Noisy Coworkers: The Result Of Cubicle World
Every office, no matter how big or small has to deal with coworkers who are loud. What can be done about this? The answer truly rests in what you are prepared to do about it. Here are a few realistic pointers to help you maintain your sanity and keep a sense of calm in your office without you becoming a loser.
Noisy, distracting colleagues frequently are unaware that they are creating distractions. Some just have irritating habits, while others actually prefer to disrupt their fellow workers. Your best bet, if you hope to stop them, is to discover why they are being noisy and disruptive and what is really at the bottom of their antisocial behavior.
One kind of person that you have to cope with is the one who is not aware that his or her behaviours are distracting others. Such a person usually thinks that noise in an office environment covers up his or her noise and any possible noise he or she makes cannot be noticed by others and others cannot understand he or she is doing that noise.
A good case in point is "Mr. Sniffles." This is the person who sits next to you while the cold and flu season is in full swing and sniffles throughout the day rather than blowing his nose. These raucous co-workers make you want to invest in Kleenex. Perhaps somebody should graciously inform them that their actions are annoying, or better yet, as with the Mr. Sniffles scenario, just give them some tissue and tell them to blow!
The next type is much more difficult to handle. These people want to be the main focus of attention. Many times the individual is attempting to gain the spotlight in order to advance their career.
With this type of person there is no other way to handle but to try to talk to them. It has to be taken to the management if talking to them do not solve the problem as the person has to do his work. The loss in production that the company is facing due to this employee, the individual is not the only person who is concerned.
Every office has to deal with coworkers who are loud. What can be done about this? One solution to this issue is to use sound masking materials in your office structure. Noisy Coworkers have to be confronted as they do not realize that their habits are triggering a negative reaction. These people often feel that the noise they are making is far less disturbing than the usual office noise that occurs on a regular basis. A perfect example of this is the person that will sit at their desk and sniffle all day instead of stepping away and blowing their nose to take care of the issue.
Published May 28th, 2008
Filed in Business, Career, Management
