Case StudY
Advantage+
Improving Focus and Reducing Distractions with Sound Masking.
Advantage+, a nationwide business lender based in Wisconsin, expanded into a new office space, which featured an open floor plan with cubicles. While the layout was efficient, employees soon found themselves distracted by conversations from neighboring cubicles. These constant interruptions posed a threat to productivity and service quality, making it harder for staff to concentrate on their work.
Kristin Durik, Vice President of Operations at Advantage+, recognized the need for a solution that would help mitigate these distractions without compromising the open-office design. Open workspaces, though great for collaboration, often amplify noise, particularly conversations – making it challenging for employees to focus. This is especially problematic for those handling sensitive business matters and client interactions.
After exploring various options, Durik discovered that sound masking technology could address the issue. Sound masking works by introducing a low-level background sound, engineered specifically to reduce the intelligibility of human speech. By masking distracting conversations, the technology creates a quieter, more private environment where employees can focus on their tasks without overhearing irrelevant discussions or being overheard themselves. This not only improves concentration but also enhances privacy, a key concern in industries that handle sensitive financial information.
Advantage+ implemented a sound masking system throughout its 5,000 square foot office, installing small, discreet speakers in the ceiling tiles across the workspace, including open office areas, private offices, and corridors. The system was designed to meet the acoustical needs of the entire office, ensuring that both speech privacy and noise reduction were optimized.
When employees returned to the office after the system was installed, they immediately noticed a significant decrease in distractions. Conversations from neighboring cubicles were no longer a source of interruption, allowing them to focus more intently on their work. After a short adjustment period, the sound masking became barely noticeable, yet the positive impact on concentration and overall well-being persisted. The system even offers the flexibility to play background music during special events or office parties, adding an extra layer of functionality to the setup.
The results speak for themselves: employees are more focused, productivity has improved, and the overall atmosphere in the office is quieter and more comfortable. By reducing noise distractions, the company has created a work environment that fosters better service delivery, concentration, and employee satisfaction.
About Advantage+: Founded in 1992, Advantage+ provides business loans ranging from $3,000 to $200,000 for equipment financing and related costs. The company prides itself on its hands-on service and in-house loan management, allowing for subjective underwriting and continuous client engagement. Advantage+ has lent nearly half a billion dollars to over 15,000 businesses and maintains an A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.