How Sound Affects Your Work Performance

How Sound Affects Your Work Performance No matter what your profession is, theres something that always surrounds you in the workplaceSounds.And noises.Sure, for some of youthose working at construction sites, concert halls, or audio production studioscertain sounds are part of your jobs. But obviously, not all sounds are natural to any workplace. Even if you dont think about it or pay attention to it every day, background noise is always there when you work and its pretty impossible to avoid (unless you use noise-canceling headphones which arent necessarily safe on most job sites).A sound-free workplace isnt feasible, no matter how much management tries to enforce such a rule. However, you can still learn about what sound can do in a work environment. So heres the big questionHow does sound affect your work performance?And why is it so important?Because learning about and knowing how sound affects you at work can help you make better choices. Whether you're the one making the noise or you're trying to work in a place with constant chatter of some kind, you can learn what you need to do to improve your and your co-workers' performance. Let's start with some fundamentals.The Volume Makes a DifferenceDifferent levels of volume can affect various types of tasks. Researchers have found sound can provide varying results during manual work, impacting error rate and the amount of time spent on them. Studies have proven noise measuring 110 decibels or above negatively impacted tasks, yet noise kept between 70 to 90 decibels showed no ill effects.Noise isn't always detrimental, though. Sometimes, you can use it to keep pace and allow you to work to the beat in a continuous flow. A different study showed low to moderate levels of ambient noise help people with more creative tasks, like writing or painting.Ambiance can help people focus and remain in the moment with their work. Often, the kind of noise doesn't matter, as long as it's low and doesn't include conversations or sudden changes.Human Noises Are More Distracting Than Machine-Made OnesAlan Hedge, a workplace design expert with Cornell University, presented research suggesting noisy co-workers are more distracting than any other sounds throughout an office, like ringing phones or working printers. He said we're used to tuning out repetitive noises, like those from machines.At the same time, conversations, intermittent noises or high-pitched sounds are more likely to gain our attention. Our base instincts practically force us to listen to what our minds think is valuable.When it comes to spoken conversations, we can sometimes tune them out.However, conversations that have a specific tone of voice, an abnormal volume or those based on a topic that might interest us have a better chance of making us less productive. When others are talking, they almost always remove our attention from our work.The Use of White NoiseWhen it comes to a quiet work environment or privacy, nothing is more distracting than an open office floor plan.With ev eryone working in such close quarters, it can be challenging to keep on task. Some employers have taken to using white noise soundtracks to help with concentration. Incredibly, there is some evidence to suggest this helps productivity in the workplace.Other research found listening to nature sounds while you work is just as effective as white noise. The study from the Acoustical Society of America said people often get back to work with more focus quicker if they're listening to nature sounds instead of machine or human noises.White noise, a mixture of frequencies from about 20 Hz to 20,000 Hz, has a masking effect that covers existing sounds with more pleasant frequencies. With white noise, people don't hear workplace noises as intensely as they would without.No Clear-Cut Answers About MusicThe verdict still hasn't come out on whether music helps in the workplace. Perhaps it depends on the music, type of work or particular person, but hard research finds trouble supporting this top ic either way.One study from Cornell University said happy, upbeat music has a positive effect that makes people more cooperative. Another study found music distracts people when they're trying to learn something new.At least, we can agree music can have an impact on our moods. For those who find themselves anxious at work, music can help combat anxiety, effectively distracting that person from their bad feelings to change their mood to something more positive. So music can help, depending on the task and situationbut not all the time, and not for everyone.What About Podcasts?There aren't as many studies about listening to podcasts at work as there are for music, likely because the medium is still relatively new.Podcasts are almost like radio talk shows, depending on what you find to listen to, so they make for background noise sometimes. That said, they aren't the best at keeping you motivated on a particular task, especially if the work or the podcast takes a lot of mental capacit y.Podcasts often use narrative or sound effects to keep listeners coming back. We've already established conversations and other people are the worst distractions in the workplace, so a podcast would likely only make those distractions worse. After all, their goal is to gain your attention and make you want to listen more.That said, if youre working on an extremely tedious task that doesnt require a lot of focus, listening to podcasts, especially those related to your job, can be a cool way to expand your professional skills!Tips to Maximize Your Workflow in a Noisy EnvironmentIf you have to deal with noise in your workplace, there are a few things you can do to remain productive at work. (And Im not talking about microdosing.)Completely blocking out the noise is an option with the aforementioned noise-canceling headphones or even earplugs, but there's a chance you could miss something important. If you work in a cubicle, you can ask your manager to perhaps install sound-absorbing p anels in the office, or see if you can use an app for white noise.Theres no guarantee it will help you become more productive but there is some encouraging researchId say it surely is worth a shot!While some types of noise in a workplace can hinder a lot of tasks, others can help in certain situations, too. If you're nervous about an upcoming meeting or presentation, some music or nature sounds can help soothe you a bit. In these cases, the noise can help you be more productive.What Works for You?Noise affects various people differently, but it definitely is something ever-present in our workplaces. And yet, so few people think about it!If you find workplace noise is bothering you, it's time to get creative in discovering ways to cancel it out, especially when you work in close quarters with a bunch of other people.Don't assume this is a hopeless problem. Finding out your best solution for fewer distractions while you work is an excellent start on the path to better productivity. Wh ether you're asking a boss about white noise music or bringing some earplugs in from home, whatever helps you work at your best can only lead to positivity.Feeling great about yourself and your work is worth any amount of time and problem-solving.So, what do you think?Do you feel affected by noise in your workplace? What noises, in particular, are difficult to cope with? Maybe you have your own strategy for tackling work-related sounds? Let me know in the comments, Id love to hear from you!

