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What office behavior bugs you most?
Olivia_WebMD_Staff posted:
Cube farms, or the more politically-correct term -- open offices -- were originated for a few reasons. The main reasons were to help companies save money and to foster collaboration between co-workers.
But, if you've ever worked in an open office environment you have probably shared some of the same annoyances most of us have felt...noisy cube mates, lack of privacy, strong smells, etc.
Finally, some new thought is going into better ways to improve cube offices .
What office behavior bugs you the most?
How do you cope with the issues?
Has your company done anything to improve the office environment?
But, if you've ever worked in an open office environment you have probably shared some of the same annoyances most of us have felt...noisy cube mates, lack of privacy, strong smells, etc.
Finally, some new thought is going into better ways to improve cube offices .
What office behavior bugs you the most?
How do you cope with the issues?
Has your company done anything to improve the office environment?
19 Replies |Watch This Discussion | Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?Cube farms, or the more politically-correct term -- open offices -- were originated for a few reasons. The main reasons were to help companies save money and to foster collaboration between co-workers. <br /> <br />But, if you've ever worked in an open office environment you have probably shared some of the same annoyances most of us have felt...noisy cube mates, lack of privacy, strong smells, etc. <br /> <br />Finally, some new thought is going into <a rel="nofollow" href="http://www.nytimes.com/2012/05/20/science/when-buzz-at-your-cubicle-is-too-loud-for-work.html">better ways to improve cube offices</a> . <br /> <br />What office behavior bugs you the most? <br /> <br />How do you cope with the issues? <br /> <br />Has your company done anything to improve the office environment?
Anon_148743 responded:
I work in one of those cube farms and I can totally relate to some issues. Some people are so loud that you can't hear yourself think... some people have a problem with certain things you bring in to eat because the smells, and other ppl bring in things you don't like the smell of. I am 5.5 months pregnant and somedays its impossible to get up from my cube without being asked something about the pregnancy.
I get alone with most of the people I work with and they are all very supportive of me and excited about the pregnancy which is nice, but other things just make me want to scream!...
Biggest issue is neighbors being too loud...
Resolution, ask them to please lower the volume
Company doesn't really give 2 craps about the ppl that work for them, but when they hear a side conversation over a phone call you bet they are finding whoever it was talking to confront them... Grr, I need a new job
I get alone with most of the people I work with and they are all very supportive of me and excited about the pregnancy which is nice, but other things just make me want to scream!...
Biggest issue is neighbors being too loud...
Resolution, ask them to please lower the volume
Company doesn't really give 2 craps about the ppl that work for them, but when they hear a side conversation over a phone call you bet they are finding whoever it was talking to confront them... Grr, I need a new job
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?I work in one of those cube farms and I can totally relate to some issues. Some people are so loud that you can't hear yourself think... some people have a problem with certain things you bring in to eat because the smells, and other ppl bring in things you don't like the smell of. I am 5.5 months pregnant and somedays its impossible to get up from my cube without being asked something about the pregnancy. <br /> <br />I get alone with most of the people I work with and they are all very supportive of me and excited about the pregnancy which is nice, but other things just make me want to scream!... <br /> <br />Biggest issue is neighbors being too loud... <br />Resolution, ask them to please lower the volume <br />Company doesn't really give 2 craps about the ppl that work for them, but when they hear a side conversation over a phone call you bet they are finding whoever it was talking to confront them... Grr, I need a new job
Chez1 responded:
Smells - body odour, perfume, aftershave, deodorants, food, tea, coffee, pens!!
All ok on there own but in one office, together - I just don't cope!
All ok on there own but in one office, together - I just don't cope!
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?Smells - body odour, perfume, aftershave, deodorants, food, tea, coffee, pens!!<br />All ok on there own but in one office, together - I just don't cope!
FCL responded:
I've never worked in a cube farm - they're not so common here as they are elsewhere. I've always had my own office or shared with someone (not often). I once turned down a job offer where they wanted to pay me a lot more than I was earning but ... the job was less interesting, was further away and, the last straw, it was in a cube farm. Money isn't everything ...
