Noise in the workplace is more than just a passing frustration. For many people, it directly interferes with their ability to concentrate, collaborate, and perform at their best. For business owners and operations professionals, noise distraction is a silent productivity killer — reducing focus, increasing stress, and affecting team morale.
Creating the right environment for focused work is essential, whether that’s in a traditional office, a co-working space, or a remote setup. Let's explore what causes noise distraction at work, the impact it has, and most importantly, what you can do about it.
What are the symptoms of noise anxiety?
While some people can tune out distractions easily, others find noise overwhelming — and this isn't just personal preference. Noise sensitivity and noise anxiety are common and valid workplace concerns.
Symptoms may include:
Feeling tense or irritable when others are talking nearby
Struggling to concentrate or finish tasks
Headaches or fatigue from mental overload
Avoiding the office or preferring to work in isolation
Feeling overwhelmed in group settings or meetings
Employees experiencing noise anxiety may appear disengaged or resistant to collaboration, when in reality they’re simply overstimulated. These responses deserve to be taken seriously.
What is the legal limit for noise at work?
The Control of Noise at Work Regulations 2005 governs noise levels in UK workplaces, primarily to protect hearing. These regulations apply mainly to industrial and manufacturing settings, but they serve as a helpful benchmark.
Key thresholds:
80 dB (decibels): Employers must offer information and training
85 dB: Employers must provide hearing protection and take control measures
87 dB: Maximum permitted exposure, accounting for hearing protection
Most office environments range from 45–65 dB. While these levels won’t damage your hearing, they can still significantly disrupt focus. The law doesn't require interventions at these lower levels, but that doesn't mean the issue can be ignored. Supporting productivity and comfort is a leadership decision, not a legal one.
How to deal with noise sensitivity at work
Everyone experiences sound differently. For employees who are particularly sensitive to noise, support is both possible and necessary.
Practical support includes:
Providing noise-cancelling headsets or reimbursing for personal-use options
Encouraging remote work when appropriate, particularly during project-heavy weeks
Making quiet rooms available for deep work
Normalising noise sensitivity so people feel comfortable asking for adjustments
Using tools like Krisp, which can make video meetings less stressful and more inclusive
Where employees feel safe and supported, they’ll do better work. Being proactive about noise accommodations is part of building a workplace culture that values wellbeing and respects individual needs.
How to block out noise at work
Noise distraction can come from everywhere — ringing phones, keyboard tapping, conversations, traffic, even the gentle hum of an air conditioning unit.Here are some practical steps to take control of noise in any work environment:
1. Use AI noise-cancellation technology
The most effective way to cut through background noise during calls is with a tool like Krisp. With one click, Krisp eliminates unwanted sound from both ends of a call. Whether you’re working from a busy café or trying to make a video call with kids in the next room, Krisp creates clarity and calm.
Krisp works with Zoom, Meet, Teams, Webex, and dozens of other platforms. It even allows you to call phone numbers directly from your laptop, making it ideal for hybrid teams and remote professionals. Better still, all audio processing happens locally — your conversations never leave your device.
2. Create quiet work zones
For in-office environments, offer a mix of open and quiet spaces. Quiet booths, library-style zones, and breakout spaces give people the flexibility to choose the best environment for their task. These activity-based working zones reduce noise-related stress and encourage deeper focus.
3. Design with acoustics in mind
Furniture, flooring, and wall finishes can all affect how sound travels through a space. Use soft materials like carpets, acoustic panels, curtains, and even plants to absorb sound. Positioning desks away from high-traffic areas and echo-prone corners can also help.
4. Support flexible and remote work
Allowing people to choose where they work, when practical, can give them greater control over their environment. With tools like Krisp, remote working tools for growing teams, and the option to book focus-friendly spaces via Tally Workspace, teams can work productively from wherever suits them best.
Why noise distraction should be a business priority
Noise isn’t just a personal issue. It affects teams, culture, and outcomes.
When people can't focus, projects slow down. When meetings are filled with interruptions, decisions take longer. When employees are constantly overstimulated, burnout and quiet quitting become more likely. All of these things affect business performance.
As a decision-maker, you have influence over how your team experiences their day-to-day environment. Here’s how to prioritise it:
Use software like Krisp to eliminate tech-based distractions
Book better spaces for deep work, hybrid meetings or solo calls using platforms like Tally Workspace
How noise disruption affects hybrid workers
Noise isn’t just a problem for people in busy offices. It’s a consistent challenge for remote and hybrid workers too. Dogs barking, deliveries arriving, neighbours talking — none of it helps when you're in back-to-back video calls or trying to write a report.
That’s where Krisp becomes essential. Its AI-powered noise removal works regardless of where you are, or how your phone or laptop is being held. Whether you’re on loudspeaker, wearing AirPods, or dialling in from the car, Krisp cuts out the background chaos and keeps the conversation flowing.
And when you want an environment that guarantees peace, you can use Tally Workspace to find and book good coworking spaces, quiet meeting rooms, or private offices for a few hours or a few days — no long-term contracts, no stress.
Creating conditions for great work
Noise distraction at work is real. It has a direct effect on productivity, mental clarity, and employee satisfaction. The good news is that solutions are easy to implement — and they pay off quickly.
Whether you're running a business, managing operations, or just trying to get your own head down, here’s what helps:
Create a culture where focus is respected and protected
Need support creating a distraction-free environment? Whether you're redesigning your office or building a better setup for remote staff, we're here to help. From quiet rooms to high-quality hybrid meeting spaces, we’ll help you find the right fit for your team.
