Noise distraction significantly affects concentration, collaboration, and overall productivity in the workplace.
Implementing noise-canceling technology can mitigate distractions during calls and meetings.
Creating quiet work zones and flexible work options enhances employee satisfaction and performance.
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:
Invest in acoustic design and quiet spaces
Give people control over whether they work from home or an office
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.
Laura Beales is the Co-Founder of Tally Workspace, bringing a unique blend of financial expertise and real estate knowledge to the office space industry. A qualified Chartered Accountant, Laura began her career in finance but transitioned into commercial property after experiencing first-hand the inefficiencies and lack of transparency in the market from a customer perspective.
From first office to scale-up headquarters, we have been there.
Secured a 14,000 sq ft CAT A leased HQ at White City Place
Introduced to 3 specialist fit-out partners, including Thirdway
Full market review spanning White City, Hammersmith & Soho
"Much like Butternut Box's brand, the project intent has been to pair a deeply human playfulness with elevated, premium design. Together we've crafted a joyful space which can bring out the best in all users, whether they be two or four legged."
"Tally helped us find our new office at lightning speed. Jules, Laura, and the team are the best at what they do. We wanted a rooftop, natural light, a central location, and a good deal. They got us 10+ solid options within 48hrs and scheduled all the viewings. We found our new space within 2 weeks."
Full market review across serviced, managed and leased office options
Custom layout designed by a workspace specialist - at no extra cost
Secured a self-contained 1,850 sq ft space in Leicester Square
"Tally Workspace exhausted the market and found us just what we were looking for within weeks. They were a breath of fresh air, extremely knowledgeable and helpful, and even assisted with design and fit-out. Very proactive at every stage, like an extension of our own team."
Secured a 2,000 sq ft self-contained HQ in Shoreditch
Workspace designer sourced and managed as part of the service
Used Tally Workspace on-demand between offices
"Tally Workspace has been an incredible help for Sifted. From understanding the office/remote first landscape to finding the right office for all of our requirements."
Shortlisted options across Marylebone, Victoria, Waterloo & Holborn
Secured a 60-desk office with internal meeting rooms in TCR
"You made this whole project smooth and actually enjoyable. You're well connected, which opened up options we wouldn't have found ourselves. I'm confident we would have missed this fantastic opportunity without your help, and you secured us a much better price than we could have achieved directly."
"I'd say it is a no brainer! A win win to use Tally Workspace to find your next space. No additional cost but endless extra value."
Founder & Lightning
"Not only are they very knowledgeable about the market, but they're lovely people to deal with. We're so happy with our final choice and can't wait to move!"
Finance Unlocked
"The space they found was perfect for our team, with loads of amazing breakout space, beautiful meeting rooms and a real emphasis on wellbeing."
Florence
"They got us 10+ solid options within 48hrs and scheduled all the viewings. Highly recommend. We found our new space within 2 weeks."
Cryptio
How Tally Workspace works
Tell us what you need
Team size, budget, location, and deal breakers. We'll ask about the things most people forget too.
searching...
We handle the search
We search our proprietary database then call landlords directly about unlisted spaces. Often back to you within a day.
We handle the detail
Contracts are where most searches fall apart. We review everything and negotiate before you sign.
You move in confident
Best space, best terms, timeline that fits your growth. You know exactly what you're signing.
Tell us what you're looking for
Find an office today
Using our extensive mapping of startup and scaleup office space, find an office that fits your needs and your culture in just a few minutes.
