This point is taken in to consideration when designing the lighting in an office building. Lighting is one feature of the work environment that is ignored unless it is unsatisfactory. It is often taken fro granted, but it is essential for productivity. Noise is found in almost every work environment. Noise in the workplace is defined as unwanted sound.
Noise creates tension and therefore reduces productivity.
Because sounds have meaning, they are for more disturbing than incoherent ones. Office workers consistently report noise distraction as one of the biggest obstacles in the work place. Predictable noises are those that are there everyday, most are continuous. Having all this noise in one office space can be a problem. This noise can cover up useful cues that need to be heard.