Unpleasant office environment

[kernowgal]

Not really sure what to do about this, would appreciate any advice.

Started a new job a few months ago - internal promotion. I've worked in active, outside roles for years but this one is desk-based. Our office is small and we're packed in. There's no air con and we have a kitchen nearby so have food smells wafting in. My colleagues don't like having the windows or door open as it creates draughts and they get cold, plus we have noise from the kitchen. So it regularly reaches 25ºC and is stuffy as hell but nobody seems to care.

The desks are next to each other and today I was treated to stereo sound of one colleague sniffing and the other eating crisps. I can't concentrate and it's affecting my ability to do my job. There isn't anywhere else I can sit. I'm dreading the winter when the heating goes on.

Any advice? I am already looking for another job!

We do have one
He doesn't care
Neither do HR.

I hope you have more luck with yours.

He's spread too thin as it is, and there's no money to do anything. It's really frustrating.

It's noisy and airless and I can't wait to go home
I think this is just how offices are now unless you work for a big corporate

In our office space there's four of us including 2 full time queen bees who have been there the longest.. They basically think they have full right over temperature. One is always cold. She can't see properly and needs really bright lighting and all blinds open in summer. When I first started there I rocked boat by opening window and closing one blind as direct sunlight in my eyes. Just made her worse. In office about 40 people with tiny kitchen." Luckily" someone with a body odor problem has started and sits in room opposite ours. As a result she's been opening window. We can't have music or headphones. The one next to me has the loudest sneeze in the world. We were just three of us for ages me being the one left out and having to hear them blab their opinions and grievances all day... Have had a few interviews but no luck so far re escape plan

Oh Took, I feel for you

I'd lose my mind if I couldn't put headphones in.

Thanks Slim.. Did you say that you will be working from home next year? That's my dream!

Took, yes, that's the hope.

Essentially my current job - been there a few years - has introduced me to enough people/projects that this should be doable. I already do 2 days a week at home and the business is restructuring and it's complicated - and tbh not confirmed - but by the end of next year the only projects I'll be on should be all right for me to work mostly at home, or go in once or twice a month.

I can't wait!! If anything goes wrong with it, I'll go fully freelance even without the backing of my organisation.

I'm one of these people who has scrimped and saved since the age of 18 in order to retire early though, so if there are periods without work, I am covered, but some people think I live a very minimal life indeed. I can't abide spending money on things because I just see the cost as "how many hours clock watching and horrible commuting does that need" but maybe I'll feel differently if I'm 95% home working.

certainly the 2 days at home per week now is like a whole planet of difference in terms of better mental health.

Sounds like you are well prepared and re scrimping I should do more of that myself.. Easy to get rid of quite a lot of cash even just with coffees etc. Especially when work is so grim sometimes its just to give myself a boost. Daft really.

have you tried the demotivator? It's the wrong name, I'm demotivated enough as it is, lol.

but it shows how your small purchases are costing you in terms of working hours.
www.moneysavingexpert.com/shopping/demotivator/

Thanks Slim.. That's exactly what I need..definitely can't afford that coffee.. Well scary!