Skip to content
My WebMD Sign In, Sign Up
Last Reply:
What office behavior bugs you most?
avatar
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?
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?
Reply
FirstPrevious12NextLast
 
avatar
Anon_68239 responded:
I work in an open office and have asthma. Twice this year I've ended up in the hospital, once I had to be taken in an ambulance, because of other peoples perfume. And we have signs EVERYWHERE that say not to wear it.
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?I work in an open office and have asthma. Twice this year I've ended up in the hospital, once I had to be taken in an ambulance, because of other peoples perfume. And we have signs EVERYWHERE that say not to wear it.
Reply
 
avatar
kai2009 replied to Anon_68239's response:
get really bad headachs and we have this girl that sits next me that puts on the strongest lotion and perfume and ive asked her not to since it bothers me and makes me so sick i end up leaving and she still wears it, and right now they can move my seat bc availability
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?<i>get really bad headachs and we have this girl that sits next me that puts on the strongest lotion and perfume and ive asked her not to since it bothers me and makes me so sick i end up leaving and she still wears it, and right now they can move my seat bc availability</i>
Reply
 
avatar
Jeune1 replied to DominoJes's response:
I helped reduce the problem of unattended cell phones by tossing them in people's desk drawers when they go off. It was a strong, but gentle hint, and it worked. Of course that was 5 years ago.

With the proliferation of smartphones that's no longer a problem because people carry them everywhere. Now the problem is people who come to meetings but keep their attention locked on the phone. Result: During any meeting at least one person will suddenly look up and say: "Huh?" (Sheesh.) "Could you repeat that?" (Grrrr!) And my favorite, "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." [Smugly wave sphone about like it is a gold medal.> (RAAAAARH!! Hulk SMASH!!)
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?I helped reduce the problem of unattended cell phones by tossing them in people's desk drawers when they go off. It was a strong, but gentle hint, and it worked. Of course that was 5 years ago. <br /><br />With the proliferation of smartphones that's no longer a problem because people carry them everywhere. Now the problem is people who come to meetings but keep their attention locked on the phone. Result: During any meeting at least one person will suddenly look up and say: "Huh?" (Sheesh.) "Could you repeat that?" (Grrrr!) And my favorite, "Sorry, I wasn't paying attention." [Smugly wave sphone about like it is a gold medal.&gt; (RAAAAARH!! Hulk <b>SMASH</b>!!)
Reply
 
avatar
ejmatt responded:
The worst issue for me is the privacy. Since the cubicle doesn't have a door everyone thinks they can come in whenever they like and bug me/interupt my work/see what I'm doing on the computer. Especially two individuals in the office who are very snoopy and have to know what I'm doing on my computer at least a handful of times a day. (BTW they both have offices and I never do that to them) Also, there is no private area to talk on the phone. Even the outside areas are constantly being inhabitted by the smokers. So everyone in the office knows what doctor appointment/ personal matter I had to attend.

My cube neighbors are quite and are rarely annoying but the office noise tends to get to me. Thankfully, my office allows head phones.

I think there should be some sort of office cubicle etiquette where the doorway is treated like a door and people have to be acknowledged before they enter just like those with offices. I also think rearranging my cubicle would greatly increase my privacy and the amount of work I get done. Currently my cubilce door faces an entrance that is used heavily. I'm just happy I got a promotion at another office and this is my last week in this office! I feel sorry for the girl that is taking my spot.
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?The worst issue for me is the privacy. Since the cubicle doesn't have a door everyone thinks they can come in whenever they like and bug me/interupt my work/see what I'm doing on the computer. Especially two individuals in the office who are very snoopy and have to know what I'm doing on my computer at least a handful of times a day. (BTW they both have offices and I never do that to them) Also, there is no private area to talk on the phone. Even the outside areas are constantly being inhabitted by the smokers. So everyone in the office knows what doctor appointment/ personal matter I had to attend.<br /> <br />My cube neighbors are quite and are rarely annoying but the office noise tends to get to me. Thankfully, my office allows head phones.<br /> <br />I think there should be some sort of office cubicle etiquette where the doorway is treated like a door and people have to be acknowledged before they enter just like those with offices. I also think rearranging my cubicle would greatly increase my privacy and the amount of work I get done. Currently my cubilce door faces an entrance that is used heavily. I'm just happy I got a promotion at another office and this is my last week in this office! I feel sorry for the girl that is taking my spot.
Reply
 
avatar
moosie1962 replied to Anon_75597's response:
I agree with Anon_75597 regarding the whispering. My old job was the same thing. Loud one minute and whispering the next. We all had offices - close your door please, thereby making your rudeness not seem so obvious.
Report This| Share this:What office behavior bugs you most?I agree with Anon_75597 regarding the whispering. My old job was the same thing. Loud one minute and whispering the next. We all had offices - close your door please, thereby making your rudeness not seem so obvious.
Reply


FirstPrevious12NextLast
Back to Top
Back to Top

WebMD Talk Show

Feel like a friendly debate? Take the gloves off and defend your viewpoint.

Learn More