Letters to the Editor

• I Actually Sympathize with the LW

  [Read the article: There's a cougher in the office and it's driving me mad!]
  [Read more letters about this article: Here]

  Y'know, while I feel for the cougher and hope that he finds relief and good health by whatever means, I think that most of the posters have been unnecessarily malevolent toward the LW, calling him "self-centered" and "immature." I beg to differ.

  While others demand compassion for the cougher, and I can understand why, I'd like to offer compassion for the LW (I'm not sure if LW is male or female--I'm guessing male).

  When one has a profession and works in an office for a business that is paying one to do a particular job, it is management's responsibility to see that the job can be done in a suitable atmosphere. I'm sensitive to certain noises, although that doesn't stop me from working in a relatively open area (I do some proofreading and editing). However, I can certainly see how someone's nerves can get on edge by being forced to hear incessant coughing (or other disturbing biological noises, or an alarm that doesn't stop, for example).

  If the LW is a valued employee, I don't believe he'd be out of line in telling his boss(es) that, while he sympathizes with the cougher, it's wreaking havoc on his ability to concentrate and turn out the best possible writing that he can. He should ask management/HR if they can help him in this regard. Some people have suggested earphones, white noise, IPods, etc. They may be good ideas; the LW can try them. By the same token, management should take him seriously and see if he can be moved to a quieter area, or even buy the above-mentioned items to accommodate him (it's a small price to pay to keep talent).

  Noise sensitivity is not about being self-centered or immature. While most ambient noises don't bother me, certain noises or frequencies just bypass my ears and go directly to my central nervous system. I can't tell you why, they just do.

  So...if accommodation can be made for the cougher, why can't it be made for the person who is truly aggravated (not just emotionally) by the noise, to the point that he can't do the job that he's paid to do? I think if he emphasizes that he'd like to do the best job possible so that management can get the best bang for their buck, they'd sit up and listen and take his plight seriously. If he addresses it seriously as a matter of productivity and taking pride in his work, that's certainly not whining. He's paid to do a job, and he wants to do it properly and well.

  If others in the office feel the same way, then perhaps it's the cougher who should be moved (not ostracized, just moved).

  I'm a liberal, inclusive, accommodating-type person. But I also know that in order for a job to be well done, working conditions must be suitable--not talking luxurious, but suitable. This is a realistic issue that isn't always taken seriously (i.e., "stop whining"), but try to do your job when constant coughing, or other noise, hits your nerves like a jackhammer.

  I think it's only right and fair that the LW's concerns be taken seriously. It's a health issue, including a mental health issue (not in the perjorative sense) for him. He has a right to be able to do his job without suffering. He is suffering, and for that he has my sympathy and compassion.

  LW, I hope you find a reasonable solution for this. Yes, all offices have something you won't like. But not all offices coerce you to stay in a situation that's intolerable. See how you can be accommodated so that you can remain a valuable employee.

  I'm rooting for you.

  Permalink Friday, August 17, 2007 08:03 AM