Bring the noise! Missing the office buzz?

However, for some the chaotic, unfamiliar noise or even the deafening silence of being home alone (at the other end of the spectrum) is affecting their ability to work productively and in many cases impacting their mental health.

So it was with interest that I read an article via the BBC News site (here) about the growing use of random office noise generators. It would appear for some that that constant hum from the air conditioning system (oh how I missed that sat in 37°C at my desk), the sporadic whirr of the printer spooling and the constant water cooler chat (usually about how Deloris from accounts has mucked up the expenses or Kevin in Sales has a crush on the office admin…) is needed in order to focus on their tasks. I won’t go into the details (do read the article) but it got me thinking not so much about productivity but more the mental health impact of this new working environment for some.

I like the quiet, work focus I (used to) get being at home. Both children had the opportunity to go back to school / childcare in recent months which has been good for me but especially for them mentally. However, I can really understand how there is an issue for those more reliant on colleague contact (or at least the feeling of not being alone) who really struggle with the isolation and/or the lack of ability to just approach a work mate for help.

In my opinion, this is the current issue that still needs to be addressed for the new working normal, the mental impact of a more isolated workforce on the employee. Most employees by now have got their work environment up together and companies have the supporting IT infrastructure in place therefore all daily tasks (productivity) can be completed. What is needed now, is for companies to look at how they support their employees mental wellbeing, not just the physical.

A case in point. I have a friend (known since secondary education) who I see maybe once a year but follow on social media. She has had mental health struggles in the past and does work on a daily basis to manage her own wellbeing. (As we all should) Working in the charity sector, which of course with lock down restrictions and an inability to generate funds is frankly on its knees, is probably one of the more stressful employment environments right now. Unfortunately it became too much and inevitably she had to sign herself off sick. However, my friend is lucky. She appears to have a manager who understands that support is required and is willing to help – how do I know? Let me quote directly from her own LinkedIn post:

“Recently my MH took a nosedive. And I had to take a sick day to tend to myself and get back on track.

Today, my manager gave me an hour and 20 mins (we’d booked an hour) because she wanted me to feel supported and heard. Her words. I’ve never encountered this level of proactivity in supporting a colleague to manage a mental health decline. And honestly, I wish my contract wasn’t temporary.”

DR

What this author is trying to say is that with this new working normality, there comes a greater responsibility for colleagues and managers to look out for each other. Many do miss the social side of the office but it is the absence of professional role support and reassurance that is causing many employees to suffer – unfortunately an office noise generator cannot fix that.

As an employee, if you feel isolated, withdrawn, a bit vacant sat at your desk, constantly tired and unmotivated – talk to someone you trust about it. If it is a persistent issue, talk to your manager (I really hope they would support you) and look into mental health support. Many employers offer medical insurance that includes mental health support. Failing that, there will be local as well as national support groups / charities or even your GP who can help you to talk about how you feel.

As a manager, I would encourage you to be open with your employees about how they can approach you, actively keep in touch with each of them and allow each of them individual time to talk – not just about their work targets / deliverables on a department Zoom! You don’t have to be their best friend, just able to listen and if needs be direct them to more focussed help.

A few years back, I went through a rough patch mentally which didn’t so much cause my productivity to drop but caused real ‘attitude’ issues with some colleagues at work as well as my physical wellbeing to suffer.  Although my manager at the time found it difficult to talk openly about my particular issues, he did do what he could to support, advise and gave me the time I needed to get back on track. In the words:

“Be excellent to each other”.

Bill S. Preston, Esq. & Ted “Theodore” Logan

Toby Gilbertson, Customer Services Manager. August 2020