Dealing with a co-worker

[Ood Sigma]

I've been real frustrated lately with a co-worker and thought I'd solicit advice on what I can do to make my life a little more sane.

I won't focus on her job performance because that I not the real issue. The problem is the coughing. The incessant, never-ending coughing fits. She's worked for us for about 8 months so it's not a temporary thing. I'm sure it's smoker's cough... She has a deep husky voice and while I don't think I've ever seen her smoke, other colleagues mention that she reeks of nicotine.

My office is directly across from hers so I hear it all the time. Every 5 to 10 minutes, she'll have a fit. In between are moans, sighs, groans, ouches, and every other conceivable rude noise.

I have tried listening to music with headphones. That helps. I can't close my office door all day because we are supposed to keep them open to be welcoming to our colleagues (who, with few exceptions, I really like). I don't think asking her to knock it off would help since she's probably incapable of holding back the physical reaction.

I've considered asking to move but the reality is that our building is full to capacity. And my boss wants to keep our department close (naturally) and from what I understand the coughing is heard down the entire aisle so moving wouldn't help much.

I guess I'm just venting but suggestions for blocking the noise out or learning to mentally process it without getting angry would be appreciated. It truly is a distraction that makes me less productive.

 

[Namikaze]

What about ear plugs? They are hardly noticable, and if you have nimble fingers, you can remove one quickly enough to hear someone speak up, when they approach.

If anyone questions you about them, just tell them you are trying to focus. I hate gross noises too, so I can sympathize.

I use them when sleeping too, as I am a light sleeper, so they aren't hard to get used to.

 

[TEACAKE'S PLEATHER DOME]

Mentally picture her sitting at her desk in an iron lung. They you will feel compassion rather than just annoyance.

 

[ares93]

Glock 19?

 

[Lumi]

I guess I can see how it would be annoying. I've got allergies and I'm clearing my throat and coughing for half of the year... but I've never been a smoker. It's not really something you can control, so yes... earplugs.

 

[Gary Mitchell]

Ask her to use some cough supressants.

 

[Temis the Vorta]

It truly is a distraction that makes me less productive.

Then tell HR and let them handle it. They're the ones who are supposed to worry about what does or doesn't allow workers to be productive - they are paid to do that.

If it's an allergy cough, she needs allergy pills. If there's no cure for her cough, maybe she should closer her door and you should close yours and to hell with whether it's "welcoming." HR created the open-door policy and if it's counter-productive, tell them so they can change it in your case. Tell everyone that the closed doors are not meant to be unfriendly, it's meant to help you get your work done.

 

[Ood Sigma]

^ I've been considering approaching management about it. I guess the problem is I know there's no easy solution so I don't want to be seen as a complainer. Quite honestly I'm hoping she gets fired or leaves soon. Her performance is pretty atrocious so it's not impossible.

I do close my door if I am on a tight deadline and don't want to deal with any distractions. No one minds that but if I shut myself in all day every day, I'll feel disconnected from the rest of the team.

Funny story, at my old job, we had cubicles. One of my co-workers had such a difficult time with distractions that when he felt stress he'd put up a shower curtain across the entrance to his cube. That was the signal to leave him alone.

Earplugs sound like a good idea. Maybe I'll get some and wear them when I'm not listening to music. It's also a not-too-subtle hint that "something" is loud and distracting. (Yeah, I'm passive-aggressive like that!)

EDIT: Just now noticed the aborted parody thread. I would love to know what was supposed to have been posted (I'm guessing a post from the POV of my co-worker.)