3 Ways Learning and Development Programs Improve Your Employer Brand

3 Ways Learning and Development Programs Improve Your Employer Brand Sponsored content A strong employer brand attracts strong talent. Here’s how LD programs help you do just that. It’s no secret that employer brand and employee engagement are intertwined. Engaged employees are happier, more productive, and more likely to sing your organization’s praises, raising the perception of your employer brand by word of mouth and on sites like Glassdoor. One powerful way to boost your employer brand is by providing opportunities for learning and development. Here are 3 ways LD programs can raise your stock in the eyes of future employees. 1. Supporting professional growth In a recent HBR study of Facebook employees, researchers found that workers were more likely to leave “when their job wasn’t enjoyable, their strengths weren’t being used, and they weren’t growing in their careers.” Those who stuck around, however, reported that they found their work enjoyable 31% more often, used their strengths 33% more often and expressed 37% more confidence that they were gaining the skills and experiences they need to develop their careers. Learning and development programs improve employee engagementâ€"and by extension, employer brandâ€"by giving workers the chance to hone their craft, or acquire entirely new skills. 2. Creating an environment of continuous learning The jobs of the digital age and the skills they demand are subject to rapid change. Employees expect employers to offer learning and development programs if they’re going to successfully navigate such shifts. When employers offer more training and growth opportunities, they encourage a growth mindset. A growth mindset posits that anyone learns and grows and that the very act of learning and growing is essential to people’s happiness and success. Organization-led LD initiatives help foster a growth mindset and a culture of continuous learning, which yields a number of benefits: Improved employee resiliency (workers with more skills can tackle complex problems) Increased innovation (learning can encourage out-of-the-box thinking) Higher retention (employees see a future for themselves) Lower recruiting costs (it’s often cheaper to develop and promote existing employees) 3. Benefiting employees of all ages According to one study, 59% of millennials say opportunities to learn and grow are extremely important to them when applying for a job. And since they make up one of the largest groups in the American workforce today, ignoring their stated desires can come with a price. But LD opportunities don’t just entice millennials: older employees reap the rewards, too. They could be looking to train up for a more senior role, update their skill set to keep pace with new technology, or even pivot to an entirely new job function. Regardless of the generation, an organization that invests in learning and development sends a strong signal that they care about the future growth and success of their workers. Ready to get started? In a highly competitive, rapidly shifting job market, successful learning and development programs are arguably more important to organizations than ever. The most sought-after places to work cultivate a feeling of reciprocal investment by offering their employees chances to grow. Interested in learning about other ways to improve your employer brand from within? See how SurveyMonkey’s solutions help HR professionals like you. About the author: Zach Morvant is a Senior Content Strategist at SurveyMonkey, where he writes things that help make life easier for HR folks. He’s spent almost a decade as a professional creative thinker and copywriter. When he’s not doing those things, he can often be found riding a bicycle or pillaging the office snack supply.

