Why do co-workers think it's okay to just walk into my office while I'm working?

Question

Hasn't anyone ever heard of knocking first or asking if you're busy???

I guess I should have mentioned that my door was shut already when this occured. If it were my boss, okay, I understand...but it's not.

Answer 1

Probably for the same reason that my co-workers will strike up a conversation with me and want me to solve their problem, WHILE I'M ON THE PHONE.
Like I just felt like holding the phone for no particular reason, and was really waiting, hoping, desperately wishing they would bother me.

Answer 2

If you keep things in your office that other co-workers use often, then they probably don't feel they have to knock. Things like a stapler, some paper forms or something. Get rid of those things that they have to come and use from your office.. and yeah, put a sign on the door.

Answer 3

What we have here is failure to communicate.

You obviously have not made it clear that you do not wish to be disturbed.

Try a "do not disturb" sign on the door. Or send an email that says "I'm very busy working on project x from 1:00 to 4:00 today. Please do not interrupt me. I will be available 4:00 to 5:00 though".

Another thing I do when I do not want to be interrupted is pick up my work and hide out in the cafeteria, library, etc.

Answer 4

Offices are usually considered open for business unless there's a sign on the door or you're lucky enough to have a receptionist to guard your door.

Your coworkers should be polite enough to ask if this is a good time to talk.

Answer 5

Well, probably because it's a work-related business. I mean, yes, it would be nice if they didn't disturb your work, but you need to understand that sometimes you're needed for their work also, and we all work together in an office so that we can talk to each other about business-related things sometimes. An office is a place to work together.

Perhaps you need to speak to your supervisor about working out a policy that both allows you some time to work undisturbed, and some time that you can be interrupted by others who need your participation.

Answer 6

In many cases all it takes is to mention that something irritates you. Beleive it or not, some people don't know when they are being impolite, or when you think their behavior is unacceptable. Personally, I was raised in a family that thought of uninvited, unexpected houseguests were considered to be rude. After I grow up, I discover that it seems to be a rarity, and the majority of people just tend to swing by whenever they choose.
All it took was to let people know that it's not an acceptable habit for me, and after they understood I didn't appreciate it, it stopped.

Answer 7

They just walk in because you allow them to.
Either close the door when you are busy, or let them know that you are busy and will get back to them.

Answer 8

When I do not want to be disturbed, I close and lock my door. If you can't lock your door, just ignore anyone who feels that they have the right to barge in. If they persist, politely say, "I'm sorry, but the door was closed for a reason." and then go back to ignoring them.

Answer 9

No one in your office knows what you are thinking so let them know that you would prefer they knock or call before just walking in.

Answer 10

It's perfectly okay to ask your co-workers NOT to interrupt you, especially when your door is shut (or even if it's not). Some folks are oblivious to the obvious or feel more welcome than they actually are.