Press Room

“Voice at Work” white paper predicts noise pollution will become biggest workplace problem

Swindon, UK. - “Voice at Work” white paper predicts noise pollution will become biggest workplace problem

Plantronics, the world’s leading headset manufacturer, has today launched a white paper, “Voice at Work”, examining the current state of voice in the office. Jointly developed with UNWIREDÔ research and analysis, it examines trends in communication in the workplace and speculates on future issues and concerns.

“Voice at Work,” predicts that noise pollution is one of the single biggest problems in the workplace and is only set to increase. Noise pollution in the workplace:

- Can cause stress, frustration and potential physiological problems
- Can decrease productivity by up to 20%
- Is set to increase dramatically due to predicted demand for audio based technology, e.g. voice controls and commands, digital dictation, web/voice casts and multimedia

Studies reveal that people who are exposed to unwanted noise in open office environments can suffer decreased productivity of up to 20%
William Chipperfield, executive at PanAmSat states “Open plan offices may be a cost effective way of maximising office space, but often quality of work suffers as a direct result.”

The white paper also analyses the following topics:

- Issues in today’s workplace – the changing nature of work
- New technologies and their impact on the workplace
- The future demand for audio
- Solutions to noise

Commenting on the launch of the white paper, Lucy Newcombe, Plantronics Channel Marketing Manager said: “Voice at Work is designed to provide valuable practical information for businesses. Managers need to be aware of future workplace communications issues and potential hazards. The white paper details these issues and offers thoughts on a range of technology and behavioral solutions.”

To get a copy of the white paper please visit the magazine section on www.plantronics.com

- ends-

About Plantronics
Plantronics introduced the first lightweight communications headset in 1962 and is recognized as the world leader in communications headsets. A publicly held company with more than 2,400 employees, Plantronics is the leading provider of headsets to telephone companies and the business community worldwide. Plantronics headsets have been featured in many high-profile events, including Neil Armstrong’s historic “One small step for man” transmission from the moon in 1969. Plantronics, Inc., headquartered in Santa Cruz, California, was founded in 1961 and maintains offices in 20 countries. Plantronics products are sold and supported through a worldwide network of authorised Plantronics marketing partners. Information about the company and its products can be found at www.plantronics.com or by calling 0800 410014.

© 2003 Plantronics, Inc. All rights reserved. Plantronics, the logo design, Plantronics and the logo design combined are registered trademarks of Plantronics, Inc. in the United States and in various countries. All other marks are the property of the respective companies.
www.plantronics.co.uk

About Unwired

UNWIRED, is the knowledge division of the Cordless Group. It offers research, market analysis and forecasting services and publishes a range of reports, newsletters and guides. It specializes in wireless technologies and their impact on work, the work process and the workplace. UNWIRED has in-depth knowledge of the application of wireless innovation and predicts the technology trends of the future.
www.unwired.eu.com

For further information please contact:

Edward Fleming / Joanna Wilmot
Republic
Tel. 020 7379 5000
Fax. 020 7379 5111
edwardf@republicpr.com / joanna@republicpr.com

Russell Castronovo

Karen Auby

Lerin O'Neill