mental detriments caused by the sounds.Moreover, the approach toward silence and self-induced sounds is examined, as well as the preferences towards choosing the sonic environment while working