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Think about a stressful workday, when you need to submit a vital sales report and tally important survey data. You might come in to work a few hours early, in order to put in more time on these tasks. Now, picture yourself trying to compile that data next to a coworker, who can't stop talking about a strange blind date that she just had. It's difficult for you to concentrate in an environment like that, right?

Work-related noise pollution can result from multiple causes but no matter where it originates, noise lessens your ability to work effectively. Also, noise pollution makes you stressed and can result in depression and other problems.

Having said that, many employees have to put up with office noise at some time or other in their working lives. Hence it is a good idea to be ready to better handle these possibilities. Realistically, if you have co-workers who spend too much time chatting about anything and everything, you might want to limit your time dealing with them. Be straightforward yet diplomatic in letting them know that their constant talking is disruptive. They might provide an apology, and will possibly also curtail their conversations with you in the future.

You can politely ask your IT staff to investigate sources of noise if a printer or fax machine near your workspace seems to be malfunctioning. One can assume that the unwanted noise is due to a malfunction, because companies spend millions making these electronics "noise-free". If qualified professionals service the machines, this can help reduce the noise.

Even though most of us can't imagine getting through the day at the office without the occasional cup of coffee at hand, if the office noise that keeps you from concentrating on your job stems from that indispensable coffee dispenser, you're going to have to bring it to the attention of the administrative staff.

It is difficult to work in a noisy office, no matter how the noise originates. Yet there are numerous inexpensive noise reduction systems available for the majority of offices. Panels that absorb sound and extra-tall cubicle walls are useful in reducing both human and mechanical noise. Meeting areas and dining facilities are found in the corners, apart from work stations. Also high in effectiveness are soothing, unobtrusive noise machines, which fall under the heading of "white noise" or "sound masking". The most appropriate time to think about the use of this technique is during the office design, but modern systems can be retrofitted into most work areas with relative ease. The bottom line, though, is to take at least some kind of action to reduce office noise.