Youre Asking the Wrong Question

You’re Asking the Wrong Question Embed from Getty Imageswindow.gie=window.gie||function(c){(gie.q=gie.q||[]).push(c)};gie(function(){gie.widgets.load({id:'FxzI9zbfQGpxbFrKird-cA',sig:'_KppKNn8L3e3z5E9c_Jbb81queIs23TYnXnEH1Ay0Ps=',w:'507px',h:'338px',items:'188016199',caption: false ,tld:'com',is360: false })}); This is one of a series of posts on The End of Jobs: Money, Meaning and Freedom Without the 9-to-5. Taylor Pearson says that everything you think you know about job security is wrong. All your life, you’ve heard that getting a great job and moving up the corporate ladder will provide you with income, security, and satisfaction. But Pearson says that the number of jobs is shrinking each year. We’ve reached the peak of job creation, he argues, so you’ll never be secure if you depend on someone else to give you a job.  You’ll need to take your economic security into your own hands. “There are three primary reasons to believe that we are at peak jobs and approaching the End of Jobs,” he writes: Sharp rises in communication technology and improved global educational standards over the past decade means that companies can hire anyone, anywhere. Jobs are increasingly moving to Asia, South America, and Eastern Europe. The notion of machines, both hardware and software, taking over blue collar factory jobs is now largely acceptedâ€" but now they’re increasingly taking over white collar, knowledge-based jobs as well. Traditional university degreesâ€" bachelor’s, master’s, and PhDsâ€" have become abundant, making them less valuable than ever. Jobs and workers are becoming commoditized, and when something becomes a commodity, buyers stop trying to look for individual traits (and quality) and simply bid to get the best price. If your job hasn’t been eaten by software, offshored, or outsourced yet, Pearson argues, it’s simply a matter of time. If you’ve never considered entrepreneurship, it’s time to think about going into business for yourself. You may think that involves starting a company, opening a storefront, and hiring people. And it might. But it doesn’t have to. Here is Pearson’s contrast between a job and entrepreneurship: Entrepreneurship is connecting, creating, and inventing systemsâ€" be they businesses, people, ideas, or processes. A job is the act of following the operating system someone else created. Pearson writes that when people find something they’re interested in doing for work, they ask the wrong question: “How do I get a job doing that?” What if the better question is: “How do I create a job doing that?” You may not be ready for complete independence from your job. You probably value the benefits a job provides, like insurance coverage, paid time off, and retirement saving options. These things will be your responsibility if you’re entirely self-employed. Your employer has also probably shouldered some of the cost of these items, so they’ll be more expensive as well. But I agree with Pearson that there are ways to increase your comfort with and confidence about being an entrepreneur â€" steps between employed and independent. Each time you flex that entrepreneurial muscle, you get stronger. And if you ever find yourself out of work, you’ll have infrastructure, tools, and mindset to cope much better. You won’t ever have to be afraid of being unemployed again. Even if you’re not sure that we’ve reached the End of Jobs, it makes sense to be prepared. Learn more about how to build up your entrepreneurial muscle in the next post.

Free Gift For You Networking Tips From 13 Successful Women

Free Gift For You Networking Tips From 13 Successful Women In yesterdays book update video,  I shared that I will be doing fun weekly giveaways on my blog until my book is in your hands later this summer!  Our first giveaway begins today with a BRAND NEW Networking Success Ebook that you can download immediately.  The ebook is a consolidation of networking and career tips from 13 successful businesswomen, authors and career experts who share how to use networking to find your dream job and get ahead in your career. Click here to register for your free gift. After interviewing hundreds of women on my blog. I have realized that it is really not about WHAT you know. Instead, it is about WHO you know.   Interview after interview, successful women tell me how networking has been pivotal to their success. After reading this ebook, you will learn: How to get over your fear of networking How networking can help differentiate yourself in the competitive job market How to get started networking What to do at networking events How to remember other people’s names Networking strategies for career success Click here to register for your free gift. Watch this video to learn more about my free gift for you TODAY! Click here to register for your free gift.

