What to do about someone who never works
This software developer who sits next to me is so annoying. He's possibly the loudest typer I've ever met. He's constantly chatting on IM and logged in to yahoo mail or gmail. I can tell because of the really fast and loud typing. When you are a software developer, you do not type so fast. There are a lot of pauses, because writing software requires a fair amount of thinking. So this guy is chatting on IM or writing personal emails pretty much the whole day. Oh yeah, the other giveaway is that whenever I walk past his desk, I see the IM window or the yahoo or gmail web site. Someones when I hear the loud typing, I purposely get up and walk past his desk just to confirm my suspicions. I might as well, because I can't concentrate with all that banging going on.
The good news is that he frequently leaves the office for unknown reasons. None of the other developers leave, so it's not like he's going to meetings or anything. At least during the times that he's gone, I can have some peace and quiet, but it means that he really doesn't do any work all day.
As an employee with a vested interest in the company, I believe the company would be better off without this guy. So what can be done about it?
IT,
You post the same stuff every time. Re-read your old posts. The answer will be there.
Though if this guy is related to someone high in the company, your management may not be able to get rid of him.
I had a friend whose company employed a girl (I can't say woman; that would imply maturity) who spent the few hours she was "working" talking to friends, surfing the internet, then telling management she had to go take care of her baby and bailing at noon. As she was the owner's daughter, they couldn't get rid of her. So they fired my friend instead.
Someone can't type loud. Typing is typing.
America has a bunch of babies in the workplace. No wonder software is expensive with tons of glitches.
Someone can't type loud. Typing is typing.
I had a roommate in college who played MUDs all the time. If you witnessed him pounding away at his keyboard, you would not say "typing is typing". My co-worker reminds me of that guy.
America has a bunch of babies in the workplace. No wonder software is expensive with tons of glitches.
Probably because too many companies have cube farms nowadays. Everybody can hear everybody else's noise, and productivity declines as a result.
Someone can't type loud. Typing is typing.
Wanna bet? Sorry, over the long haul, I disagree. There's typing and then there's typing 1) by someone with long fingernails (sometimes I'm guilty), 2) on a keyboard with a very hard touch, 3) by a wannabe drummer, 4) by someone who spends a lot of time absorbed by playing games or responding to constant IM and really bangs those keys, totally disregarding common courtesy of not annoying others. Very distracting unless one has the ability to mentally tune out "noise." Not always easy when already frustrated by the demanding work at hand that requires a lot of concentration.
IT: Again, it's the same old story.
You're on a cube farm. You're going to have to deal with people coughing, typing, eating crunchy foods at their desk, having conversations you'll be able to hear, and so on. People, in large numbers, make all sorts of background noises. You can either find ways to deal with it, or you're going to have to leave.
If you're not the manager, it's not your call whether this person goes or not. It's time to center yourself on YOUR business.
As for "loud typing", the one suggestion I can make is that different KEYBOARDS sound different. Even the same make and model. You could politely ask this person if you can switch out the keyboard and see if that helps. But trying to have someone type more quietly...well, good luck...
Honestly, I think you're just very unhappy where you are, and are reflecting it in being overly sensitive to the noises around you. It's not unlike two irritable siblings bickering at the dinner table that one child is chewing her carrots too loud.
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*Yeah, IT! Bring us a Real Vent!!!*
I look at posts, such as IT's, or my "memos" as a reminder that, yes, cube farms are the norm. Yes, we are all working in close proximity to one another. But we are not at home! You are in public, so-to-speak. Mind your manners (if you were raised with any), be polite, keep your voice down, do your work. Blah, blah, blah. Simple common courtesy stuff. Just because the walls have been removed does not mean we are allowed to forget our "home training".
Just my 2 cents.
Peace,
TG