A white noise machine for office environments is a small device that produces a consistent background sound designed to make distracting noises less noticeable.

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I know - it's counter-intuitive. How can making more noise help people to deal with too much noise? But in today’s busy office spaces – where conversations, ringing phones, coffee machines and footsteps all compete for attention – many teams look for simple ways to reduce distractions, improve focus and create a more comfortable working environment. A white noise machine adds a layer of sound that blends with other sounds in the room, masking them so they are less disruptive. So more noise means less distraction!

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At Persy Booths, we work closely with organisations trying to get their office environment right and we understand that they do not have limitless budgets. While we specialise in acoustic solutions, such as office booths, we also understand the importance of other innovations like white noise machines. And in the same way that a high-quality soundroof booth doesn't have to cost the earth, we love the idea that a white noise machine may be an extremely cost-effective way of masking sounds that might otherwise disrupt your employees.

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Before exploring how these machines work and how to use them, let’s review the key points this article will cover.

Key takeaways from this article

• What a white noise machine is and how white noise machines work in office environments.
• How sound masking can reduce distractions and boost productivity.
• Practical guidance on volume level, placement and integration with office design.
• The benefits for speech privacy, well-being and employee focus.

A white noise machine plays a consistent background sound that helps mask distracting sounds across a range of audible frequencies. This process – known as sound masking – is not about making the office loud. Instead, it adds a gentle layer of sound that reduces the sheer volume and clarity of other sounds, such as conversations or movement, making them less intrusive.

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Research supports this approach. A 2021 study from the Journal of the Acoustical Society of America conducted a tightly controlled test on a small department of 15 employees working in an open plan office, and found that introducing white noise sound reduced both distraction and noise-related stress.

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For many people, white noise machines are gadgets that they might listen to when they go to sleep – but increasingly, they are being used for office sound masking reasons – and are proving highly effective. By adding white noise, companies can help employees sit comfortably for eight hours without being constantly disrupted by nearby speech or other sounds. When sound masking is used consistently throughout an office, especially alongside smart design elements such as pods or partitions, the environment feels calmer and more controlled – supporting better productivity across the space.

Open-plan offices are particularly vulnerable to distracting noises – especially intelligible speech, which humans naturally tune in to. A sound masking machine introduces a consistent background sound that blends with other sounds, making them harder to hear clearly. This helps employees block out chatter and focus more effectively. For offices exploring additional solutions, acoustic furniture and office pods complement sound masking well.

White noise helps maintain office privacy by making nearby speech less intelligible. This is especially valuable in environments where sensitive conversations happen within earshot of others. A sound masking system adds a layer of background noise that reduces how far conversations travel through the space, along hallways or through walls. It’s not a substitute for private rooms, but it materially improves day-to-day privacy.

Noise levels really matter to employees. The Facilities Management Journal reported recently that 47% of office workers struggle to concentrate, 36% feel irritated, and 30% report stress as a result of the intensity of everyday clamour in the workplace. A consistent background sound can create a calmer environment by reducing the cognitive load associated with distracting sounds. When people are not constantly shifting attention to every noise around them, they experience lower stress and improved focus. Over the course of the day, this contributes to greater productivity and a more pleasant place to work.

Getting the best results from a white noise machine involves more than simply switching it on. Because every office environment has different acoustics, the placement, output and surrounding design all matter. Below are the key considerations – each supported with practical actions that help the machine operate effectively throughout the room.

To ensure your sound masking is effective, place the device where it can distribute sound evenly across the space. The best placements include:

• Between desks where speech commonly travels.
• Near noise sources, such as communal areas or hallways.
• Along routes where people frequently walk and talk.
• In larger office rooms where masking sounds need even coverage.

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For a broader look at office noise solutions, see our guide that explains how different elements – from furniture to panels – interact with sound.

The ideal volume level should mask distracting sounds without becoming a distraction itself. Most offices use a low volume that resembles airflow or gentle tones across low frequencies. The goal is not loud output but consistent coverage. You should expect to adjust the volume level at different times of day – for example, during busy periods or quieter moments at night. A good machine will be equipped with a simple control that allows easy adjustment.

White noise machines are most effective when used as part of a wider approach to reducing distractions. Complementary design choices include:

• Acoustic partitions to block direct sound paths.
• Booths and pods for private conversations or focused work.
• Soft furnishings that absorb reflections from walls.
• Layout choices that separate collaborative and quiet zones.

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As a supplier that works across a wide range of businesses, Persy Booths often sees customers benefit most when they combine simple devices with smart design choices. Friendly advice, fast delivery and a practical, no-nonsense approach help ensure you get the right solution with minimum hassle.

When selecting a device, focus on features that improve usability and ensure the machine fits naturally into the office environment. These features include:

• High quality sound output – the smoother the white noise sound, the less noticeable it becomes.
• Compact size – smaller machines are easier to place and move.
• Portability – essential for flexible office layouts.
• Range of tones – some offices prefer pink noise or a mix of tones.
• Headphone jack or Bluetooth options for individual use.
• Built in speakers – helpful when the device must cover a larger room.

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A versatile, well-designed noise machine helps reduce distractions without demanding constant adjustment. While some offices install a full sound masking system, many find that standalone machines provide an effective solution at a fraction of the cost.

White noise machines work by producing a consistent layer of sound that blends with other sounds in the environment to reduce distractions, mask speech and improve privacy. For offices dealing with distracting noises – from conversations to movement – sound masking is a practical, low-cost way to improve focus and enhance employee well-being. When combined with thoughtful design choices and quality furniture, these devices offer a simple but powerful route to a calmer, more productive space.