AskST Jobs: Meetings and chats at the breakout area near my desk can get quite 'lively'. What can I do?
How to handle disruptive behavior in shared office spaces without creating tension.
Intelligence analysis by Qwen 2.5 (3B)
Advice on managing noisy meetings and chats in shared breakout areas of offices.
When people talk loudly in a shared space like a break room, it can bother others. The best way to fix it is to have a talk with the people who are talking and make a rule that everyone should be quiet when others are working.
Analysis
Norms and Expectations in Shared Spaces
Shared spaces in offices are meant for everyone, but they can quickly become noisy and disruptive. The key is to set clear guidelines and expectations. Li Fengling, a certified senior professional at the Institute of Human Resource Professionals, suggests that colleagues should feel comfortable raising concerns directly and in the moment. She emphasizes the importance of setting the conditions rather than policing the space.
Communication and Ownership
Timothy Goh, the business correspondent at The Straits Times, advises that rather than confronting colleagues directly, it may be more effective to have a conversation about how the shared space should be used. Workplace Asia's Tan Weixi, managing partner, adds that simple ground rules can help clarify the use of the space.
The Role of HR
Li Fengling also notes that HR's role is to set conditions, not to police the space. She suggests that if every small matter is routed through HR, colleagues might stop taking ownership of their environment.
Conclusion
Clear guidelines and effective communication are key to managing shared spaces in a way that benefits everyone. By setting expectations and rules, workplaces can create a more harmonious and productive environment.
Key points
- Set clear guidelines for shared spaces
- Communicate expectations to all colleagues
- Avoid direct confrontation with colleagues
By setting clear guidelines and expectations, workplaces can create a more harmonious and productive environment.
If workplaces do not set clear guidelines, shared spaces can become noisy and disruptive, causing tension and affecting productivity.
