#WorkSpaceStruggles #NoPrivacy #HRNightmare #CurtainWoes
Hey there, fellow work warriors! π Do you ever feel like your workspace lacks the privacy and respect it deserves? I totally get it! π Having a sign posted outside your workspace should be a clear indication to others that you need your own space and boundaries respected. However, sometimes even that isn’t enough to deter unwanted intrusion and disrespect.
Let me paint you a picture: Imagine having a sign posted outside your work space politely asking for privacy, yet the head of HR sees it as a personal challenge to invade your space without warning or mercy. π‘ It’s frustrating, it’s infuriating, and it’s a violation of your basic right to work in peace.
But fear not, dear reader! There are practical solutions to this all-too-common workplace dilemma. Let’s dive into some strategies to reclaim your workspace and set clear boundaries that demand respect.
### Setting Boundaries with Confidence
1. **Communication is Key**
Openly communicate with the head of HR about your need for privacy and respect in your workspace. Express your concerns and set clear boundaries.
2. **Reinforce Your Sign**
If your sign isn’t doing the trick, consider upgrading it to a more assertive message that leaves no room for misinterpretation.
3. **Establish Office Etiquette**
Work with your colleagues to establish office etiquette guidelines that respect each other’s boundaries and workspaces.
### Taking Action Against Workplace Intrusion
1. **Electronic Solutions**
Consider investing in electronic privacy devices like motion-sensor alarms or door entry control systems to prevent unauthorized access.
2. **Report HR Behavior**
If the head of HR continues to disregard your privacy, document each incident and report the behavior to a higher authority or HR department.
### Embracing a Stress-Free Work Environment
1. **Find Your Zen**
Create a calming workspace with plants, essential oils, or soothing music to help you relax and focus amidst the chaos.
2. **Self-Care Breaks**
Take regular breaks to step away from your workspace, clear your mind, and reset your focus. Your mental health is just as important as your work.
Remember, you deserve to work in a space that respects your boundaries and promotes a positive work environment. Don’t be afraid to speak up, take action, and prioritize your well-being. Stay strong, stay assertive, and reclaim your workspace with confidence! πͺ #YouGotThis #RespectMySpace
Being the Wizard of Oz hasnβt gotten proper respect ever since that bitch Dorothy and her little dog whipped the curtain open.
Alternate solution – put a hook on either side of the door frame (*they make stick-on ones*), then make a small hole on both sides of the curtain, push a string through each hole and tie those strings to the hooks. This way the curtain is fastened on both sides and would require someone to take the time to unfasten prior to opening.
They’ll probably still walk in without knocking, but at least you can hear them fiddling with the ties first. Velcro attachments could work too, but less work for the person barging in.
How often are you startled by the knocks?
That sounds like a rather hostile hr head, you should probably report them to hr.
That would piss me right off. It’s absolutely rude not to knock or present ones self prior to entering.
I have a work pal like that, but after speaking to her and explaining i don’t like her just coming I my office without knocking, she’s toned it down. Now I get 2 seconds after the knock. Baby steps.
The comments on this are so gross
At least you have a curtain. I have to sit in an open workspace with my boss right over my shoulder.
mf works in a cloth changing booth?
Omg I startle easily too, so I understand OP. At least you have a curtain! I wish cubicle and βopen planβ offices would die
Is your back to the curtain? If so, can you reverse your desk so you are facing it. I’d also do that hook and string thing to lessen the chance of startles!
I can relate to this so hard. Have a heightened startle response and canβt stand loud sudden noises. And up until a few months ago I was also in an office with a shitty bath curtain.
Fucking infuriating when you lose all your focus because your coworkers *WHIP!!* that stupid thing open and bombard you. And like that your nerves are shot for the rest of the day. Goodbye productivity.
Just look them in the eye and point to the sign until they acknowledge
“Oh! You startled me! Oh…uh…I think I’m having a panic attack! Gonna have to lay down for about 30 minutes to get it to pass, but I’ll get right back to work afterwards!”
Next time she does it, jump, and then slump down into your chair and go limp, and don’t respond until she starts to call an ambulance.
Just scream whenever someone startles you. I’d hope they would be more respectful after a few blood curdling screams.
i thought this was your shower at first.
are employers having some kind of competition on how to create the shittiest work environment? lol
this has all the Charme of a mall dressing room π
Fake a heart attack next time
Link up a fart machine that is triggered any time someone opens that curtain.
You should over react. Scream at the top of your lungs ,and possibly fall out of your chair. Make them UNCOMFORTABLE. And if they question it just say “I startle easy, I put up a sign”.
I’d scream. Make it embarrassing for them. “Oh my gosh. I’m so sorry. I couldn’t help it. I tried putting up a sign but you must have missed it.”
Do it again every time someone whips open the curtain. Fake tears if you can.
“Look, I’m sorry, I don’t mean to scream, but I’m easily startled. I’m trying really hard not to cry, here, but I’m wondering if you’re doing this on purpose?”
Next time act totally surprised, clutch your chest, and fall to the ground.
Iβm also easily startled. I got tired of my boss sneaking up on me (approaching normally from behind), so I got some adjustable spot mirrors to put on my computer station and my CNC machine.
I would just start showing up in her office. Like that βsidlerβ in Seinfeld who would just appear quietly out of nowhere. After a few times, she might get it.
[Like this.](https://youtu.be/hmpe-y7rAKI?si=HWSg01FmZbgWWQ45)
I once strained my back from jump response cuz someone startled me at work. That’s just one of a dozen ways you can sustain injury from someone startling you.
Now that you have the sign, like others in the comments have said, please please please overreact to get the message across. They saw the sign, now they shouldnβt expect you NOT to scream
Why do you work in a mall changing room?
Can you put a tiny bell on the bottom of the curtain so you’ll hear if someone is touching the curtain? Also I’m petty and would start randomly walking into her office in the same manner. When she asks what you’re doing just say “following by example”.
That sounds stressful and annoying. On Halloween I’d get a mannequin to stand on the other side so when she opens it it’ll scare the shit out of her. ππππ
Hang in there!
Why is HR talking to you 10 or 12 times in one day?
Have a doctor write a note stating that due to a medical condition, you require that people knock before entering your work space.
If that does check enough ADA Boxes for the HR person, you may need to HAVE THE Dr. specify PTSD or GAD, but medical condition should be sufficient.
It is HR, They should get their head out of their tookus quick as the ADA isn’t something trivial.
I kind of hate this! I would literally just rather have the curtain open so I can see people coming or not
Loosen the tension rod so next time she whips it open it rips the whole thing down and really highlights how violent she’s being.
Do you need the curtain closed for working with private data? Would it be more comfortable for you to rearrange so that you’re facing the doorway and your screen is faced away, that way you can keep the curtain slightly open and see people approaching?
Scream.
Loudly.
Every Single TIME.
Scare the *fuck* out of her.
Make your trauma her trauma.
“Oh I’m sorry, I guess the constant surprise has put my nerves on edge. I couldn’t control it.”
Quick fix, scream the highest shrillest scream you can whenever they do that. Also report to HR as scares can cause heart attack that open the company up to liability.
wear a jason friday the 13th mask so when they come in guns blazing theyβre gonna startle and fall
![gif](giphy|QL1rzl6tiaSVG)
Do you work in a shower? What do you do there?