I know the workplace is like a second home to many of us since the average worker spends about ten hours in office, longer for some. That said, we shouldn’t forget that it is also the place where many other people come to do important things. Things like drawing up strategies and work plans, filing reports and whatever else people are paid to do in a professional work environment. 

I therefore hate it when colleagues abuse the office in complete disregard of those they share it with, as happens where I work. Our already crowded space is a meeting place, daycare centre, hangout… 

One particular guy annoys me. He has the rowdiest bunch of friends and I’m yet to figure out what it is they really like about this place. I mean, all the pretty girls are married, the security guard is one of the meanest guys I’ve met and the AC is broken, thanks to them turning it on, off, then on again, so I wonder what really brings them here almost every day. Maybe their buddy told them he runs the place. Between animated chats about Balotelli’s latest car and what happened in club the previous night, you can’t do anything that requires undivided attention. 

And as you try to deal with that, another workmate walks in with his two kids. I have nothing against children and I know there’re many reasons that may force parents to show up with their kids. Maybe they’re sick and Daddy needs to drop by office before taking them to a doctor or their Mum couldn’t pick them from school in time and the poor guy had to dash to the school and be back to hand in an urgent report. I understand that. 

But when it becomes a regular practice, I disapprove, especially if those children have no boundaries and want to touch or play with everything. If they’re not chasing each other around the room, which usually ends with them running into desks and wailing for the next 15 minutes, they’re tugging at your mouse because they’re fascinated by that light on the side. You resist the urge to tell to them to sit down and be quiet because you don’t want to come off as mean Aunt Sophie who’s only that way because she doesn’t have children. 

One time, the kids dropped by as I was having my lunch. One headed straight to my desk and grabbed my Soda. I’m not kidding, and the dad just stood by. The boy’s sister wanted some but he wasn’t ready to share so a fight ensued and ended with a spill. No prizes for guessing who cleaned it up. I may not be an authority on parenting but there’s no way I’d let my kids do that. Nor would I conduct my other businesses right here as many people are increasingly doing. 

One guy has all kinds of people coming over and the deals go down like the rest of us are not even there. They discuss whatever the deal is about, agree on a price and money changes hands. I’m all for doing whatever it takes to supplement one’s income but I also respect my workmates. Some of these people smoke. Others hit on you. A couple want to use your computer and will stay for hours and you wonder how you’re supposed to do your own work. I’ve been to offices where visitors don’t even get beyond the reception. 

You go to see someone and they come out to meet you. The place is so quiet you’re even afraid to answer a phone call. Why can’t the same apply here? I don’t wield enough authority to speak to the Receptionist about this. Maybe I should send an anonymous missive to the HR. These people need a healthy dose of office etiquette.

To be continued…