Monster Resumes - How to Use Your Monster Resume For Good

Monster Resumes - How to Use Your Monster Resume For GoodMonster resumes have a growing and broad base of individuals who are keen to find a job. A resume is the first thing that most employers will see, so you want to make sure that you use the resume properly. By following some easy tips you can get your resume seen by a lot of employers, which will help you get the jobs you want.The first tip is to get your resume written for the Monster Resume as soon as possible. The reason for this is that if you send your resume in a month or two before you actually apply for a job then it will be too late and there is no point in applying if you do not have a resume. You need to prepare for your job interview at least six months before you attend the interview. By having your resume ready and printed out you can write down any changes that you think you may need to make.It is essential that you use bullet points and you should write your strong points in your resume. This is to help you conne ct the topics that you want to cover in your resume and the things that you are best at. By highlighting your strengths and connecting them to the things that you are best at you will have an easier time getting the attention of your employer.The second tip is to get all the information about yourself included in your resume and not leave anything out. It is essential that you put your skills, education, hobbies and any other relevant information in your resume. If you leave anything out then your employer will not know what you can do and you will not get any jobs. You also want to put your interests and past jobs so that they are not left out.Many people are able to find their ideal job by going through different online resource sites and taking advantage of the free tools they offer. By doing this you can access a lot of great information that can help you find the best job for you. By taking advantage of free information and applying it to your resume you will increase your chan ces of getting the job that you want.The third tip is to write your resume in a manner that tells the employer why they should hire you over all the other candidates for the job. You do not want to just fill in the job description. You want to make sure that you provide information that will tell the employer why they should hire you over the others.Well organized resumes will give you the best chance of getting your resume noticed. You need to make sure that you include all of the information that is required and then save the resume to make sure that it is organized. A well-organized resume will stand out from the other resumes that you are competing with and will therefore get you the job that you want.Always use bold and underlined text in your resume. People will see this and will read it more than once. If you take the time to make sure that you use the correct keywords, you will have a much better chance of getting the job that you want.

How to Kick-Start Your Career as a Family Practice Lawyer

How to Kick-Start Your Career as a Family Practice Lawyer Have you always wanted to work in the law? Make sure you take a look at this guide to learn how you can kick-start you career as a family practice lawyer. If your top three TV shows include Matlock, Law and Order, and Suites, chances are you are interested in becoming a lawyer. And youre not alone. in 2018 there were 1.34 million lawyers in the United States. Being a lawyer is a noble career choice that brings prestige, intellectual challenges, and allows you to help others. Have you always wanted to work in the law? Make sure you take a look at this guide to learn how you can kick-start your career as a family practice lawyer. If youre looking at leaving your current dead-end job or trying to decide where to start, heres what you need to know. What a Family Practice Lawyer Does First things first. Before we talk about becoming a family practice lawyer lets talk about what they do to make sure you are still interested. A family attorney deals with a wide range of issues including: Divorce Adoption Domestic violence Prenuptial agreements Child custody A family lawyer has to deal with everything from handling the financial side of settlements to defending a child in a domestic abuse case. These are sensitive issues that must be handled with care and confidentiality. An average workday would include meeting with clients, researching cases, and investigating the evidence, and attending hearings. To get a better idea of what this job requires, visit this attorneys website. If this is something that sounds appealing to you, keep reading to find out how to qualify for this job. 1. Get Your Bachelors Degree The first thing is to finish a Bachelors degree. It doesnt matter too much what you get your undergraduate degree in, you just need a 4-year degree to get into law school. Experts do agree though that your undergraduate degree should be rigorous. Dont choose a degree just because it looks easy. Also, choose something that will develop critical and abstract thinking skills. 2. Take Your LSAT The LSAT is the Law School Admittance Test and it is required to get into any law school. And not to scare you, but it is unlike any test youve ever taken. The LSAT is a skills-based exam to test your critical reading and analytical thinking skills that are essential for law school. There are 5 sections of the test that are timed for 35 minutes each. Be prepared for the LSAT by taking practice exams and prep courses. 3. Attend Law School Most law students earn their law degree in about 3 years if they are attending school full-time. Courses taken in law school include: Criminal law Property rights Civil procedure Contracts Constitutional law Students will also learn how a courtroom runs by participating in mock court proceedings. 4. Pass Your Bar Exam The bar exam is given in each state. Every lawyer, regardless of the specialty, must pass the bar exam to obtain a law license. You must be able to show proof of education and have a background check to take the bar exam The bar exam consists of a series of tests taken over the course of 2 or 3 days. These tests include both multiple choice and essay questions. 5. Practice Law Once you have passed the bar exam you free to do what you wish with your law degree. Most new lawyers will choose to work for a firm to gain experience. Others will take the plunge and open their own firm to be a family practice lawyer. No matter what you choose, were here for you and all of your career questions. So dont hesitate to contact us. We can give you the best advice on how to write the best resume, get a job, and then grow your law career to be more successful than you ever imagined.

