DEAR HARRIETTE: I have recently transitioned into a new role that has me working in an open office layout.
While I appreciate the collaborative environment and the opportunity to interact with my colleagues, I have been struggling with distractions and noise that make it difficult for me to focus on my tasks effectively.
I have tried using noise-canceling headphones to block out some of the distractions, but it hasn’t been entirely effective in creating an environment that is conducive to work. I find myself unable to concentrate on my tasks, which is impacting my productivity.
I want to address this issue with my team or management in a constructive manner, but I am concerned about coming across as complaining or causing any tension in the office.
Can you provide me with some guidance on how to communicate my concerns about the open office distractions without creating any negative perceptions?
— Open Office Distraction
DEAR OPEN OFFICE DISTRACTION: Talk to your supervisor and describe the challenges you have been having with concentration and productivity. Ask for support so that you can do your job better.
Some suggestions you can offer include asking if there is an area in your office that is tucked away from others where you could move. While it may still be out in the open, if it is on the perimeter, that may help you. Suggest being allowed to work from home when you have a looming deadline or other project that is essential and time-sensitive. You can also request the use of a conference room for a few hours per day to carve out quiet time to get things done.
Being proactive should demonstrate to your boss that you want to find a solution so that you can be optimally productive. Hopefully this will inspire your boss to help you. In the world of education, this is called accommodation. In the business world, it’s the same thing, but it is not as clearly protected.
If you have a DEI department at your company, speak to someone about helping you to be effective given your level of distraction.
DEAR HARRIETTE: I just learned that the wife of a college friend passed away. She was a lovely woman, and this is a huge tragedy.
While life isn’t promised to anyone, it just seems so sad and unfair that this kind woman died before she reached her 60th birthday. She and her husband were health nuts, always talking about exercising and eating well. Even that focus didn’t save her from getting ill.
What’s the point of working to be healthy if you are just going to die anyway? I know I’m having a reaction to this loss, but honestly if the healthy people get cancer, what hope do the rest of us have?
— Lost Hope
DEAR LOST HOPE: Allow yourself time to accept this tragic loss and grieve for your friend. All kinds of emotions will likely come up as you process what has happened.
Do your best to allow the thoughts and feelings to come and go without holding on to any of them. Loss is real, and it hits deeply. Make no decisions about how you will take care of yourself right now. Just be.
In time, you will need to decide how you move forward from grief. How do you want to live your life? Are there things about your behavior and choices that you want to make? While you cannot avoid death, you can choose to live your life based on what you value.
Instead of being defeatist, be proactive. Live your life to the fullest, honoring your beliefs, goals and desires.
Harriette Cole is a lifestylist and founder of DREAMLEAPERS, an initiative to help people access and activate their dreams. You can send questions to askharriette@harriettecole.com or c/o Andrews McMeel Syndication, 1130 Walnut St., Kansas City, MO 64106.