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?I've never worked in a cube farm - they're not so common here as they are elsewhere. I've always had my own office or shared with someone (not often). I once turned down a job offer where they wanted to pay me a lot more than I was earning but ... the job was less interesting, was further away and, the last straw, it was in a cube farm. Money isn't everything ...
Jeune1 responded:
People who use their outdoor voices for normal conversations and their Bellowing Like a Gored Ox voices when they get excited. Also, if you could take that long conversation about last night's game, T.V. episode, &c, &c away from my desk, I'd appreciate it. Finally, coworkers who come in trailing a cloud of cold/flu viruses are The Pits.
Fortunately we're allowed to listen to music through headphones in here so that cuts down on the noise problems. Not much I can do about sick coworkers who won't stay home except wash my hands a lot.
Fortunately we're allowed to listen to music through headphones in here so that cuts down on the noise problems. Not much I can do about sick coworkers who won't stay home except wash my hands a lot.
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?People who use their outdoor voices for normal conversations and their Bellowing Like a Gored Ox voices when they get excited. Also, if you could take that long conversation about last night's game, T.V. episode, &c, &c away from my desk, I'd appreciate it. Finally, coworkers who come in trailing a cloud of cold/flu viruses are The Pits.<br /><br />Fortunately we're allowed to listen to music through headphones in here so that cuts down on the noise problems. Not much I can do about sick coworkers who won't stay home except wash my hands a lot.
butterflygarden responded:
Noise, hands down.
As some others have said, there is always someone who talks so much louder than everyone else as if we want to hear every conversation he or she is having.
The other problem no privacy. So, if I want to make a call that may be sensitive I almost have to whisper to keep others around me from hearing it. Ugh.
Our office finally created these little sound-proof rooms where you can go if you have to make a private phone call or meeting. It has been GREAT.
I'd be interested in seeing how the white noise they talk about in the article would work in our office. Sounds intriguing.
Butterfly
As some others have said, there is always someone who talks so much louder than everyone else as if we want to hear every conversation he or she is having.
The other problem no privacy. So, if I want to make a call that may be sensitive I almost have to whisper to keep others around me from hearing it. Ugh.
Our office finally created these little sound-proof rooms where you can go if you have to make a private phone call or meeting. It has been GREAT.
I'd be interested in seeing how the white noise they talk about in the article would work in our office. Sounds intriguing.
Butterfly
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?Noise, hands down. <br /><br />As some others have said, there is always someone who talks so much louder than everyone else as if we want to hear every conversation he or she is having. <br /><br />The other problem no privacy. So, if I want to make a call that may be sensitive I almost have to whisper to keep others around me from hearing it. Ugh. <br /><br />Our office finally created these little sound-proof rooms where you can go if you have to make a private phone call or meeting. It has been GREAT. <br /><br />I'd be interested in seeing how the white noise they talk about in the article would work in our office. Sounds intriguing. <br /><br />Butterfly
hypatia1128 responded:
I can't stand cell phones going off during meetings or when we are supposed to be working. I also cannot abide with bad grammar or bad spelling.
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?I can't stand cell phones going off during meetings or when we are supposed to be working. I also cannot abide with bad grammar or bad spelling.
tlkittycat1968 responded:
A co-worker who claims to be so busy but every time I walk past his cubicle, he's on a personal web site.
I'm doing his old work and my regular work due to being short-handed and I don't know what he did all day. I can do his old job in less than four hours a day and it would take him eight hours to do the same thing.
Also, if he complains long/loud enough, something that should be his resposibility will get taken away and given to someone else.
Also, I've heard how he talks to our boss and her boss when he's frustrated and am absolutely shocked. At my old job, he would have gotten written up for insubordination and sent home but nothing is done about it here.
I'm doing his old work and my regular work due to being short-handed and I don't know what he did all day. I can do his old job in less than four hours a day and it would take him eight hours to do the same thing.
Also, if he complains long/loud enough, something that should be his resposibility will get taken away and given to someone else.
