Annoying co-worker habit - what to do?

Question

I sit across from one of the Assistant Managers [not my direct, but from another team] and he has a bad habit of shaking his legs while he works, which in turn shakes the whole desk cube that we share. It shakes my monitor (it's flat screen so it shakes pretty bad) and it's really annoying. I've told him nicely about it once but maybe he forgot or whatever. So now I just grab my monitor to hold it still every time he does it. I'm just hoping he gets the picture when he sees me do that, but what else can I do!?? Ugh!

It's bad enough I can feel every single movement when someone walks around since we're on the third floor. With the floor shaking, the desk shaking, and now HIM shaking, my monitor shaking... AHHH!

Answer 1

I would try to find something shock-absorbing and put it under your monitor. I think something like a mouse pad might help a little bit.

I agree if you keep grabbing your monitor whenever he does it, hopefully he will get the hint.

Answer 2

I would approach him again, asking him to please stop shaking your monitor. Let him know that this is really annoying and if he can't stop it, you'll have to have a talk with your supervisor. Then, when he does his shaking thing again, immediately get up and get your supervisor. He'll probably only get a warning, but coming from someone who CAN fire him, it might make a difference. Unfortunately, it might put a strain on your working relationship, if you have one. And he just might be the kind of guy who would look for a reason to rat you out too, so think it through before doing anything. You also might see if your boss can put you in a different area, or put the other guy somewhere where he can shake to his hearts' content. Consider all these, and other ideas, before doing something. That way, you'll be sure to do it for the right reasons, and not out of anger or getting even. <*)))><

Answer 3

You could act like you forgot that you ever mentioned it to him before and mention it again acting like it's the first time. Something along the lines of, "I'm sure you don't realize but when you shake your leg it shakes my monitor a lot. Would you mind trying to not do it so much. Thanks." If they indicate that you had already told them before just respond, "Oh, I didn't realize (or forgot)."

I'm understand your pain. I had a co-worker that figured out that everytime he used the pencil sharpener the image on my monitor would vibrate...He started using the pencil sharpener just to bother me...He even said so. Glad he doesn't work here anymore. Good luck.
It's true what they say about catching more flies with honey than with vinegar, but you shouldn't have to put up with it just to avoid an uncomfortable situation because you are already uncomfortable from his shaking.

Answer 4

I am in the mortgage business and have seen alot of this, especially by the higher ups who made a killing in the refi boom. As I ascended, and of course there is a lot of gossip, I was enlightened all the shakers were on coke and white drugs. Never had your problem but I am an OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) guy. Tell him you have a medical condition, and as hard as you try to cope, he is messing with your OCD's. If he's not an addict he will likely sympethize, opening the door to you cordially reminding him every reoccurance until the habit stops. Hopefully you can adroitly get your way without coming across as confrontational and jeopardizing your job.

Answer 5

U can fake it by dropping some stuff down on ure desk &/or the floor & make a big fuss abt. it & when he asks, tell him that u dunno wat happened, but the desk was shaking 4 a long time (just like it does often). U can also try asking him, "Do U kno why the desk was shaking ?" or something similar 2 get him 2 realize that his habit is problematic 2 others. Good luck & B patient...

Answer 6

Ask him "When did the waves kick up?" or "Are we having an earthquake?" or "Are you nervous about something?"

You could also say, "Wow, I'm getting dizzy." When he asks why, tell him because your monitor is shaking like crazy. Anyway, I don't know if this will help, but he might get the picture. Good luck!

Answer 7

LOL!! Sorry, but the situation struck me funny. It sounds like THE OFFICE on TV. Just shake along with him, and pray for him, if you're of a religious turn of mind. Who knows, it might just help. If you're allowed music while you work, play some rock and roll tunes which make you want to shake too. LOL!!!

Answer 8

He probably doesn't even realize that he is doing it. How did he respond when you told him about it last time? Maybe teasing him about it will work ( I am not saying mean teasing)
when he does it you can just laugh and tell him to look at your monitor and maybe he will get the picture.
Is there any possibility that it is a medical condition?

Answer 9

As frustrated as you are, remember, its a habit. He doesnt even realize he is doing it. It will take time and reminders for him to stop himself from shaking. So, if you are not comfortable with reminding him more often, you will have to think of something to do to help you live with it. Transfer out, bolt things down, I dont know.

Good luck in whatever you decide.

Answer 10

Tell him every time he does it. Even make a joke about it. I would probably say something to the effect of, "Hey Ed, do you gotta pee? It sounds like you are doing the pee-pee dance under your desk." Or I would even say, "Hey Ed, are you jerking off again?" Either of these statements would make him think about it when he does it because he certainly does not want the office to think that he is choking his chicken or for the whole office to start asking him that jokingly.