8 Ways To Reduce Background Noise in a Call Center and Improve Acoustics

In large call centers, you can have hundreds of agents on the phone simultaneously. One company I worked with had a call center with a large room and large skylights embedded in the ceiling above. This was a fantastic aesthetic, providing significant ambient light, but came with an unintended consequence: the hollows where the lights were embedded turned into echo chambers that amplified the room’s noise level. We worked with the client to wrap the insides of the hollow’s with noise dampening material, and were able to cancel out the reverberation amounting to a far less noisy call center.

If your call center is smaller (between four and twelve agents on the phones at one time), you can still experience some serious background noise issues that can wreak havoc on productivity levels, even if seemingly benign.

Ambient noise is everywhere, but in a call center, it can be disastrous. For context, normal conversations usually hover around 60-70 decibels. This is akin to the background hum in a restaurant. However, any noise level beyond this, say from a loud phone ring or the persistent buzz of machinery, can be incredibly disruptive. It’s crucial to strike the right balance to maximize efficiency.

Reducing background noise in a call center isn’t always easy, but it’s definitely possible. Here are eight innovative strategies you can use to reduce background noise in your call center:

One of the best ways to reduce background noise in a call center is to use products from Acoustical Solutions that have been specifically designed to create better sound environments. Here are some of the products you should consider:

In close quarters, even soft conversations can create a lot of sound. By simply expanding the space between agents, you can reduce the amount of overlapping sound. Think of it as giving each agent their own ‘acoustic territory,’ leading to fewer distractions and better focus.

It’s incredible how technology can bridge the gap between noise and clarity. Premium headsets, equipped with advanced noise-canceling features, can help to ensure that an agent’s voice is crisp and clear to effectively eliminate distracting background noise.

Every keystroke can contribute to ambient noise. I highly recommend investing in silent keyboards, which are designed to minimize typing noise. They allow agents to type up reports or update tasks without worrying about adding to the noise.

Think beyond aesthetics. Carpets have a fibrous structure that acts as a natural sound absorber. Swapping out hard floors for plush carpets can dramatically reduce the echoing of footsteps and ambient sounds, which can make the environment noticeably quieter.

It’s not just about equipment; it’s also about behavior. Training your agents to speak quieter in the office can dramatically reduce background noise. Additionally, this promotes a calm and customer-friendly conversational tone, which may help with customer disposition.

Every room has its unique sound requirements. Unfortunately, call centers have a few that might require a little extra attention. Conference rooms, break areas, or even server rooms can be sources of intermittent loud noises. Soundproofing these spaces helps to ensure that sound doesn’t intrude on the main call floor.

A serene call center is not just a luxury; it’s a necessity for creating a productive work environment. Every step you take towards optimizing the acoustics in your call center translates to reduced noise levels, improved productivity, and higher customer satisfaction.

Why wait? Contact Acoustical Solutions today to learn more about how we can help you reduce the background noise in your call center!