To continue getting breaking news and the full stories from The Boston Globe, subscribe today.

The Boston Globe

Business

Boston.com

Firms debate headphone use at the office

By Katie Johnston

 |  Globe Staff  

  May 07, 2012

People wearing headphones at work has become almost as prevelant as employees instant messaging the person sitting next to them. Many companies are doing away with offices and lowering cubicle walls to create a more collaborative environment, causing workers to pop in their always accessible earphones when they need to concentrate. Some swear by their pink earbuds and Bose QuietComfort headphones, but workplace experts worry that employees are isolating themselves - and hurting the communication companies are trying to encourage.

Stay with the story. Get full access to BostonGlobe.com for just 99¢

Unlimited access to BostonGlobe.com for only 99¢ for the first 4 weeks. You can cancel at any time.

  • The FULL story all day: Enjoy all of the high-quality, in-depth journalism in the print edition of the Boston Globe — plus breaking news that's updated 24/7.
  • A truly reader-friendly format: It's online news that looks and reads just like the newspaper — uncluttered, uninterrupted.
  • Breakthrough technology: The responsive design automatically adapts content so it always reads perfectly on the digital device of your choice.
Get started today

Free access for home delivery subscribers.

Just need to link your home delivery account; one easy step.

Link my home delivery account

BostonGlobe.comSubscriber Log In

Contact us for help