What Is Sound Masking and How Does It Work?

In its early days, sound masking was achieved through the creation and usage of construction materials and office furniture that absorbed and blocked sound. Today, sound masking technology has evolved to create versatile systems that are used in a variety of organizations such as medical and dental offices, libraries, hotels, banks, private businesses, and government facilities.

What Is Sound Masking?

Even in the best-built office spaces, sounds cannot be completely absorbed or blocked. Therefore, the sound that travels throughout the office must be masked or covered. Sound masking emits a low-level background noise that makes human speech unintelligible to reduce distractions in the workplace and to protect speech privacy.

Although sound masking is described as a “white-noise” solution, it is different than typical white noise. White noise operates at all frequencies at equal energies, creating a unique sound of its own. Therefore, white noise can be just another distraction in the workplace.

Sound masking systems work similarly to a pair of noise-cancelling headphones: They take in the office noise, analyze its frequency, and mask it by adding an opposing frequency. Sound masking operates at a frequency specifically engineered to match human speech, so it is less distracting. Its structured sound blends into the background and becomes a natural part of your office environment.

Why Is Sound Masking Important?

Distractions in the Workplace

Three out of 4 employees admit to feeling distracted at work. A recent survey shows the top workplace distractions are chatty coworkers and office noise. And over 60% of distracted employees don’t report these issues to their supervisor, so you might not even know your employees are unhappy at work.

Distracted employees in the workplace lead to less productivity and less profit. Less productivity may prolong the workday, leaving your employees feeling frustrated and overwhelmed. Profit losses can also put a lot of stress on your business and finances.

Sound masking solutions can create an environment free of distractions to help your employees be more productive and feel more successful as they can accomplish their tasks efficiently and effectively.

Speech Privacy

Most of today’s workspaces have an open modern design with less private offices, which creates larger spaces for sound to travel and for conversations to be overheard. Also, more companies are using surface materials that reflect sound rather than block or absorb it. So, even if you are behind closed doors, private conversations can still be heard by employees passing by.

When HR is meeting with a new hire or an existing employee, it is important for the meeting to stay private due to the legal protection of sensitive employee information. Private meetings with stakeholders need to remain confidential as you discuss financial and employee data or processes and products that are unique to your business.

If sensitive employee, customer, or business information is made public, you could potentially lose employees and customers or face a lawsuit if confidentiality laws were breached. Protecting speech privacy protects your business.

Sound masking solutions can help protect speech privacy and build trust with your employees and customers as they are confident in knowing their private conversations stay private.

How Can Sound Masking Benefit Your Business?

Sound masking is a cost-effective sound solution used across industries to create a safe, secure environment free of distractions. Here are a few of the ways sound masking can benefit your organization:

·         Removes distractions to help your employees stay focused.

·         Boosts productivity and profitability.

·         Protects speech privacy.

·         Reduces stress in the workplace.

·         Increases overall office satisfaction. 

Ready to make sound masking work for you?

Move past the noise and into a space where you and your employees can focus on what matters most. Connect with us today and discover how our sound masking services can benefit your organization.