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Does White Noise Help In A Noisy Environment?

Posted by Cliff on from the ignoring-the-folks-in-the-office-next-door dept.

HenryWirz asks: "My cube is situated next to the office 'Relationship Consultant' which is quite distracting. For coding I crank up my tunes, but I find it hard to read documentation with music. I think the solution to my problem is white noise. So my question is: Where can I find good white noise CD's? How about those white noise generators?" Do you find that white noise helps you concentrate in a distracting environment, or are there other methods that might work better?

2 of 29 comments (clear)

  1. This probably won't help... by ArcticChicken · · Score: 4

    ...but you never know. And Cliff's comment, "or are there other methods that might work better?" affords me some license. ;)

    Besides, right now at 3 AM these mental images are making me chuckle.

    In all seriousness, around the workplace I find it's usually far more effective to illustrate your need for something. As dramatically as possible. "Asking" is for wussies. ;)

    On Monday, go in to work as usual. Except carry in a large cardboard box with you. Make sure that on your way to your desk as many of your co-workers see the box as possible, but pretend like it's not even there. Ignore any/all strange looks or outright questions about it.

    Sit down at your desk and place the box on the floor next to you. Take this out from the box and put it on. Then take this out and put it on too. (Make sure you get one with the optional visor.) Then begin your workday normally.

    If you decide to take a break for any reason, do not remove the protective gear. If you have to go to the washroom, the clothing stays on. If you take lunch, the clothing stays on. Hell, if a fire breaks out ... well ... with all that gear you probably have an advantage anyway so don't worry about that one.

    For added effect, turn some music on at your desk as loud as you can. If anyone is foolish enough to ask you to turn the volume down, greet them with a blank look, and then yell back that you can't hear what they're saying because of the noise levels you have to deal with in your work area. A true geek will have patched their helmet's microphone in through their sound system before doing this. Bonus: once your mic is hooked in, hum along with the music.

    By the end of the day, it's guaranteed that even the "Relationship Consultant" will have received your the message. Furthermore, it's highly unlikely that anyone will ever again stop by and interrupt you while you're working, whether you're wearing the gear or not.

    White noise sucks. Go for the old, "conditions are so bad I'm going insane," ploy. ;)

    ---------------------
    My new motto for around the workplace: WWJD - What would JWZ do? ;)

  2. Attention Deficit Disorder: Practical Coping Mthds by Zoyd · · Score: 3
    Chapter 14 (ADD in the Workplace) of Fisher and Beckley's Attention Deficit Disorder: Practical Coping Methods recommends:
    Find a setting that is not distracting or use "white noise" to block out common distractions so you are able to complete paperwork. Be prepared to use your portable CD player, offering instrumental music for increased concentration.
    It sounds like you're already thinking on the same wavelength as Fisher and Beckley.

    In addition to wearing headphones, I would recommend for anyone who finds office distractions overly distracting to get himself screened for ADD without hyperactivity. ADD is a federally recognized disability. If you have it, you can force your office to reasonably accommodate you under the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and, if your office is receiving any government money, the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.