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The office:  It can be a bustling hub of activity. Phones are ringing, copiers are humming and the busy buzzing of employees is everywhere. Ah… the sounds of a modern workplace. While a quiet office can be an eerie signal that a company is on its last legs, too much noise can be counterproductive, unhealthy and just downright annoying.

8. Noise-Canceling Products.

There are many products out there that can help with the vexing problem of noise pollution. From small, lightweight headsets to varying types of earplugs, these devices can be used to reduce annoying noise.

So what can you do to eliminate excess noise at work when you don’t have an office door to close? Office acoustic experts say the ABCs of dealing with noise are absorb, block and cover. Here are a few ideas on applying those noise combating techniques:

1. White Noise = What Noise?

If colleague conversations and ringing phones have you reading the same sentence over and over, try purchasing a white noise CD to play in your computer. This means you will be listening to the lovely sound of white water rapids, the hum of a fan or just plain static to help drown out “Bobnoxious” in the cube next to you.

2. Radio/CDs.

If your company allows it, download a media player onto your computer, bring in a small radio or listen to some of your favorite CDs. Softly played music can create enough background sound to mask conversational noise and help you concentrate. Just try not to sing along or you’ll only be adding to the office noise problem.

3. Plants.

Plants are good at absorbing noise. Talk to your office manager about getting some greenery in the office to help take the edge off the hubbub — and they look nice too!

4. Nonreflective Surfaces.

Make some noise of your own and consult the facilities manager about putting some noise absorption materials in your office, such as carpets, curtains, dividers or acoustic ceiling panels. It can be argued that the noise you’re working in is also being transmitted directly to clients. When they call, they too will hear the pandemonium in the background.

5. Confront the Culprit.

If it’s just one person in the office who is making all the noise, talk to him or her and explain your situation. They may not even be aware of how loud they are.

6. You Are Entering a Noise-Free Zone!

Perhaps you and your colleagues can designate a particular conference room or area that can be used to escape the noise. It’s always good to have a quiet place to consult with clients or interview candidates.

7. Devise Company Policies.

Urge your manager or HR department to enact company policies regarding cell phone ringtones, speakerphone usage, paging systems and other noise-producing activities.

9. Move It and Lose It.

If an ill-placed copy machine is causing too much traffic, or an over-burdened fax machine rings constantly, check with office services about the possibility of relocating the noise-maker. If that won’t work, see if you can relocate your work station further away from the machines.

10. Posted: Be Quiet.

Simple and friendly “quiet” signs in hallways and outside conference rooms will help remind co-workers to keep it down when leaving a meeting, heading down the hallway or grabbing a cup of coffee.

If none of these suggestions lowers the decibel levels to your satisfaction, then it may be time to look for a new job (perhaps at your local library).

Kate Lorenz is the article and advice editor for CareerBuilder.com. She researches and writes about job search strategy, career management, hiring trends and workplace issues.

Source: MSN Career