Re:Open offices are a dead end
by SteveMoody73 on Thursday September 26, 2019 @01:18PM
(#21083114)
I work in an open office with about 30 people in it and find it unbarable on times. I have some good noise cancelling headphones that help sometimes but I can't wear them for too long a period before they start getting uncomfortable.
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Noise cancelling headphones do absolutely nothing when you put a loud talker next to one. They can't absorb speech.
The other problem is people trying to do Skype or other conferencing calls while wearing closed-can headphones. Their own speech level rises two notches when they can't hear their own voice. Try it for yourself and see.
Honestly skype et al should probably detect if you're using headphones and turn on direct feedback if you are. It makes not only a stark difference for how loud you speak, but also for how annoying and derailing echo on the connection is.