Office Noise, Satisfaction, and Performance

TLDR

Office noise disturbance reflects various environmental and job characteristics and can influence job satisfaction through both environmental satisfaction and job characteristics. The authors conducted a field study of 2,391 employees at 58 sites, measuring noise disturbance alongside environmental satisfaction, job satisfaction, and job performance before and after office renovations. About 54% of employees reported frequent noise bother, especially from conversations and phone rings; noise disturbance was linked to lower environmental and job satisfaction but not to supervisor‑rated performance, and increased noise was associated with a decline in satisfaction.

Abstract

A field study assessed disturbance by office noise in relation to environmental satisfaction, job satisfaction, and jot performance ratings among 2,391 employees at 58 sites before and/or after office renovation. In all, 54% said they were bothered often by noise, especial!y by people talking and telephones ringing. Disturbance by noise correlated with dissatisfaction with the environment and job but not with selfor supervisor-rated performance. Quasi-experimental analysis of groups reporting increased, decreased, or unchanged disturbance by noise revealed a drop in satisfaction concurrent with increasing noise. Disturbance by office noise may reflect a variety of environmental and job characteristics and may have a role in job satisfaction through both environmental satisfaction and job characteristics. Implications are discussed.