Some offices are almost too quiet. On a recent trip to a vendor’s office, I took notice to their unusually quiet environment. If a pin dropped, it seemed as if the world was going to end.

Now don’t get me wrong, a loud office can be very distracting. But it’s the quiet office that seems to suck the life out of you.

What can you do? I’d imagine there are plenty of people who slip on headphones to break-up the silence. Others probably try and keep their phone conversations short to avoid the giving the entire office a presentation.

The newer the office, the quieter it will be. I’ve heard of some offices playing white noise in the background to minimize the awkward silence. Clearly people want privacy, but they also need the hustle and bustle.

A busy and moving office breaks up the monotony. People work harder if they know the rest of the office is putting in the same effort. Avoid the library and keep it bustling. It’s that simple.

I’m sure there are plenty of other strategies so let’s hear them.