Here's an interesting article in the Jul 2001 issue of Redbook
mag :
The #1
Cause of Work Stress : UNCONTROLLABLE NOISE
''Feeling unproductive and stressed out at work?
Everyday background noise - the copier whirring, phones ringing,
coworkers chatting - may be to blame, according to a recent study
at Cornell University.
''You may not even be aware of these sounds, but they make it more
difficult to concentrate, which wrecks havoc on your motivation and
stress level,'' says study coauthor, Gary Evans, PhD.
To keep all that racket from ruining your day, restructure your
schedule : If your office is quieter in the morning, use that time
for tasks that require concentration (reading, writing) and save
mindless duties (opening mail, filing) for noisier periods.''
Do you agree with the article?
What is YOUR #1 Work Stress? 
