Hi there! We have a girl that sometimes just bursts out into whistle here at work and it is getting pretty annoying. I actually wouldn't really mind it if she would finish her song, but she just does it in spats. And very sporadically. I have headphones on to try to drown her out but I can still hear her whistling away over the headphones. Should I talk to my boss about her whistling? It is starting to affect my work I think, and it is giving me headaches...any advice is welcome. This used to be a really quiet office....thanks!
2006-12-21 08:04:36 · 14 answers · asked by atlantagal 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
Whistling is sooooo annoying especially if you're trying to concentrate on your work. Unfortunately, she's not breaking any rules (unless your office actually has a rule about whistling) so there's nothing your boss can do. Just let her know it's hard for you to do your work with the whistling.
And Jay, I had no idea that "whistling while you work" started with slaves. I honestly thought it was the Seven Dwarfs!
2006-12-22 02:21:03 · answer #1 · answered by pathfindercia 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I do feel for you as most people would think that someone whistling at work was nothing to be annoyed about. I however cannot stand whistling and find it really grates on me. I guess you could say it was a pet peeve. Maybe speak to the boss and point out that the person is not maliciously doing anything wrong, but that you find the whistling breaks your concentration. See what the boss has to say on the matter as they may be a whistle hater as well and be happy to ask the person politely not to.
2006-12-21 16:08:23 · answer #2 · answered by auburn 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to your boss, but there is only so much your boss can do. So, learn to deal with it. Try whistling along with her; if you can't beat 'em, join 'em. She might actually stop whistling if you join in. If you can't whistle, or you tried that and it's not working, talk to her directly. Tell her that her whistling is affecting your work. She's probably just doing it because she's bored or feels left out or something. So make friends with her, or say hi to her and have a little convo about something. She might be just wanting attention. Good luck!
2006-12-21 16:12:21 · answer #3 · answered by burn_this_city 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Since she is a coworker, and she does this sporadically, perhaps you can just ask her to whistle softer. You can always tell her that the fact that she doesn't finish the songs drive you crazy, because the tune then sticks in your mind. She may not even realize she is doing it. If you ask her and she blows you off or gets angry, then go to your boss and complain. Most office issues could be resolved by just talking about it.
2006-12-21 16:08:49 · answer #4 · answered by dani 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I think you should ask her politely to stop, because it is distracting you. If she gets insulted, then talk to your boss.
As a side note..do you know the activity "whistling while you work" was started by slave owners. Back in the antebellum South, kitchens were kept apart from the main house, lest the heat from the kitchen heat the whole of the house. It was the masters who made their cook slaves whistle on the way from the kitchen to the main house, to ensure the salves weren't eating the masters food. Hence, "whistle while you work".
2006-12-21 16:08:36 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
That is hilarious! I work in radio, so I can't imagine working in an environment so quiet. I would suggest talking to her first. She may not even realize she's doing it. If she responds like an as$hole, then I'd take it to the boss. Good luck!
P.S... if that doesn't work... you could try humming louder than she whistles. Then it could be like a mini orchestra. Might drive everyone else crazy though.
2006-12-21 16:08:03 · answer #6 · answered by *karasi* 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Try talking to her first. Chances are, she doesn't realize that she is whistling. Maybe a nervous habit. I whistle myself sometimes.
2006-12-21 16:37:07 · answer #7 · answered by kayboff 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Why talk to her boss? Why not talk to her? She's distracting and may not even realize how loud she is. Try nice. You may make a friend. Most whistlers are pretty happy people.
2006-12-21 16:07:15 · answer #8 · answered by towanda 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Well if it is affecting how you work significantly tell your boss, (or ask her politely to stop) This can affect the way you act in the future
hope this helps
2006-12-21 16:07:12 · answer #9 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to her first, she probably doesn't even realize that it bothers you......if she continues after that, then talk to the boss.
2006-12-21 16:07:55 · answer #10 · answered by Scotty 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