5 causes of office squabbles

Shove a bunch of workers into an open space and watch them argue about the temperature of the air conditioner, noise levels and who said what about whom. And then there’s the odd person who pees in the pot plants...

We got an expert response to familiar, and totally unexpected, questions abut office behaviour.

Aircon temperature
Q: I work in a big office of about 10 or 12 people. There is one big central aircon in this office. I would like to know what temperatures are safe and what temperature you recommend?

A: Too warm a temperature will affect most employees’ concentration and productivity. Aircons are blamed for a multitude of sins (dry eyes, headaches, sinus etc). It can be seen as an artificial environment. There are laid down maximum and minimum working temperatures.Best to attend your safety meeting and try and address the issues.

Smoking
Q: I am sharing an office with a woman who lights up her cigarettes in the office before walking outside and during lunch she closes our office door and smokes inside. The directors just let her get away with it. Is there anything I can do? Anyone I can contact? Thank you.

A: Ask for an urgent meeting with the senior partner of the law firm you work for. They are contravening legislation and infringing on your rights. What is happening is absolutely unacceptable! You can enlist the assistance of the local health authority or an Occupational/Workplace Medicine Expert. Fight for your legal rights!

Peeing in the plants
Q: Please advise on the health risks of 'urinated' plants in the office environment. I have received a complaint about staff members who have been urinating in the plants after hours. I need to know what are the health risks involved as this will be part of their disciplinary hearing. Whilst the plants have now been removed, it apparently has been going on for some time already.

A: All body fluids are potential vectors for disease but there should be no risk to others, unless they decided to put their fingers into the pot plant shortly after the incident.

Difficult colleagues
Q: I have a co-worker who thinks she is my boss and I have to answer to her for everything. She keeps breaking me down and talks to me like I'm a child. I thought of telling my boss that I can’t work with her anymore, and ask him to move me to another position within the company. What can and should my boss do about this situation?

A: You must do something to correct this unhealthy situation. Is there no HR department? You should write down an accurate record of all the incidents and communication to support your side of the story. Do not leave this unresolved. You have all the right to request a review of the situation and ask for redress if warranted.