Working in a data centre can sometimes feel like you are working from inside a gigantic computer processer as all manner of noises and sounds resonate from every ventilation and piece of machinery around you. But do our work surroundings and the noise that it generates have a negative impact on the way that we work?
Well according to a university study in London, the sound of second-hand conversations, people eating and the sound of a colleague stirring their tea with a spoon while you are engrossed in your daily tasks has more of an impact on those that are introverted rather than extroverted. And while noises that are commonly associated with the work environment such as a work colleague coughing and an intern using the printer are part and parcel of working in an office or even a data centre, researchers found that in general people perform better amid complete and utter total silence.
So, if silence is all we need to exist in a tranquil workplace, how do we go about creating a peaceful utopia? While distractions such as a work colleague coughing cannot be helped, other distractions such as a talker who won’t stop talking can be tackled head on, well, with a little bit of delicacy of course.
How to shut up a chatterbox
Whether it’s in an open plan office or working inside the confines of a data centre, fact of the matter is that we all either know someone or work with someone who seemly find it extremely difficult to keep their mouth shut. And while many of us are professional workers who abide by the ‘Keep calm and carry on’ doctrine that keeps Brits from revealing their true feelings in moments of complete and utter frustration, its moments like this that can really test a person’s patience, even with a stiff upper lip.
So, what does a person do in a scenario when they work alongside a noisy co-worker? It’s simple, tell them to keep their talking to a minimum and to be considerate of others around them. While it may seem easier said then done, being honest with a motormouth work colleague and letting them know that their constant need to talk and create unnecessary noise is actually distracting you and effecting your work is a good step in making them aware of the problem at hand.
It’s also best not to assume that the babbler in question knows that you find the sound of their voice a complete ear pain, and in most likelihood, they probably have no idea. You may find that the chatterer is receptive and willing to tone down the volume, while others may not be too open to keep a lid on it. But either way, honestly is most definitely the best policy when it comes to taking head on a babbler who doesn’t know when to draw the line.
Data Centre Jobs Says
No one likes a serial cougher or a someone who sounds like a banshee as they scream from the top of their lungs as they talk to a work colleague on the phone, but the fact of the matter that noise is inevitable, and while there are hacks that can minimise our chances of getting distracted from someone chewing like a goat, avoiding noise is going to be pretty difficult, especially in a compact working environment such as a data centre.
Being honest and transparent with your work colleagues is always a good start in letting them know that the noise that they are creating is becoming a distraction. Investing in a pair of ear plugs is always a second option.