Tackling 'noise pollution' in the office
By JAG2009
@JAG2009 (266)
India
August 12, 2009 6:49am CST
Have you ever had people at work talk real loud? This seems like an ancient problem but the fact that it keeps happening implies that people haven't got the message yet!
If your workspace is just a bunch of cubicles set up very close to each other, then you have the (un)fortunate privilage of being able to listen to every conversation that takes place near you.
So how do you tackle the problem of 'noisy' neighbors?
Do you tell them to keep quiet?
Do you give them meaningful looks?
Do you listen to (overhear)their conversation and consider it free entertainment? Do you just laugh it off?
What do you do? Any advice, mylotters? I desperately need to tackle the noise pollution around me!
4 responses
@divkris (1156)
• India
12 Aug 09
I would simply stare at the person till his/her "aura" gets disturbed and when they look at me i would still stare at them with a cheeky smile on my lips and a darting look that means "I'll kill you if you open your mouth again."
The next best thihng is to have your headphones "on" and behave like you were deaf - 
@tutor19us (455)
• India
12 Aug 09
LoL. You bet. The aura is already very small, if you try disturbing it, the aura will vanish! :) LoL. But such people are truly pests. Maybe Hit would work? Pondering...
@tutor19us (455)
• India
12 Aug 09
Jag! I think you are fed up of listening to Mumbai Salsas and holiday trips. Sometimes I think you get to hear doggy stories, right? My suggestion:
Why don't you just tear apart any document that lands in your plate from the concerned party. ;) heehee
Mark it red! Then during the feedback/fixes, tell them that you were unable to even hear your own thoughts due to the noise pollution. :)
Jus kidding. I know this is not possible. Well, you could try this: Write a blog on the official site about how noisy coworkers are a pain in the ---- for others (who are sincerely working and who are punctual). If this doesn't work, try mixing some jamaal ghota (ask your neighbor about this) into their teas and lean back for some fun. :) LoL. I am rolling in my chair as I write this... :)
@tutor19us (455)
• India
12 Aug 09
I know i know, you can't do all that. Hmm, you know what, try to meditate when you come in and imagine a peaceful workplace. Hold it in your mind's eye for a few seconds and then let it go. It will relax you. Try to create a visual workplace where everybody is quiet and you are also at peace. Maybe this would work.
To answer you, well I maybe interested in doggy stories if its a new story. If I have heard it like thousand times, I would stop them and say, "Oh! really? But last time you said your doggy had the flu." heehee.
Grin and bear it Jag. You will get used to the din. :)
@williamjisir (22819)
• China
16 Oct 09
Hello JAG. I see how you feel when someone in the office keeps talking loudly. It is very annoying when you need to have a quiet place to work in, but cannot have it. I don't usually say anything, but leave the office for a little while. Or if possible, I will leave it without trying to work there, but in my own apartment room as I live on campus as a teacher. That was what I used to do years ago when we had someone noisy in the office, but now I am happy that everyone is disciplined without disturbing the others while working in the office.
@daliaj (5674)
• India
20 Aug 09
I used to have a former colleague who talks in a loud voice over phone. Regarding this issue, I will say it depends on people. I am a different person who has good concentration powers. I can concentrate on my work or studies even in the midst of an explosion or earth quake. I can sleep with lights on, TV on, or with a loud continuous voice nearby. I don't feel distracted easily.
I am sorry for you. This happens in many work places. As tutor19us said you can give them a meaningful look or write in your official blog about this issue. Hope you can find a solution and come out of the issue soon.
