How to Deal With Loud Coworkers

You don't have to just live with an overly loud co-worker.

In most workplaces, co-workers are not separated by walls but instead placed in partitioned cubicles, an arrangement that makes noise quite the problem. If you are separated from your co-workers by only thin half-walls, a co-worker who is a bit louder than most could prove a serious workplace annoyance. Instead of simply stomaching this problem, tackle the issue to make your workplace one that is more conducive to work.

Instructions

1. Pinpoint the issue. Instead of just attempting to cover the problem with a blanket "My co-worker is loud," statement, decide what specifically the problem seems to be. If your cubicle neighbor likes to listen to easy-listening radio at a volume that you can't stomach you will want to take one approach to solving the problem. If his volume issues come in the form of fights on the phone with clients, you won't be able to handle the issue in the same fashion.

2. Keep it civil. Above all else, you should aim to keep your communications with your co-worker regarding her volume as civil as possible. It is absolutely not worth creating a hostile work environment just because one of your co-workers is being loud. If you allow yourself to get worked up while trying to deal with the problem, you run the risk of injuring your relationship with this individual with whom you will undoubtedly have to work with in the future.

3. Consider whether the co-worker is actually breaking a rule. If your office has a no-radio policy and your co-worker is using one, you can deal with this issue simply by pointing out to her that she is actually violating a rule. If she fails to heed your warning, mentioning the issue to a superior. If she is not breaking a rule, it may be harder to achieve the workplace quiet you seek.

4. Ask politely. Approach your co-worker as kindly as possible about the issue. Mention to him that it is really hard for you to work with the noise he is creating in the background. Seek to come to an agreement, asking him to kindly remember the impact that his volume is having or try to turn down the noise-makers within his office. In all likelihood, a simple, friendly request will prove enough to get the job done.

5. Drown out the noise. Make the noise your co-worker is creating a non-issue by donning some headphones and listening to your favorite tunes while you do your work each day. If the tasks you must complete are individual ones that you can do at your desk, these headphones should in no way interrupt your ability to get the job done, and they may even make your work days happier ones.

6. Speak to your boss. If the amount of noise that your co-worker is creating is something that you can't handle, regardless of how much you try, have a sit-down with your boss, explaining the issue. While you don't want to jump to tattling on your co-worker like a school child, if your attempts to handle the situation yourself prove fruitless, you may have no other option.

References

• CNN; Dealing with Difficult Co-Workers; Rachel Zupek; July 2007
• The Business Journal; Dealing with a Loud, Disruptive Co-Worker; Joan Lloyd; March 2004