I work in a finance firm, in a cubicle. I like my location, but, unfortunately, sitting about 7 feet behind me sits a VERY LARGE, kinkos-sized printer that makes an annoying "buzzz" noise ALL DAY. So, I've tried LOTS OF THINGS. Earplugs (irritates my ears). White noise machine (bothers the people sitting near me), headphones (I can't concentrate with music on at work), moving cubicles (none are available, or to be swapped), and I've tried baring with it (I cannot get used to it). I am looking for the MOST CREATIVE answer that will help me with my problem. THAT would be MY CHRISTMAS gift, because you are making more MORE COMFORTABLE at work. Thank you, and God Bless.
2006-12-20 08:42:26 · 30 answers · asked by Anonymous in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
move the printer somewhere else
2006-12-20 08:45:00 · answer #1 · answered by dotdotdot 5 · 3⤊ 3⤋
There are expensive headphones that produce no noise themselves that you can purchase which were designed to cancel out endless, repetitive noises. You CAN listen to music with them, or you can just turn on the noise canceling function and have some peace and quiet. You can find some on Amazon.com with product descriptions. Most of them don't COMPLETELY block the noise, but the better ones have a 70% reduction rate in the unwanted sounds. AND they usually have a button that you can push if you want to allow outside noise temporarily without taking off the headphones (good for checking to see if anyone's talking to you).
2006-12-20 08:56:39 · answer #2 · answered by tra7of9 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I can see why this bothers you, because I think the noise from the printer would bother me, too. If I were you, I would request to move to another location in the office. If you ask right, they'll see how it will benefit them. "I'm having a hard time doing my work because the printer sound is distracting. Could I possibly move to a quieter location so I can work more efficiently?" Hopefully they can just throw up a few walls and make you a new cubicle.
If this is really not possible, then ask to have the printer moved.
2006-12-20 10:41:14 · answer #3 · answered by drshorty 7 · 1⤊ 1⤋
Iassume the cubicle walls are moveable. just move a few walls that separate people from each other( whoever thought up this idea anyway?) and position them around the machine as a sort of sound baffle. itworkson highways, it should work with the machine as well. Or just unplug the thing, using the excuse that it is wasting electricity, thus saving the company money.
2006-12-20 08:47:32 · answer #4 · answered by judy_r8 6 · 2⤊ 0⤋
I suggest you buy noise-canceling headphones. They really work well, and people will think you're listening to music so they won't annoy you as much. I have personally tried the Bose brand for a similar problem, and had wonderful results.
Of course, once these were purchased you'd be able to use them in other circumstances as well, such as on a plane, in a car, at a train station, etc.
You DO NOT need to be listening to music for the noise-canceling to work, and a good brand will rest very comfortably on your head so you won't feel constrained all day. Wireless would be optimal.
2006-12-20 09:04:15 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 1⤋
I am going to suggest something "weird." It is not meant to be a joke. I am also not trying to be disrespectful.
What about those head phones that the airline people use? You know, the ones they use when they direct the plane away from the gates?
You will look goofy, but you won't have any damage to your inner ears and you would get a lot of work done. However, you won't hear your phone or coworkers, either.
As an extra comment, you may want to talk with someone in your building. The noise from the machine may be damaging your hearing. Have you contacted OSHA about it?
I hope you get some peace and quiet for the holidays, honey! You deserve it!
2006-12-20 08:48:21 · answer #6 · answered by Lizzie 5 · 2⤊ 2⤋
Arrghh that sounds like torture!!! I guess there's not way of getting it moved to somewhere else? Try some of those noise absorption panels and see if you can put those around the sides and back of the printer. You can probably buy those at Home Depot or a similar place.
See if there's a way to sleep that printer to where it will only make noise when its warming up and cooling down to make a copy.
2006-12-20 08:46:37 · answer #7 · answered by curious_One 5 · 3⤊ 1⤋
Have you considered Bose noise canceling headphones?
You could also talk with the service people for the printer, that may be a problem they have run into and may have a fix for.
Like finding where the vibration originates and putting noise dampening material in there. The Bose phones aren't cheap.
2006-12-20 08:45:30 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 4⤊ 2⤋
Well my guess would be to move the copier machine over by someone elses cubicle that the other things you have tried annoyed them to see if they can help find the solution. Tell your boss what a grievence this is to you...and it hurts your ears and you would be far more productive it there is a solution to this that they can help you with. Sounds like it is getting ready to die anyways....HEY there ya go....accidently on purpose make it DIE!!!!! Be a machine murderer so you can work in peace...lol
I wish you luck!
2006-12-20 08:46:52 · answer #9 · answered by ~Another Day~ 5 · 1⤊ 2⤋
Tape giant pictures of bees to the printer... While this won't help you're problem, it will be funny and it may catch the attention of someone who can help.
Have you talked to your boss about your predicament before? Have you tried those headphones that block out noise?
Can you get a little water fountain that drips over rocks or bubbles to sit on your desk? The (soothing) noise from that could possibly drown out the printer's buzz.
2006-12-20 08:45:22 · answer #10 · answered by Mrs. Pears 5 · 2⤊ 4⤋
Speak to your boss about this. Tell him/her that the noise from the copier is disruptive to you & that you cannot concentrate on your work. Ask if another location could be found for the copier - or perhaps its time to invest in a newer quieter model. Good luck.
2006-12-20 08:46:10 · answer #11 · answered by halloweenbride97 3 · 3⤊ 2⤋