As remote work becomes increasingly prevalent — hybrid or 100 percent at home — the challenge of managing household noise has become more pertinent. Whether it’s the pitter-patter (or stomp-stomp) of little feet or the occasional barking of the family dog, controlling sound levels in your home workspace is essential for maintaining focus and productivity. So, short of sending the kids off to camp for the summer, what can you do to create a conducive work environment? Here are some strategies to help you take control of the noise levels in your home.
Most common noise distractions
While there are many noises you may need to silence as much as possible when working from home, five tend to be the most common:
- Neighbors. Parties, music, children, arguments — these can all be very distracting when you’re trying to work. If possible, place your desk along the wall farthest from your neighbors. If your neighbors are renovating their home, you may want to work from your local library or coffee shop, if approved by your employer. Keep in mind working from such places may introduce different distractions.
- Street traffic. Living on a busy street means lots of noise from cars, trucks, roadwork, even emergency vehicles. Again, try to position your desk as far as possible from your worst noise distractions. If there are sounds that occur around the same time every day — perhaps when school lets out — that might be a great time for a break.
- Family or roommates. Living with others can present challenges, whether or not they are family or roommates. Discuss your work time with your housemates and let them know when you need to focus. Hang a sign on your door should help remind them to be less noisy and to not bother you unless necessary.
- Pets. Spend time with pets before and after work so that they are a bit more relaxed when you need to focus. Plan your breaks around times they need to be feed, walked, or simply played with so that they do not feel ignored and start making a lot of noise.
- Appliances. Sounds that didn’t used to bother you may be much more apparent now that you are home most days. If an appliance is particularly loud, you may want a professional to look at it to ensure it’s running properly. Try working in a room or space that is not next to your kitchen or other rooms with noisy appliances.
Strategies for Mitigating Household Noises
1. Soften Hard Surfaces
Hard surfaces can exacerbate noise levels, causing sounds to reverberate and amplify. Combat this by placing rugs on the floor to dampen sounds and prevent them from carrying throughout the house. Opt for thicker pile rugs for enhanced sound absorption.
2. Use Artwork and Bookshelves
Break up the hard surfaces of walls and floors by hanging artwork or positioning bookshelves strategically. These additions not only add visual interest to your space, but also serve to absorb and diffuse sound, creating a quieter atmosphere.
3. Seal Off Doors
Prevent sound from traveling underneath closed doors by installing door sweeps or draft stoppers. This simple solution can significantly reduce the intrusion of noise from other parts of the house, allowing you to work undisturbed.
4. Invest in Room Partitions
If you share your workspace with others or need to create a designated work area within a larger room, consider using room partitions. These portable barriers help delineate space and provide an additional layer of sound insulation.
5. Harness the Power of Curtains
Block out external noise and minimize sound transmission through open doorways with the help of curtains. Use tension rods to hang curtains without damaging doorframes, providing an effective barrier against unwanted noise intrusion.
6. Embrace White Noise
Play soft music or ambient sounds to act as white noise, masking quieter sounds and promoting a more tranquil environment. Experiment with different genres or nature sounds to find what works best for you.
7. Bring Nature Indoors
Incorporate plants into your workspace to help control sound and reduce echo. Not only do plants add a touch of greenery to your surroundings, but they also contribute to a calmer, more acoustically balanced environment.
8. Consider Noise-Canceling Headphones
Invest in noise-canceling headphones to block out distractions and immerse yourself in your work. Choose between models that completely eliminate outside noise or those that simply dampen it, depending on your preference and environment.
9. Opt for Noise-Canceling Microphones
Ensure clear communication during calls by using noise-canceling microphones. These devices help filter out background noise, allowing you to participate in meetings without disruptions. Many desktop and mobile operating systems also offer built-in controls to enhance audio quality.
Final Thoughts
Creating a quiet and conducive work environment at home is essential for maximizing productivity and focus. By implementing these strategies to manage household noise, you can create a space where you can thrive professionally while enjoying the comforts of home. So, whether it’s softening hard surfaces or embracing the soothing sounds of nature, take control of your home’s soundscape and elevate your remote work experience.
Related Blogs
Reclaim Your Desk and Recharge Your Productivity
Working From Home: 5 Tips to Help Separate Your Work Life from Your Personal Life
How to Stay Motivated in a Growing World of Remote Working
Resources
Sensorpix Digital Content. “Quiet Efficiency: How to successfully combat working from home noise disturbances.” TVDM Consultants. 7/21/23. Accessed 4/15/24. https://www.tvdmconsultants.com/our-blog/quiet-efficiency-how-to-successfully-combat-working-from-home-noise-disturbances
Yaukey, Ryan. “Soundproofing Tips for Working From Home.” Soundproofcow.com. 6/15/23. Accessed 4/15/24. https://www.soundproofcow.com/soundproofing-work-from-home/