5 Things You Need To Be Doing For Your Team

5 Things You Need To Be Doing For Your Team As a business owner, you put all of your trust into your employees to do the work that you’ve assigned to them so that your business can run how you see fit. But have you ever sat back and thought about how much your team actually does for you? Many business owners fail to acknowledge this information and end up taking their members of staff for granted, which can result in people looking for new jobs and leaving you stuck for staff. To prevent this from happening to you and your business, take a look at the things you need to be doing for your team so they are happy and work to the best of their abilities. Praise them One of the most common things that bosses and business owners forget to do is praise their staff for their hard work or achievements. When you’ve worked hard to resolve a problem, or to get a project done on time, it’s really disheartening when you don’t get any thanks or praise. Make sure that you’re aware of the work that your staff are putting in so that you can praise them for the hard work that they’ve done, and what they’ve achieved in such little time. Doing this will make your team feel appreciated and fuel them to work harder and with as much passion. Take the blame Another massive faux pas that bosses make is not taking blame for mistakes that have been made because of them. Just because your role is higher than them doesn’t make you any less available to blame. As Afterburner Inc explains here, being able to take accountability for the mistakes that you’ve made or caused shows great leadership, and will encourage others to do so when they have made a mistake. We’re all human and are likely to make mistakes from time to time, and being able to take the blame so that you can resolve it shows strength. Give them refreshments Many workplaces don’t allow food or drink on site to keep up reputation. While it’s understandable that you don’t want to see your staff stuffing their faces or guzzling down coffee on your shop floor, everybody should be entitled to some sort of refreshment during a long shift. Make it so that your staff are able to nip out to grab a drink in the staff room, and have a vending machine available so that on their breaks, they’re able to get something to eat and revitalise themselves. A refreshed member of staff will work harder than someone who is hungry and dehydrated. Back them up If you work in the retail industry, or in fact any industry that deals with customers face to face or on the phone, then you’re subject to a few disgruntled customers coming in or phoning to complain. The problem that many employees face is their boss not backing them up in a sticky situation. Train your staff to deal with these customers, and make sure that if you’re needed to back them up, that you are. Many bosses make the mistake of going back on their word and saying anything just to please the customer. Don’t make the mistake of going against the training you’ve given to your staff. Be compassionate Everybody has personal issues that will crop up from time to time, and while you don’t want every single bit of drama dragged into the workplace, there are some circumstances which simply cannot be helped. The death or sickness of a loved one, or even injury to the member of staff are perfect examples of times that you need to be compassionate, especially if said member of staff is a loyal member of the team. Learn to establish when someone is being genuine, and when someone is simply trying to get a day or two off work, and you will be able to keep your team happy and hardworking! Your team is the backbone of your business, and if you follow these 5 things and carry them out you will find that your team is hardworking, tight knit, and also willing to help the business out whenever possible.