Evaluation of noise pollution reduction technologies: links between work environment quality and organizational competitiveness

Abstract

Noise in the workplace is one of the most significant occupational risk factors, negatively affecting employees’ physical and mental health, work quality, and organizational performance. Long-term exposure to high sound pressure levels is associated with stress, fatigue, impaired concentration, reduced productivity, and employee dissatisfaction with the work environment. The aim of this study is to assess sound pressure levels in the VILNIUS TECH work environment, identify the main sources of noise, and analyze the significance of noise reduction measures for employee well-being and organizational competitiveness. The study employed a systematic analysis of scientific literature using the PRISMA methodology, an employee survey involving 248 participants, measurements of ambient sound pressure levels using Breeze Technologies v7.0 sensors, and a multi criteria AHP analysis. The literature review revealed that noise reduction technologies—sound-insulating materials, acoustic barriers, smart monitoring systems, and AI based solutions – contribute to improving the quality of the work environment, increasing employee productivity, and strengthening organizational competitiveness. The survey results showed that 65% of respondents face noise problems in their work environment, with the main sources of noise being the outdoor urban environment (58%), colleagues’ conversations (43%), ventilation systems, and computer equipment. It was found that the highest sound pressure levels were recorded in the Linkmenys building, where the sound pressure level reached 75–77 dBA during the day, while significant seasonal and daily fluctuations were observed in the Saulėtekis and Plytinė buildings. The AHP analysis showed that employee complaints and the impact of noise on concentration (both 0.321) had the greatest influence on noise assessment, while objective acoustic indicators were criteria of moderate importance. The study confirmed that even moderate intensity background noise can negatively affect employees’ emotional wellbeing, concentration, and work quality. The results indicate that the systematic implementation of noise reduction measures is a key factor in improving the quality of the work environment, employee wellbeing, and organizational competitiveness.

Article in Lithuanian