HANDLE THE NOISE-MAKER CAUTIOUSLY
May 05, 2009
THERE is that section in every workplace where noise seems to rule. Staff members passionately argue about anything, from soccer to music, celebrity buzz and politics. Meanwhile, phones are ringing and printers and photocopiers humming.
BY PIDSON KAREIRE
THERE is that section in every workplace where noise seems to rule. Staff members passionately argue about anything, from soccer to music, celebrity buzz and politics. Meanwhile, phones are ringing and printers and photocopiers humming.
While it is essential to keep lively, too much noise can be annoying. So how do you deal with the noise?
Herbert Wamboga, a human resource consultant, says talking to noisy workmates may help since some people are not aware they are a nuisance.
“If you cannot approach them, use a cool-headed workmate, who will tell them jokingly but effectively,†he adds.
Wamboga says one should keep calm and tactful while talking to noise-makers to diffuse the situation and avoid conflicts.
He warns against interrupting excited members who are engrossed in the previous match or concert.
“It is better to approach them when the tempers have cooled,†Wamboga says.
Sometimes the noise-maker, instead of using headphones like everyone else, uses the speakers on his computer. As a result, everybody pushes their volume higher to avoid that person’s music.
The best way to resolve these situations is to deal with them yourself; just discuss it, and if they do not change, act. If they leave their music on as they go for a meeting, turn it off.
In an online article, “Modern Management in the Workplace,†John Patrick Kamau, a Kenyan professor of management, advises that workplaces should create noise management policies. He says an isolated room should be created for people to chat during free time.
However, Kamau discourages involving the boss “Let the supervisor see that you are concerned on behalf of other departments and you are attempting to make the work environment more productive and comfortable for all. Complaining can make the situation sound like a personal problem,†Kamau writes.
Of course, there are stressing jobs like marketing and journalism where people are noisy yet the nature of their job is stressing.
Eseza Byakika, the human resource manager of National Housing and Construction Corporation, says such employees should not be limited in talking because it helps in many ways.
“Employees may vent out stress by conversing and making some noise. If you limit them from talking, you may get poor results,†Byakika explains.
However, some departments like production and manufacturing in some companies are meant to be noisy.
THERE is that section in every workplace where noise seems to rule. Staff members passionately argue about anything, from soccer to music, celebrity buzz and politics. Meanwhile, phones are ringing and printers and photocopiers humming.
While it is essential to keep lively, too much noise can be annoying. So how do you deal with the noise?
Herbert Wamboga, a human resource consultant, says talking to noisy workmates may help since some people are not aware they are a nuisance.
“If you cannot approach them, use a cool-headed workmate, who will tell them jokingly but effectively,†he adds.
Wamboga says one should keep calm and tactful while talking to noise-makers to diffuse the situation and avoid conflicts.
He warns against interrupting excited members who are engrossed in the previous match or concert.
“It is better to approach them when the tempers have cooled,†Wamboga says.
Sometimes the noise-maker, instead of using headphones like everyone else, uses the speakers on his computer. As a result, everybody pushes their volume higher to avoid that person’s music.
The best way to resolve these situations is to deal with them yourself; just discuss it, and if they do not change, act. If they leave their music on as they go for a meeting, turn it off.
In an online article, “Modern Management in the Workplace,†John Patrick Kamau, a Kenyan professor of management, advises that workplaces should create noise management policies. He says an isolated room should be created for people to chat during free time.
However, Kamau discourages involving the boss “Let the supervisor see that you are concerned on behalf of other departments and you are attempting to make the work environment more productive and comfortable for all. Complaining can make the situation sound like a personal problem,†Kamau writes.
Of course, there are stressing jobs like marketing and journalism where people are noisy yet the nature of their job is stressing.
Eseza Byakika, the human resource manager of National Housing and Construction Corporation, says such employees should not be limited in talking because it helps in many ways.
“Employees may vent out stress by conversing and making some noise. If you limit them from talking, you may get poor results,†Byakika explains.
However, some departments like production and manufacturing in some companies are meant to be noisy.