Dear Elders, Some of my co-workers have rather loud ring tones (songs, random noises, etc.). It can be disruptive when you're trying to concentrate. Am I out of line if I ask them to put their phones on vibrate? I don't want to become the office police.
– Trying to Concentrate
Roioli Schweiker
Dear Trying to Concentrate:
As I recall, Dear Abby recommended talking to your supervisor about this.
Many places now have signs requesting cell phones be turned off while there.
Steve Leavenworth
Dear Trying:
You don't have to be an office cop. Speak to the office supervisor (unless he/she is doing the ringing stuff, too). Let your superior handle it. I'm with you. There's nothing so aggravating as speaking with someone when they suddenly grab the phone and answer it right in the middle of your conversation. Same thing in meetings. Doesn't anyone know anything about courtesy anymore? If you can't get any satisfaction from above, buy some rubber ear plugs and work in peace.
Casper Kranenburg
Dear TTC:
I am with you – those noises can be very distracting in an office setting and make it hard to concentrate. And it is not only ring tones. It can be loud personal conversations or music playing on the office computer or ill-fitting earphones that allow music to escape. So speak up, TTC. You will not be the office police but the envy of all your colleagues and even your superior who did not dare to speak up. Be assertive, I say.
Jan Stickler
Dear Trying to Concentrate:
Without an office policy, it is tricky to diplomatically alert others that they are intruding into your zone. A few general statements about noise interference, with cell phones as an example, might spark a few into turning down their ring tones, but beware! You may still be tagged as Office Gestapo. In self defense, perhaps, you could use ear phones to cover up the intrusive sounds or if there is an office suggestion box, an anonymous tip might be appropriate.
At any rate, good luck! This is the cell phone generation.
Bill Twibill
Dear ring dem bells:
Vibrate? I don't think so. Rather than having a bunch of vibrating guys and gals all over the office (could be quite a sight), you should question what they are doing with all these calls on company time. In the Wild West days, the cowboys and the Annie Oakleys checked their guns with the “gun check chicky” (she then stole the bullets in lieu of tips). Why not have all your workers leave their overused cell phones with you or one “bell cell chicky” and turn them off. If one must call one of your workers, let them use the company phone number, but only for emergencies, not “Hi, what's new?” Now go and tell 'em the new rules, Sarge.
