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This item is filed under these categories:
Inconsiderate Actions Working Conditions Condescending Treatment Noise Power Plays and Players

We have a break room, and every time I take a break, there is a group of five employees from another department who always sit at the same table and they are so loud that I can hardly hear my friends who sit with me. One of the employees in the other group is a supervisor, and I politely asked him to talk a little quieter. He said he is on a break and can be as loud as he likes. What should I do?



This supervisor's comments regarding the noise he and his buddies are making in the break room merits little more than, "Give me a break!" He fails to understand that he is in the company break room, not in his break room.

Since he and his entourage believe that the break room revolves around them, you should voice your concern to a more significant other. If your company has a human resources department, you should mention this to your HR representative. If this is not feasible, you and some of your friends should mention the problem to this supervisor's manager.

Break time is for all employees to step back from their work, relax, and recharge. This supervisor has somehow concluded that he and his cohorts have the right to ignore this fact as well as the needs of others. One can only wonder how he ever became a supervisor, and perhaps that question will be asked when more senior level individuals take a look at his break from civility in the break room.



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