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Disgusting Noises
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Disgusting Noises
Discuss workforce management, performance management, retention, communication, motivation, contributing to business results and other topics.
I have an employee in the office who is constantly coughing, sniffling and clearing his throat throughout the day to the disgust and dismay of his cubemates. A fellow coworker spoke to him about this
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Forums » Topic Forums » General Forum » Disgusting Noises
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Disgusting Noises
posted at 4/27/2010 6:55 AM EDT
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Posts: 2146
First: 2/15/2006 Last: 9/14/2011 |
Actually depending on the issue, the employer could be opening an ADA can of worms that gets into reasonable accommodation. You never know for sure WHY the employee clears his throat. We are all assuming it is seasonal allergies, but you don't know for sure unless the employee has specifically stated it (and I can't remember what the OP said). That is one reason why employers/supervisors are hesitant to bring up some of the harder topics. And sometimes they are wise to do so. Don't forget ADA also covers "regarded as" disabled...If the employer suggests the employee go to the doctor, that might be enough to start the ADA process....which may lead to either a confirmed ADA issue or having to prove it is not covered under ADA.
(I too dislike cubicle farms, but spent many years in them. My poor coworkers got to go through a multiple pregnancy/hyperemesis with me getting sick at my desk daily -- no time to make it through the locked outer door through the reception area to the communcal bathrooms. I never heard a single complaint and I am SURE it wasn't something they wanted to hear. But not all employers can afford to build out enough offices for every employee. Many do not see the need for the increased cost.) |
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Disgusting Noises
posted at 4/27/2010 7:21 AM EDT
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Posts: 11
First: 4/27/2010 Last: 8/16/2011 |
If a co-worker brought it up to the employee, and the employee has already spoken to management about it, it sounds like the employee is already on notice that others are annoyed by it. However, there's no reason to suspect he is not already doing everything he can to try to alleviate his symptoms. I suffer from severe allergies, and the only effective medication also causes such drowsiness that I can only take it before bed and still am dopey all the next day. It's certainly not the employee's fault the employer has provided cubicles that subject everyone to everyone else's noises. The employee has not requested an accommodation, and the employer is at risk in raising the issue. The safest path is to take steps to mask sounds emanating from individual cubicles, to minimize distractions for everyone, without suggesting that it is in response to a single employee's allergies. |
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Disgusting Noises
posted at 4/27/2010 9:33 AM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: 4/27/2010 Last: 4/27/2010 |
Reading through the discussion I see many good ideas. As a medical professional I know that allergies are not truly a âcontrollableâ issue, however there are many different medications and environmental changes that can help alleviate the symptoms. The potentially legal issues previously mentioned should not be disregarded, so it is important that when having discussions with this employee about the issue you should choose your words and environment carefully. I would suggest that you first see if the individual has seen an allergist and if not what the barriers are (insurance, co-payâs, location, ect). If they have seen an allergist and know what their allergic triggers are then check out your work environment to see about eliminating those triggers. A common one is perfumes and colognes. Many workplaces have eliminated this by making it a part of their dress code that you are not allowed to wear scents at work. You might also look at any indoor plants, cleaning agents, old carpets, and dust collectors. Making policies and changes to clean up your âcubie worldâ not only helps this one individual, but it also provides you with a healthier workplace. Many people have âlow gradeâ allergies that result in mental distraction and lethargy, so by having an environmentally clean workplace you may actually see an increase in productivity. If the individual is on/has tried an allergy treatment more than two years ago, encourage him to go back to his provider and explore many of the new treatments on the market that do not have the severe side effects of some of their predecessors. The use of systemic and table top air purifiers can help along with maintaining appropriate humidity levels (especially in winter). If all else fails then give everyone an i-pod for their next annual party gift. |
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Disgusting Noises
posted at 4/27/2010 11:18 AM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: 4/27/2010 Last: 4/27/2010 |
If his doctor approves, try nasal irrigation/lavage. Reduces or eliminates the mentioned symptoms plus sinus discomfort, colds, sore throat, etc. Use a Neti pot or ear syringe: http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=77706&catid=26957 with 1/4 salt with 1/4 tsp. baking soda in 1 cup of warm (not hot)water and rinse sinuses; repeat several times if necessary, best if done daily. Good luck. |
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Disgusting Noises
posted at 4/27/2010 11:28 AM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: 4/27/2010 Last: 4/27/2010 |
I saw no mention about health insurance, is it provided and if so is the employee taking advantage of medical treatment or suggest a clinic if the coverage is poor and the employee is on the lower scale. They may not be able to care for.??? |
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Disgusting Noises
posted at 4/28/2010 11:54 AM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: 4/28/2010 Last: 4/28/2010 |
We had a similar issue here with someone who has a hypersensitivity to scents. It amazed me how callous individuals were when asked to tone down their scents (and some of them smell like they bathed in their perfume/colognes). The employee got a note from her allergy specialist and scent hypersensitivity is recognized by the ADA. The scents made her miserable, her eyes would swell up, she would sneeze and have a hard time breathing. I ended up telling the other employees that if they could not abide by toning down their scents, I would create an absolutely scent-free workplace policy. It amazes me that employees seem to think people have these allergies on purpose, just to bug them. I agree with the above e-mail that spoke about opening up ADA issues. Let them use i-pods or buy sound maskers. I have purchased them before for around $275-$300. (Cheaper than a lawsuit.) |
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Disgusting Noises
posted at 5/1/2010 10:53 PM EDT
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Posts: 495
First: 9/30/2000 Last: 8/19/2011 |
Where is your tolerance? Do you think this person is intentionally trying to disturb others? I am totally annoyed by people 'cracking' gum while they chew, or sucking so hard on water bottles that they crack - but someone with an allergy or illness? C'mon folks. Okay, let's just fire them. It's annoying. Wait, maybe we could put them in a soundproof box. Those of you complaining - I bet some of you have extremely bad breath, some may not use deodorant, or put on way too much perfume. These all sound or smell bad to us. Suck it up or move on, not everyone will fit into your perfect mold. |
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