Concentration at work
Concentration is the gathering of mental forces to achieve a goal or solve a problem. It is a state of tense attention and complete commitment to a cause. The most pleasant kind of concentration is flow, the exhilarating feeling of complete immersion and absorption in an activity. Good for the one who has a closed office. Mental concentration in an open-plan office is often difficult; overstimulation from noise, telephone calls and conversations impede concentration. Working in a home office isn't easy either; on top of other family members or roommates, housework can be a major distraction. When the washing machine or dishwasher beeps, it's hard to ignore the electronic noise. People like to keep the household especially tidy during peak work or exam periods because it distracts them from important tasks. That's when the antagonistic principle or procrastination kicks in - the more you want to concentrate on an important task, the more you think of what you could do instead.
Concentration versus multitasking
For all digital workers, it's important to structure the demands of the modern workplace; multitasking is not the answer. Fixed times of checking email and regularly using messenger services will help you to structure yourself. This is easy to say and hard to implement, especially if you are self-employed and depend on new customers. Visual stimuli, such as clutter, are also detrimental to good focus - tidying up is an easy remedy here. In an open-plan office, sometimes an opposite work rhythm helps to get a free space; early in the morning or on Friday afternoons, there are usually fewer colleagues on site. Important for maintaining concentration in general are breaks and downtime, create a free space, an individual lounge corner with a sofa or treat yourself to a short or extensive walk.
Quiet and noise in the workplace
What constitutes quiet and noise is subject to subjective perception. While some people can listen to loud music at work or work on a busy street with an open window, others are already disturbed by the literal fly on the wall. In offices, a normal conversation volume of 55 decibels is recommended; a whisper volume of 30 decibels is more pleasant. Continuous noise affects the psyche, impairs health and makes people ill. Employers are obliged to protect their employees from noise (ArbStättV) and to keep the sound pressure level as low as possible. Paragraph 6 of the Noise and Vibration Occupational Health and Safety Ordinance (LärmVibrationsArbSchV) stipulates that earplugs must be provided if the noise level exceeds 80 decibels. Earplugs can also improve concentration and provide peace and quiet in the home office. Some people can work excellently with relaxing music.
Acoustic furniture in the office or home office
It is true of noise that it is perceived as less disturbing if it is not seen. Room dividers and partitions can help reduce noise visually, so to speak. Another solution to improve acoustics is acoustic furniture, which is designed to filter out distracting sounds and unpleasant frequencies. The furniture absorbs or redirects sound. The functionality of the office furniture is maintained so that the existing space can still be fully used. In your pro office store you will find wallpaper, partitions, lamps, panels, stools, or the Wilkhahn Fold Up Workspace, which can simply be placed on the desks. Under the category of acoustics you will find beautiful items that reduce the noise level in your office or home office: View Now!
