Touchy Office Situations

By Deborah O’Connor

I received a number of unusual questions this week, and selected three that I thought would be of interest.

 

Dear Deborah:

 I have a problem with a co-worker and really do not know what to do. She obviously has problems with allergies, etc, and is always sneezing at work. By sneezing, I mean giant, huge and noisy sneezes, and she rarely uses a tissue. She has also done this in front of clients. Not only is it annoying, it is unsanitary. We do not have a human resources department at our company, so the only way to work this out is face-to-face. A few people have mentioned it to her and she simply shrugs it off and says that she takes allergy pills and cannot help herself. Please give me some advice that I can use.

 Frustrated Frank

 

Dear Frank:

I have to agree that this is a problem. It is also a health hazard. I suggest you speak with management and let them know that this is causing major problems with staff and clients as well. Tell them that everyone on the staff feels the same and that something has to change. It also poses a health hazard and therefore must be addressed as soon as possible.

 

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Dear Deborah:

I have a co-worker and friend that is pregnant and I want to give her a baby shower. Am I obligated to invite co-workers to the shower? It is a small group but we do not all get along very well. It will be held at my home, and word is sure to get out. I know it will cause hard feelings, but my pregnant co-worker does not want them included. How obligated am I to invite everyone?

Jennifer

 

Dear Jennifer:

You are under no obligation to invite your other co-workers to the shower. However, are you and your friend prepared for the backlash that most likely will occur? People will be offended and feelings will be hurt. But it is up to you to make the decision. Just because you work together does not mean you have to include everyone in your social functions outside of work.

 

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Dear Deborah:

 I work in a small office, half men and women, in a very relaxed atmosphere. The problem is that many of the staff are in the habit of bringing in their pets and/or children. On any given day there can be a cat, a dog, or a child in the office. Frankly, it’s very disrupting. The majority of us disapprove because it affects our productivity. It is noisy, definitely smelly, and sometimes chaotic. I like my job and I like children and pets, but this is getting ridiculous. Do you have any ideas on how to change this situation?

 Marsha

 

Dear Marsha:

That is most definitely an unusual problem. I would make an appointment with the manager or owner of the company and set up a meeting with all of you who object to this baby/doggy day care situation. Tell them this is affecting the bottom line because of the reasons you stated. You may get some immediate relief.

 

 

 

Please feel free to send questions to Deborah at: www.successfulimage.biz.

She will answer them in her weekly column.

 

 

Deborah O’Connor is a social strategist and founder and president of Successful Image LLC with offices in Columbia and Atlanta. She offers training and seminars on image management, workplace etiquette, and social skills necessary to succeed in life professionally and personally. Contact at:  [email protected]        www.successfulimage.biz