Tips to handle distractions in the work environment

In the work place, there will be individuals who seem to have too little to do during office hours, and would leave their office desk and invade someone else’s workstation. This sort of thing can be infuriating and worse when they zone in your office desk.

GDB, the Office Furniture Solution, suggests some ways to get rid of these noisy co-workers.

First step is to understand that some of these individuals are just bored and in need of attention. They will try to chat with anyone who will accommodate them.

Here’s a sample situation, you will notice that as they move from one office desk to another, you can feel the stress building up as they get closer to yours. This person will start with a simple opening gambit, stand right next to your workstation and will wait for an answer. As soon as you offer a polite response, they will proceed to engage you in small talk and whether or not you respond, they will continue the conversation even to the point that they’re on their own.

Before judging this person and reporting him or her, ask yourself this question. Do they just do this to you or are they acting the same way to others in the office?

If they do this to everyone, it is a behavioural issue that is part of their overall personality. They are acting on their insecurity and will work towards winning everyone’s favour in the office. That doesn’t make their behaviour less annoying, but at least you are not being singled out by this particular co-worker. However, if the latter is true, then you could be in quite a bind since it can mean that you could have an infatuated colleague on your hands.

Either way, here are a few things you can try as you deal with this sort of thing.

First and foremost, be honest. Let them know at the onset of the conversation that it is not how you conduct your work day. This can be as simple as apologizing and letting him or her know that you need a lot of work done and you will need to concentrate on it.

For most individuals, this action will be enough for the message to reach them. They will get the hint, and move on to the next available co-worker. On the other hand, if they intended to approach no one else but you, they will probably respect your request for a time but will definitely try to get your attention in some other way.

If that does happen, you may need to be a little more firm, or even forceful, and ask them to leave your work space in order for you to properly focus on work. If, at some point, you fail to handle the situation effectively, do not hesitate to ask for assistance. Feel free to discuss it with your superior, who may actually appreciate your mentioning it. It is quite possible that he or she may have witnessed the discussions that transpired at your office desk and until then were not sure if you were part of the problem. This way they can identify the problem and effectively deal with it.

It is your productivity that will be on the line and this is something you have to remember because, ultimately, it’ll be your job that will be at stake if you let someone keep you from getting your work done.

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