Constant music

[Lomita277]

Well, as the title states- here is the problem. I started a new job two months ago. I was told I would have my own office but I am actually sharing. I don’t want to make a generational thing about it but just an observation. I’m mid fifties with another colleague and we share the office with another person working in a different department to us who is in her twenties. The thing is, she has to listen to constant music all the time no matter what. Classical on repeat before lunch, and playlist all afternoon, like 4 constant hours of Adele or White Stripes or anything.

If it were me, I would never impose my music on everybody else, I would listen with earphones. To be honest, the third colleague does not hear very well so it doesn’t annoy her.

I understand that this colleague was here before me, but I am really distracted listening to singing constantly when I am doing quite a lot of invoicing and other financial work that requires careful attention.

what should I do?

Tell her to wear headphones. If she refuses ask your manager for another office space.

Set up some time with your office mates, acknowledge that it used to be an office for 1 but now it's an office for 3 of you so can you agree some principles that make it a workable space for all of you.

Eg music through earphones
She may have other suggestions of things she'd like to do differently.

I would just say ‘sorry I’m finding it hard to concentrate - do you mind putting in headphones?’ Maybe ask in the afternoon the first time.

Then see if she tried again the following day etc and maybe agree something for the room like radio on for two hours in the morning but not all day etc.

Most people just have headphones in if they want to listen to music now as so many offices are big and open plan.

Try and go about it casually so it doesn’t turn into a huge thing.

Thanks for the suggestions, it really helped, she’s happily using headphones and doesn’t mind!

Yay- sanity restored @Lomita277 ! ☺️

I suffered working alongside colleagues who had a radio blurting out drivel for years. It was unprofessional, distracting from work, and like being in a retirement home. I was in the minority who didn’t like it though. Glad to have retired and got away from that.

Well, it was funny but at the start, she stated that she listened to classical music when she was preparing a presentation and to playlists when she was working on other things. She said to let her know what music I didn’t like. At that point I didn’t know what to say as I wasn’t at all used to music for work. To be honest, even in college I couldn’t listen to music and singing as I’d sing along to the words in my head and find it tricky to concentrate!!!

Get some noise cancelling headphones for yourself