Influence of soundscape on quality of work from home during the second phase of the pandemic in Brazil

Abstract

Abstract The coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic prompted several countries to implement measures restricting people’s movements. This situation presented an opportunity to understand the acoustic environment experienced by the population during that time. This study aims to assess the impact of the soundscape in the home office environment during the pandemic. A survey was carried out using an online survey to collect data on the work environment before and during the pandemic. The questions identified the predominant sound sources using pre-defined taxonomy and non-parametric statistical tests. The findings underscore the common occurrence of multitasking during work from home and its correlation with decreased workplace quality. Notably, exterior sounds received lower pleasantness ratings compared to interior sounds, and the presence of human and mechanical sounds had a more significant impact on the overall assessment of workplace quality. Individuals who live in apartments or mixed-use areas tend to perceive outdoor sounds less favorably than those who live in houses or residential areas. On the other hand, individuals who live with two or more people tend to perceive indoor sounds more unfavorably than those who live alone. This study contributes to the ongoing discussion about the influence of the soundscape during the pandemic and mobility restrictions on the quality of home office environments.