Also, I've heard how he talks to our boss and her boss when he's frustrated and am absolutely shocked. At my old job, he would have gotten written up for insubordination and sent home but nothing is done about it here.
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?A co-worker who claims to be so busy but every time I walk past his cubicle, he's on a personal web site.<br /> <br />I'm doing his old work and my regular work due to being short-handed and I don't know what he did all day. I can do his old job in less than four hours a day and it would take him eight hours to do the same thing.<br /> <br />Also, if he complains long/loud enough, something that should be his resposibility will get taken away and given to someone else.<br /> <br />Also, I've heard how he talks to our boss and her boss when he's frustrated and am absolutely shocked. At my old job, he would have gotten written up for insubordination and sent home but nothing is done about it here.
Anon_75597 replied to tlkittycat1968's response:
A lot of people are complaining about noise, but I'd much rather listen to a full-volume conversation than have to endure those irritating, conspiratorial whispering sessions. My coworkers will break into whispers, mid-sentence, and then return to normal speaking volume a minute later. To me, that is the rudest office-farm behavior. Second worst is the instant-messaging, laughing-out-loud, clickety-clickety gossiping nonsense.
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?A lot of people are complaining about noise, but I'd much rather listen to a full-volume conversation than have to endure those irritating, conspiratorial whispering sessions. My coworkers will break into whispers, mid-sentence, and then return to normal speaking volume a minute later. To me, that is the rudest office-farm behavior. Second worst is the instant-messaging, laughing-out-loud, clickety-clickety gossiping nonsense.
MarySings responded:
When someone uses the speaker on their phone and they are not in an office, but out in the cubicles. Makes me furious especially when it's a personal call.
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?When someone uses the speaker on their phone and they are not in an office, but out in the cubicles. Makes me furious especially when it's a personal call.
DominoJes responded:
Stressors: gossiping, negativity,constant chatter about personal life,little privacy to work with clients confidentially.
Coping: soft background music, bulletin board with inspirational quotes.medication.PRAYER. Doing the work that I can from home.
Company help?: company promotes gossip and negativity.
Coping: soft background music, bulletin board with inspirational quotes.medication.PRAYER. Doing the work that I can from home.
Company help?: company promotes gossip and negativity.
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?Stressors: gossiping, negativity,constant chatter about personal life,little privacy to work with clients confidentially.<br><br>Coping: soft background music, bulletin board with inspirational quotes.medication.PRAYER. Doing the work that I can from home.<br><br>Company help?: company promotes gossip and negativity.
DominoJes replied to hypatia1128's response:
Agreed. The cell phones are ridiculous. If u are going to have an obnoxiously loud,long ringtone for your phone, they could atleast put it on vibrate. Or bring it along when u leave the office for a break.
Bad spelling and grammar is embarrassing-makes us look very unprofessional. As an English Major I am even more sensitive to this. Most importantly, the cell phone racket has got to go!
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?Agreed. The cell phones are ridiculous. If u are going to have an obnoxiously loud,long ringtone for your phone, they could atleast put it on vibrate. Or bring it along when u leave the office for a break.
Bad spelling and grammar is embarrassing-makes us look very unprofessional. As an English Major I am even more sensitive to this. Most importantly, the cell phone racket has got to go!
DominoJes replied to tlkittycat1968's response:
Yea Facebook at work? Super-peeve.
kai2009 responded:
I really hate it when people eat really loud beside me it drives me crazy, or when people smell bad.. I have a cubical office, it also really irks me when i see girls walking around with everything hanging out and if i would do that i know id get wrote up. I have talked to my boss about it but they just let it go.. Oh the joys of cubicals 
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?I really hate it when people eat really loud beside me it drives me crazy, or when people smell bad.. I have a cubical office, it also really irks me when i see girls walking around with everything hanging out and if i would do that i know id get wrote up. I have talked to my boss about it but they just let it go.. Oh the joys of cubicals <img src="http://img.webmd.com/community/images/litesmile.gif" align="top" border="0">
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