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.
The first personality type you must be concerned with is the kind who doesn’t realize that his or her habits are disturbing. This individual frequently feels that the sounds in the office mask any noise they’re making, so they think that no one can really tell if they’re making a racket.
A really good example of this is “Mr. Sniffles”, you know the person sitting next to you during cold and flu season, who instead of blowing his nose thinks it is better to sit and sniffle all day long. These noisy coworkers make you want to invest in tissue companies. Maybe someone should just politely tell them the behavior is bothersome – or better yet, in the case of Mr. Sniffles, just offer them that tissue!
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.
This kind of individual doesn’t leave you with many coping options aside from trying to achieve a meaningful dialogue. If that turns out to be fruitless, you will have to discuss the situation with a manager. Let’s face it, you will still be expected to perform your functions. And you may just find that, given the productivity-hampering activities of this difficult colleague, there may be other co-workers who are just as distressed as you are.
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.
- Frank Barnett