[ZenZeta]

I've shared about my overly annoyingly gregarious coworker in the past (remember the coffee meltdown?)

Well, the saga continues. For the most part, I try to grit and bear the "Mouth of the South", but it's starting to interfere with my work.

Part of my job responsibilities involve recording instructional videos. Though I close my office door while I'm recording, our building is small and her mouth is BIG! I often find myself either trying to record when she's not around (got SO much done when she was on vacation) or trying to edit around the spill over from her shrill voice -- quite time consuming.

I've thought about making a sign that says QUIET RECORDING IN PROGRESS and put it up whenever I'm recording, but the Codependent in me feels afraid to do that. She always has some passive aggressive comment whenever I close the door (She has a cubicle).

I also thought about asking the director of the department if I could have a recording room in another quieter building on our campus. I don't think he would mind, but I'm afraid that will make me look like I'm not a team player.

Why is this bothering me so much (outside the fact that Codependents struggle with asking for what they need)??

[Artchic528]

Okay, I would definitely just tape that sign on your door. You have every right to declare the need for some peace and quiet when you're doing your job.

[seesaw]

Yeah, just do it. Stand up for yourself. You will feel better.

[~Christina]

SIGN ! In all caps !

Make sure you announce your sign to the whole office.

[Trippin2.0]

Yes yes and yes!

Email the entire office to explain the reason / importance of the sign.

Then print and laminate.

That way everybody understands and nobody feels singled out.

Also management will be aware of the noise pollution challenges surrounding your job.

They'll be in support of you getting your job done quicker.

[Medusax]

Oh.......I don't deal well with "yammerers"....

Yes, definitely stand up for yourself. You're simply trying to get your work done.

People who make rude comments just make themselves look bad (i.e. Her, your sign isn't rude). I'm sure your coworkers would love your sign as I'm sure she annoys them too.

[Erebos]

Agree with all of the above. Do it!

[Anrea]

I also like the sign idea. I think you could take it a step further.

During a team meeting, or via memo, or small gathering, tell the co-workers the idea. However, ask them if they feel a certain day, or time of day would be best.

"I am thinking of trying to keep the recording time the same as much as I can week to week. Do you think Mon - Wed - Fri is best, or what about in the mornings, from 9-11? Also, as an aid, I will hang a sign on the door, so everyone will know when I am recording. We can't have the company recordings having random laughter or sounds in the back ground or it won't look good for us".

Something like that, in your own words. So the team feels that it is a group effort, and they have some control over losing control of their choice to speak.

If that doesn't work, you will have to go to the boss and say, "random office noises are being picked up and you don't want it to be unprofessional, so is there a quieter area they could think of."

Good luck to you.

[Hobbit House]

Originally Posted by Anrea

I also like the sign idea. I think you could take it a step further.

During a team meeting, or via memo, or small gathering, tell the co-workers the idea. However, ask them if they feel a certain day, or time of day would be best.

"I am thinking of trying to keep the recording time the same as much as I can week to week. Do you think Mon - Wed - Fri is best, or what about in the mornings, from 9-11? Also, as an aid, I will hang a sign on the door, so everyone will know when I am recording. We can't have the company recordings having random laughter or sounds in the back ground or it won't look good for us".

Something like that, in your own words. So the team feels that it is a group effort, and they have some control over losing control of their choice to speak.

If that doesn't work, you will have to go to the boss and say, "random office noises are being picked up and you don't want it to be unprofessional, so is there a quieter area they could think of."

Good luck to you.

Great idea!

[ZenZeta]

Anrea!!! GREAT IDEA!!! It's very diplomatic

[ZenZeta]

...so just when I got the nerve to make the sign, another coworker saw me laminating it and kinda chuckled.

She commented that "It's good you're laminating it because that would get ripped down..."

That's when I lost my nerve. I'm sure MOUTH ALMIGHTY knows that the sign is directed towards her. There are only three four people in our building and she talks the MOST... and loudly.

While I understand that part of her job responsibilities require her to be on the phone, EVERYONE can hear EVERY part of her conversations (even the boss has closed his door when she gets going)

Sooo... I think addressing everyone would be the most diplomatic thing to do. While it's not my intention to single her out, she will automatically know to whom I'm referring because she talks the most and loudest... GOODNESS...

On an interesting side note. The coworker who stated that LOUDMOUTH would be offended also stated that she's bothered by the noise level as well... go figure

[ZenZeta]

UPDATE: I waited until the boss left and had a quick huddle with the folks in the office. I explained the need to have it quiet when I was recording and let them know that I would put up a sign when I was recording. I also asked if there was a better time than others to record (i.e. Mondays and Wednesdays before lunch) so I could welcome their input.

LOUDMOUTH says "Are you referring to anyone in particular?" I'm sure she knew this was directed towards her. I just responded that I wanted everyone in the building to know.

She made some snide comments under her breath and has been flat out rude to me since. She makes it a point to say good morning to everyone in the office but then says something like "I have to be quiet around Queen ZenZeta".

SERIOUSLY?!?!

...and I think I made matters worse. She feels like she has to make comments about EVERYTHING I do now. For instance, today at lunch I brought in some leftover steak that I had broiled and she commented in front of everyone "HOW CAN YOU EAT THAT? IT'S NOT EVEN DEAD! THAT'S GROSS..."

It's MY steak on MY plate and I should be able to eat it medium rare if I want? I seriously feel like we're in high school again.

I want to say something, but I'm the new kid on the block and she's been around for a while. I don't want to ruffle any feathers by saying too much, but this needs to stop. We are adults!!!!