I currently work 5 feet away from a guy that has a real phlegm problem. He is constantly (meaning every 30 sec) clearing his throat. . .making all sorts of gross noises that I'll spare you from hearing me describe . . .and sniffling ALL the time. It is a real distraction for me and my other co-workers - does anyone have any ideas for handling this type of issue in the work place? The other issue is that we're not on the best of terms - so we're not that close that I can be a concerned 'friend' and ask if he thinks he needs to see a doctor/get medication. Any thoughts??!
2007-03-08 03:11:24 · 6 answers · asked by Heidi 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Etiquette
First I would explore the possibility of your moving to another desk/area.Second I would discretely discuss the problem with your co-workers who-as you say-find his problem objectionable.
If you alone make representation to your manager it is one person complaining about another.If you make a group complaint which is couched as sympathetically as possible then you as an individual will not be seen as 'over sensitive' or 'aggressive' or retaliatory to this person.
It sounds as if he has allergic rhinitis or some other allergy and if so this can be easily remedied by use of an appropriate nasal spray.
I suggest that you and your co- workers ask the appropriate manager to observe the offending article and thereby appreciate the problem you all face and resolve the issue with the offender.
2007-03-08 04:36:36 · answer #1 · answered by bearbrain 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Create a new e-mail account with his name on yahoo or something and send it to his work e-mail address all day with random messages. You could include links about medications for congestion, disturbance of peace; this may straighten out the problem a bit!
If not, it will drive him crazy having e-mails coming in to him from himself! Use the computers at your local library.
2007-03-08 16:14:58 · answer #2 · answered by Reserved 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Talk to a supervisor or HR and say that you are concerned for this worker's well-being and they sound so congested all the time. It can't be good for them to walk about in a constant state of illness.
Then, they handle it.
2007-03-08 03:14:25 · answer #3 · answered by Experto Credo 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Could be a nervous habit. Nonetheless it is annoying. Contact you HR people, omit that you are not on the best of terms, that is not the issue at this time.
2007-03-08 03:28:49 · answer #4 · answered by Pacifica 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Some people might have long term medical condition and cannot be cured. If it is bothering you, please don't say anything to this person. You could end up in a harassment suit. Please advise HR about the situation and have HR deal with it. Good luck ;)
2007-03-08 05:47:07 · answer #5 · answered by C L 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Tell your boss
2007-03-08 03:21:10 · answer #6 · answered by nylatinanurse 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