10 tips for successful communication in high-noise environments

If you’re working on a construction site or in a factory, you know how difficult communicating can be. To hear each other over the noise, the workers often must shout, even when they are standing close. These conditions are even worse for a company tour – the visitors have to strain to hear what the guide is saying. Despite that, they’re still likely to miss some crucial information.

So, is it possible to successfully communicate in a high-noise environment, or are any such attempts doomed from the start? We believe that there is a way – you just have to follow a few tips. And here are 10 of our best ones.

1. Buy high-noise headsets
If you’re tired of yelling and straining your voice to be heard, it’s time to invest in high-noise communication headsets. They are a perfect solution both for your employees and company tour guides and visitors. Typically, they include headphones and microphones, allowing seamless communication even in the noisiest of places. Simply speak into the microphone using your normal voice, and the people you’re talking to are sure to hear you!

You can buy one-way or two-way headsets, depending on what you’re using them for. If you need them to allow easy communication among your employees, two-way ones are a good choice. One-way headsets are perfect for company tours – in most cases, the guide is the only one talking while everyone else listens.

2. Use apps for real-time communication
If you feel that buying headsets is too expensive, you can use apps for real-time team communication instead. Most people have smartphones nowadays, so why not use that to your advantage? Look up popular group messaging apps such as Beekeeper and see which one suits your needs. Then, simply ask your employees to install it too.

Real-time communication apps may not be as efficient as headsets, but they still get the work done. When you need to announce something, or your employees have something to say, just write a message. Usually, these apps also allow creating groups, so each team can have their own communication channel to keep everyone in the loop.

3. Spend time training your employees
The secret to successful communication is getting everyone on the same page. And the only way to do that is to give your employees proper training. Show them how to effectively communicate even in high-noise environments. Should they use headsets? Or maybe you’ve opted for real-time apps? Whatever the case, make sure your new employees know what to do.

Similarly, whenever you’re introducing any changes, hold a training session for your older employees too. Everyone should be on the same page when it comes to communication in the workplace – it’s the only way to make it work.

4. Listen to feedback
You may think you’ve solved all communication issues in your manufacturing plant, but your employees usually know better. After all, they’re the ones in the trenches, having to communicate by using your methods every day. So, if they have any suggestions or complaints, you should listen.

You might end up finding a much better solution, thanks to your employees. But that’s only possible if you encourage feedback and show that it matters. Talk to your workers whenever you can – you might be surprised at the insights they have to offer.

5. Use visual cues
If you can’t rely on ears, why not try with eyes? Develop a system of signs to relay short and simple messages to your employees. This method is highly effective when you can see each other – no matter how noisy it is, the signs are always clear.

Your employees should all learn these signs as well and use them to communicate. Once everyone’s on the same page, you’ll find that this form of communication is incredibly smooth.

6. Use key phrases and code words
Though difficult in high-noise environments, face-to-face communication is still possible. But to avoid shouting and straining your employee’s ears, it’s best to reduce it to only a few words. And not just any words – make sure that you use a predetermined set of key phrases.

For example, you could come up with certain code words and phrases for each of the most common operations your employees perform. That way, there will be no need for excessive explanations. Plus, your employees will have a much easier time understanding what’s being said to them if they know what to expect.

7. Install PA systems
Public address (PA) systems may not help your employees communicate with each other, but they will certainly make it easier for you to relay your announcements. Make sure that they are loud enough to be heard even in a high-noise environment, though. Otherwise, they won’t be of much use.

You can also allow your employees to use PA systems when they have important or urgent messages to convey. But make sure to specify exactly what situations warrant operating them to avoid misuse.

8. Buy flashing lights for emergencies
Communication at the workplace is always important, but never as much as in an emergency. In such situations, you don’t have time for signs or announcements – the goal is to alert everyone and get them to evacuate. Typically, alarms are used for this purpose, but that might not be enough in high-noise environments.

Make sure to buy flashing lights that will serve the same purpose as an alarm. When there’s a fire, a flood, or any other emergency, the lights will turn on and start flashing. That should be a clear enough sign for the staff to move toward the exits.

9. Use translation tools for your foreign employees
Communicating in a noisy environment is difficult enough in your native language, but it’s even worse in a foreign one. So, if you have any foreign workers, you should try to think of a way to make it easier for them, too.

Nowadays, that’s not difficult either. Most real-time communication apps have translation features that allow you to relay your messages in multiple languages. Next time you have something to say, make sure you keep your foreign workers in the loop.

10. Have dedicated spaces for longer conversations
If there’s ever a need for a more extended conversation or announcement, it’s best to do it away from all the noise. Still, your employees shouldn’t have to go all the way to a different building or an office. Have a dedicated quiet space near their workplace where they can come and discuss work-related issues. You’ll also find them convenient for your announcements and conversations with the workers.

https://www.plant-tours.com

About the author: Rick Farrell, president, Plant-Tours.com, is an expert in improving manufacturing group communication, education, training, and group hospitality processes. He has more than 40 years’ experience, most recently serving as president of Plant-Tours.com for the past 18 years. He’s provided consulting services with most Fortune 500 industrial corporations, improving all types of group communication dynamics in manufacturing environments.