Lady at work has such a loud & continuous cough it is disturbing anyone within 50 yards. Should I speak to HR?

Question

I work in a cubical set up office. The woman over the wall from me has a some kind of chronic coughing problem for over 2 years. No exaggeration, it is loud boisterous couching fits of 45 seconds or more a minimum of 70 – 80 times a day. I do feel very bad for her condition but it is to a point of distracting and even aggravating anyone within 50 yards of her. She can work from home but chooses not to. Moving my desk does not solve the overall problem. Is this something I should bring to management? Is it a legitimate complaint? What can be done?

She has been to the doctor and it is not a fatal condition (not cancer – etc). She said what it was (I can recall exactly) but did mention not life threatening.

Answer 1

Don't you hate that?????

I work with some one who has a chronic cough and it annoyed me so much, that I would ask him, "are you ok" or "are you sick again?"

I have even gone as far as saying, "oh no........coughing still? I am a germ freak and can not stand it any longer, can you go home?" And that person packed up their stuff and left for about 2-3 days or so and when they returned they were not coughing that much any more, because they got some cough medicine from the doctor.

Another thing that I like to say when people cough and sneeze is, "DID YOU COVER????? I do not want to get sick!" That usually puts a cap on things too.

I hate that coughing crap, especially when you are on the phone and the other person on the line, stops what they are saying, so that they can listen to my coughing neighboor.

It is so embarrassing!!!!!

Answer 2

Offer her a cough drop every single time she coughs, she will get it.
Go to your supervisor then.

Why in the world would anyone choose to not work at home if they can? I don't believe this part of your story.

But I have known this to happen. She probably disturbes people in complete other rooms. There is actually nothing anyone can really do, not even HR, because of Americans with Disability Act. She cannot get fired for this.

Answer 3

You can speak to HR, but I don't think they will do anything. I worked in an office with a woman who did the same thing for at least 2 years. Sometimes she would cough so hard I though she would puke. She was a heavy smoker and every time she would go outside to smoke, I would say "going to hammer another nail in your coffin" and she would laugh. She started getting sick with her stomach hurting and finally went to the doctor and when they x-rayed her lungs they found cancer and it had already metastisized to her brain. That was in August and she died in December. It was awful because she was such a nice person and had a good life. So, you might save this ladies life if you can convince her to go to the doctor. Show her this message and tell her this could be her. I miss you Jean. Rest in Peace.

Answer 4

See if you can work from home. If you don't want to do that then get everyone together in the office and write up a complaint to HR and they may be able to convince for the good of the office she must work from home.

Answer 5

in a word Compassion!

try to help a great holistic remedy is ginger-ale and peppermint made into a hot tea important to remember to use the old fashion hard round peppermints.

do not use real ginger or pepermint extract.. they can be lethal whereas the soda and candy has only a little bit of this active ingredient.

another is to try peel tea's, that is take your favorite peel and make into a tea, orange, lemon, lime ect use a little honey to sweeten (the peel usually has more or as much vitamins then the rest/entire fruit).

You r on line try holistic treatments sites, be mindful that theses treatments are serious stuff... and she should consult her doctor before trying any thing above those listed above.

first and final she is more aware of her cough then those around her (she probably has to agonise over her condition 24/7 ask if she needs or can u get her something.. try mints ect.

Answer 6

Well, if she's not contagious she's really ok. It probably helps her to try and remain working to keep her mind off her condition. Maybe management can move her to a more secluded area.

Answer 7

I think it is legitimate because it affects the quality of your work (and likely others as well). HR cannot act upon this unless it is brought to their attention.

Tell them exactly what you've said here -- that you sympathize with her condition, but it creates a very distracting work environment. I doubt they would allow someone in the next cubicle to play loud music, distracting everyone, and this is apparently just as distracting.

Answer 8

I don't think there's much that can be done about an involuntary action. She may have some kind of condition. Maybe you can ask her if she's okay or something to find out?

Answer 9

Sometimes IT IS the quietest voice that speaks the loudest but that is no excuse for not believing in what you think is right and taking verbal action.

Answer 10

Interesting question.

On one hand I can see your point and I say go for it. On the other hand, I wonder if you would be acting like the people who made leper communities so they wouldn't disturb society with their appeareance.

I don't envy your position. I would ask managment if they could give her a private office or something with thick walls. If it is causing low morale and a poor working environment, I would say that something needs to be done. Maybe a simple surgery or medicine could correct her problem. If she is coughing that bad, she could seriously damage her esophagus and cause ulsers.

It sounds like she's a heavy smoker. She should really see a doctor because she needs medical attention. I would talk to her first. I would ask her politely to see a doctor. If she gives you an attitude, then tell her that you have no choice but to tell management.
Give her the choice. This way, you don't feel guilty because you went behind her back. It's always better to be up front with people.