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Disgusting Noises
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Disgusting Noises
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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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Disgusting Noises
posted at 3/26/2010 4:32 AM EDT
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Posts: 24
First: 5/24/2005 Last: 4/27/2010 |
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 and he told them that he has allergies, which means there is no end in sight for those who sit near him. I'm going to advise his manager to speak with him about this but how should I advise her to handle this? I'm sure this will be a very uncomfortable conversation for her to have especially since he's already relayed to someone else that he's not sick so this seems out of his control almost? |
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Disgusting Noises
posted at 3/26/2010 7:40 AM EDT
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Posts: 2146
First: 2/15/2006 Last: 9/14/2011 |
Well, anyone sitting by me the last few days would be dealing with the same. Allergies stink I promise...more to the person who has them than to others around him! I feel for my husband at night when I am trying to breathe and sleep at the same time! Other than some meds that don't seem to do much and/or make me loopy/drowsy, I just have to deal with it! Unfortunately, it is something that happens every year when the tree and grass pollens go sky high in our area.
That said, do you allow for music at their workstations or some type of white noise machine? Other than that or the employee taking time off of work which would be overkill, I don't see any solution to the issue from his side. I can promise you he doesn't want to be making the noises! |
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Disgusting Noises
posted at 4/27/2010 5:40 AM EDT
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Posts: 3
First: 3/25/2006 Last: 4/27/2010 |
The others around this person are also to be valued and their complaint taken seriously. I personally, despise cubicles and think they were the worst workplace invention ever. Others behaviors can cause havoc with productivity of those desiring focus. Whether that be talking, chewing gum, coughing, whatever. I don't know if Ipods/headphones are allowed - but that would certainly be an option. If they have to be on the phone, that would be a hinderance as would the person coughing in the background. If there is any place to sequester the coughing person, that could also be an option. Why don't they make cones of silence for cubicles! |
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Disgusting Noises
posted at 4/27/2010 5:59 AM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: 4/27/2010 Last: 4/27/2010 |
Believe me, having breathing issues is even less fun for your employee than for his coworkers. Do coworkers wear perfume or use scented lotions? Have the overhead air vents been cleaned? And, has he seen an allergist rather than using over-the-counter meds? |
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Disgusting Noises
posted at 4/27/2010 6:01 AM EDT
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Posts: 2
First: 4/27/2010 Last: 4/27/2010 |
I live in the South where the pollen is thick. Both sides of this issue are near and dear to me as an allergy sufferer and an "annoyed" co-worker. To the coworkers, yes, it is reasonable to expect an environment that is conducive to getting your work done. I think within acceptable policy, your rights to achieving that extend to the point they infringe on the next person's right to the same. So remember that when you invoke your countermeasure, your music to cover up the throat-clearing may be just as annoying to the next person in the cubicle farm. iPods are a good idea, but they may not be allowed in your workplace or appropriate for your job.
To the "noise maker," you can't help your condition, but you have a responsibility for your own health and a courtesy to extend to your co-workers to make it through the day without being the office distraction. There are many remedies for allergies today. Perhaps the manager could assist with a referral to an allergist or even a quick review of the health care plan to see what might be covered by either insurance or FSA. The sad part is, most managers are so uncomfortable with breeching the subject for fear of embarrassing the worker or themselves, they will let a seemingly minor thing fester within the office and escalate to all kinds of other problems. Sometimes conversations like this are best had at 5:01 as people are leaving. Takes the "public humiliation" factor out of it. But by far, the worst thing to do is cover up one problem with another or just hoping it will pass. Be compassionate, but not ridiculous. Good luck! |
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Disgusting Noises
posted at 4/27/2010 6:02 AM EDT
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Posts: 1
First: 4/27/2010 Last: 4/27/2010 |
My supervisor used to be the one with the very annoying phlem clearing during allergy season - noises included the "Felix Unger" honk and the back of the sinuses phlem "rake". She couldn't help it and I felt for her, but you really don't know how disruptive it can get unless you've been there. The white noise idea is probably the best. I don't know if they make cube walls with noise absorbing cushioning (similar to sound booths in recording studios). |
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Disgusting Noises
posted at 4/27/2010 6:17 AM EDT
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Posts: 4
First: 11/6/2007 Last: 4/27/2010 |
This is one of those crucial conversations which should acknowledge to the employee that its not about doing something wrong, but about being considerate to others. If the majority of his co-workers are having issue with the behavior, then it needs to be addressed. It seems to me the first step is to get the employee's agreement that the noises are disrupting to others. Second, get the employee to help in identifying possible solutions: can their cubicle be sound-proofed, can they be relocated to space where they will be less disrupting, and/or have they sought medical help. Finally,if the employee is doing what he can to minimize the disruption, then address those making the complaints asking for their understanding and tolerance for those times when the employee is unable to completely mask the noises. |
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