Do you use headphones at your workplace while working? Do they help to get your work done faster without any distractions or do you consider wearing them as rude?
A research conducted on employees after they returned to offices post COVID-19 pandemic, confronting the things employees disliked the most about open spaces, found that in today's era, work demands the psychological ability to focus and to be attentive for lengthy durations.
But, this becomes hard when your colleagues or manager starts having impromptu discussions next to your seat or talk about their personal life and other stuff. Meanwhile, you struggle to hit the deadline.
The research stated that relatively moderate levels of open-plan office caused a 25 per cent increase in negative mood and a 34 per cent increase in physiological stress. Whereas, employees in quieter one-person offices performed 14 per cent better on cognitive tasks.
Research also noted that being constantly interrupted by random questions and conversations can reduce productivity and takes about 23 minutes to get back on the task after an interruption.
Although the research also stated that when employees wear headphones, opportunities to connect with colleagues, share ideas and build social relationships are reduced.
A poll conducted by Editorji Technologies on several social media platforms including Twitter, LinkedIn and Instagram found that more than 50 per cent of people feel headphones should be used in workplaces. Around 12 per cent feel it's not necessary and around 30 per cent of people feel it can be used if required.
A great example of this can be seen in Linkedin's San Francisco office, where the entire office has been redesigned since the start of the pandemic with a range of different work zones including the ones specifically designated for those who need peace while working and others to encourage collaboration and social interaction.
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