The explosion of digital applications as well as social media channels has created tremendous noise in our environment. Besides the usual outside noises, over which we have no control, these digital interruptions have together combined to ensure that you are surrounded by noise 24/7. We do make some efforts and succeed, to mask out the noise from outside by creating some sound barriers. But, we do not seem to realise the bigger enemy to silence that we willingly carry everywhere, – our digital devices – mobile phones,
A world of noise.
It is a known fact that our lives are noisier than before – there are loudspeakers, TVs, speakers, and loud device notifications in public places and open offices. In fact, in many cities, the noise levels are much higher than what is recommended by World Health Organisation(WHO) as safe. This has serious implications for our mental health, physical well-being and capacity for creative work.
What is noise? The definition of noise can be very subjective, as what I acceptable to one may be unacceptable to the other. Noise can be broadly defined as an unwanted interruption, a nuisance, or something that prevents us from doing what we want to do.
So how does one build, within our teams and more broadly in our environment, cultures that focus on the importance of silence?
There are a few general principles that we need to agree on to define what is not acceptable. As a team and organisation, it is necessary to decide on constantly being connected, when one can be offline. It is also important to agree on norms on “do not disturb” times.
Asking the following questions would help teams to define noise and decide on quiet times, across the different situations.
Do I create noise that impacts negatively others?
The next starting point to discuss the noise and quiet time is to start with a self-introspection. Ask yourself how you are contributing to vocal and digital noise.
- Mobile notifications – Mute them during office hours and avoid them altogether during working hours.
- Do you play music on your device loudly thereby disturbing your coworkers?
- Do you have a habit of thinking aloud or murmuring to yourself that may interrupt others?
- Avoid taking personal calls and talk loudly in open offices.
- Avoid sending excessive emails and insist on responses.
- Curb your tendency to post excessively on social media.
Question if any of these actions generate excessive noise that interrupts others’ work. Ask your team members for additional inputs that you can examine and curtail to reduce the overall noise levels.
Which noise disturbs me the most?
You can set certain ground rules to reduce the noise. Do not multitask in others’ presence- be on the computer or phone when talking to your team members or others. Consider what you value the most when it comes to finding quiet. Consider what noises bother you the most.
How to help others find quiet time?
Discuss individually, as a group the general noise levels within and how they can be reduced to enable focus work. Decide on how to signal and ensure a person is not disturbed and allow him his focus time. In some cases, your team members may not be in a position to spell out their need for silence or focus time. Take up the case on his behalf and resolve it with the team so that everyone benefits.
You may not be able to set the noise norms for the team unilaterally but you can surely be a facilitator/ catalyst to bring it on board and resolve it amicably.
Change the norms of noise.
There are many ways that teams can make a conscious effort to bring down the noise levels.
- Have a “no email” day
- Have a “no meetings” day.
- No need to be available on weekends or outside working hours.
- Redesign workspace and provide quiet cabins that employees can go and work in when he needs focus time.
- Eliminate emails as a primary source of communications
- have a morning sprint to get updates on project progress and give independence to fix uninterrupted time
Today the expectations, with digital connectivity, are excessive. Everyone is expected to be connected or online 24X7. Not many organisations recognise the need for private time that helps you to recharge, get diverse interests, and focus on important tasks free from noise.
but with simple strategies, we can find our pockets of silence and peace within our workdays to help us do focus work. By reclaiming this valuable space we can help reduce burnout and help team members focus on their work.
How to Build a Culture That Honors Quiet Time
by Justin Zorn and Leigh Marz
HBR 2022/05
R2G 