The background noise machine installed when my office switched to an open plan drove me absolutely nuts. Some engineers used to turn it off every morning, until management put the switch behind lock and key.
I eventually just started wearing noise cancelling headphones every day.
I went back to the office recently after being away for over a year. It was almost completely empty since everyone has transitioned to working from home. Still that damned white noise machine was on full volume...
I understand a lot of people aren't bothered by white noise, but some people really are, which is another example of why open offices are a bad idea.
What does it sound like? An untuned radio? That would drive me nuts.
I think I remember them mentioning it was like a 60Hz electrical hum and it does seem that the office has more of that noise, but also it’s summer in Ontario so it could just be the AC.
I eventually just started wearing noise cancelling headphones every day.
I went back to the office recently after being away for over a year. It was almost completely empty since everyone has transitioned to working from home. Still that damned white noise machine was on full volume...
I understand a lot of people aren't bothered by white noise, but some people really are, which is another example of why open offices are a bad idea.