Office Noise Is Distracting And Disturbing
Working with co- workers in the same environment in any office is supposed to give you colleagues who will help you in solving difficult problems or assist you generally as and when needed.But the facts are not so in all cases, unfortunately a majority,i.e 80% of dedicated workers find that constant togetherness creates more problems then it solves.The noise created by co-workers is causing disturbances leading to lack of concentration for work and hence one wonders whether it is good to have co-workers or they are a hindrance only.
Unless you own or manage the business, you probably can not fire someone for creating a disruption in the office. Therefore, problems with noisy coworkers may not be resolved to your satisfaction until the noise itself is contained, diminished, or eliminated. Focus on removing the distraction rather than the employees causing it.
Start looking for a workable remedy by letting your manager know the nature of the problem your workers cause. Then he will realize that you find it difficult to concentrate in a noisy environment and that the current situation may lead to less than optimal work outcomes.
After telling your manager about it, it is time for you to confront your noisy coworker. Be gentle, but direct. Nobody likes to be embarrassed or feel attacked. But most of your coworkers are probably reasonable people who deal with the same workplace annoyances you do.
If the coworker that is causing the noise disturbance doesn't recognize their behavior as a problem, then it may be best to speak directly to their supervisor. It is a supervisor's job to step in with solutions and learning opportunities for employees directly beneath him or her. It becomes their responsibility to speak with the coworker who is being a nuisance. In most cases, coworkers will amend their behavior after being spoken with by their supervisor.
Lastly, consider purchasing a speech privacy system. This is sometimes called a "white noise" system. When you use one, some or all of the irritating noise generated by thoughtless coworkers is deflected. You will not be bothered quite so much and may be better able to concentrate on your work.
Millions of people spend every day of their working lives in a busy office environment. One element of the working environment that can cause problems, however, is office noise. Many individuals have highly complex jobs based in an open-plan office and find it difficult to achieve their daily tasks due to noisy co-workers. One solution to the problem is to raise the issue with your boss and then talk it through with the co-worker in question. Another alternative is to request a speech privacy system which gives 'white noise' as a solution to a noisy and distracting work environment enabling you to get on with your work.
Published August 25th, 2008
