How to handle a noisy coworker
Telling co-workers that their behavior is unacceptable in any manner creates barriers between people and if you are finding that noise is an issue with other employees, not only does this make you less productive, but it adds a negative element to the workplace that doesn't have to be there, and one that can be corrected diplomatically, and without blame.
Some people are noisy by nature. Taking a look specifically at what is irritating you is a great idea. Perhaps the telephones in your office are placed too closely, and you are finding that your co-worker' conversation is so loud that you cannot hear your own telephone properly.
Boisterous behavior doesn't suit everyone, and perhaps the mixture of characters within your office is wrong. Look at how this affects your concentration, and try to define what it is that is affecting you and why.
It isn't always the best way to go to criticize someone. Their flamboyant nature may actually be bringing the company money. They may equally criticize you for being too timid. What does matter is creating a harmony between workers that works. Perhaps a change around of the office would help greatly, and here, if you gather enough information, have ideas that you think would benefit both yourself, the noisier workers and the company as a whole, presenting ideas to the boss and perhaps even telling him honestly that you think productivity would be increased if changes were implemented may be a better solution than confrontation.
Loud people can't change the way they are. They tend to be annoyed by confrontation and criticism and in fact what this can do is make them louder in retaliation.
Perhaps there are ways in which screens can help to bring balance in the work environment, and having a planned strategy to present to the boss as an alternative is a great idea. Keeping costs minimal is also wise, since the expenditure that a boss has budgeted for improvements may be limited, and care of planning can open the boss to new ideas that work well both for the people that need concentration, and those that are noisy.
Failing all of these ideas, talk to your boss rather than confronting those that you are annoyed with. Talk confidentially and don't pinpoint one particular person. Tell him/her the noise levels are interfering with your work. The boss wants the office to work well and will do all he can to create a harmonious office that works efficiently.
He may already be aware of those workers that cause disruption, but by contacting him, rather than tackling the problem by confrontation, you open him to choices, and here he could merely deal with the matter by internal memo, asking people to respect each other's space, and perhaps even apologizing for the acoustics of the office, saying that until other resolutions are found, employees are asked to respect sound levels that may interfere with the smooth running of the office.
Finding solutions is always a good way forward. Confrontation may cause embarrassment, though more likely, in the case of noisy employees, can cause verbal friction between people that have to continue to work together.
A harmonious solution is always the best one, both for the company and for the morale of the office, disposing of the need to point fingers at any one employee.
