#OfficeStruggles #WorkplaceCulture #CoWorkerQuirks
Hey everyone, I need to get a few things off my chest regarding my work environment. So, here’s the deal: I have this co-worker in our small team (just six of us, all women) who has some pretty unusual habits. Instead of a simple “Good morning” or even a nod of acknowledgment, they greet us with loud **meows** and **barks**! And let me tell you, it’s hard to start the day with anything other than some serious confusion or annoyance. 😹
But that’s not all! This person has zero concept of **personal space**. They get so close that it feels like they’re practically breathing down my neck, which is so uncomfortable! On top of that, they love to sneak up on other team members, which just adds to the awkwardness. 🤦♀️
As if that weren’t enough, their office is like a sound chamber for extreme noises – I mean, loud flatulence followed by moans. Yes, you read that right. 🙈 It turns our otherwise professional environment into a rather awkward and uncomfortable space.
I’ve brought this up with HR a few times, but honestly, nothing seems to change. They’ve had a chat with this co-worker, but the quirky behavior continues. So, what do I do as an employee who loves my job but is really struggling with this situation?
Here are a few **pain points** I’ve noticed:
- **Disruption of workflow:** No one can focus with all the noise and unusual greetings.
- **Tension in the team:** Others are also uncomfortable, and it’s affecting team morale.
- **Inappropriate behavior:** The lack of personal space feels very unprofessional.
- **Deteriorating atmosphere:** It’s becoming a dreadful environment to work in.
I really want to maintain the positive vibe at work, so here are some possible solutions I’ve thought of:
- Maybe suggest a *team-building workshop* that includes communication practices.
- Bring up the idea of implementing *office etiquette guidelines* in a team meeting.
- Consider addressing it directly with the co-worker, if it feels appropriate.
I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have any of you faced similar issues with co-workers? What worked for you? Let’s share some tips! 💬
Sounds like they’re neurodivergent, or have some social issues, and that management is aware.
You have broached this with your manager, right? You didn’t just jump directly to HR, did you?
There’s not much that can be done about biological noises in their own office. The proximity issues can and should be addressed. You can start by asking them to keep their distance, reporting to your manager, and documenting in case it’s needed down the road.
Maybe try greeting them with “I’m a coyote and eat housepets. Kindly keep your distance.” /joking
I would also find this super annoying, especially the farting and moaning. I get you might not be able to control all bodily functions, but you don’t need to highlight how good it feels after. So gross.
If your company isn’t willing to do anything about the weird greetings and noises, there’s not much you can do except leave. You can try to talk to your manager about how it impacts your work to be disrupted with the noises, but unless they are willing to take action, there’s not much you can do. These are really issues for your manager to deal with. While they might want help from HR, these aren’t really HR issues. With that said, I do think HR needs to be involved because it sounds like there could be other issues here as well, possibly related to disability.
As for the personal space, have you asked them to respect your boundaries and just step back? You have the right not to be touched. That’s the only thing I see in your description where you can actually request a change in behavior and push the issue. Just make sure you document the dates and times you’re being touched and when you report it. Just keep escalating that part of the issue.
If HR are aware, there’s probably a valid medical condition and they’re making accommodations for them e.g not preventing them from making involuntary sounds…as long as it’s not harming anyone.
However, you too should be able to a work in a safe environment, so you should tell them to back up when they’re in your space. Be polite but say you’re not comfortable with how close they are and you don’t like physical contact. Ask them to take a step back and to not touch you.
You should also ask your manager for help if it’s affecting your work of if they’re still touching you; they might be able to rejig your working spaces/tasks/schedules to give you time to focus.
Unfortunately, it might come down to a ‘either they go, or I do’, and you have to go.
Gray rock for the meowing and noises. She does it specifically to get a reaction.
This is what I would do re touching:
Yell something like Don’t FREAKING touch me again, only I wouldn’t use freakin…
Sharp reflex elbow to her body, with a sweet smile and a “maybe you shouldn’t get close enough to touch people,” or get up suddenly, roll over her feet in a “ooh I didn’t know you were there” kind of way. (I use a variation of this one in stores only it involves my heavy purse. Very effective.)
https://psychcentral.com/health/grey-rock-method
No way is this real.
I’m so sorry for laughing so hard. I am trying to imagine this and it’s making me cry laugh.
Film her behavior. Have all the employees nearby stand up all together and film her. Save the videos and send them to HR.
Is your coworker neurodivergent? Sounds like maybe. I’m not saying that as an excuse or that it’s appropriate, but it’s possible. They could be covered by ADA and HR can’t/won’t explain.
But if they’re not some behavior could be creating a hostile work environment, if what they’re doing rises above a level a reasonable person finds acceptable. Talk to HR and tell them it makes you feel uncomfortable.
Do they have turret syndrome or other medical issues?
Hit her in the nose with a rolled up newspaper
A fart and a moan?? Record it and send it to HR!