Cubicle office spaces

[Balkey]

Hello,

I was wondering if anyone else struggles working in a cubicle work space due to noise and distractions and how do you cope? Due to sensory issues I am unable to wear headphones or earbuds for any length of time but where I work is an open hub of cubicles surrounded by offices etc. I am struggling to cope with the noise and when I asked to sit elsewhere my supervisor suggested I change cubicles so that I would sit facing the door to the hub. People come and go from the hub all the time, via a heavy glass door which slams open and closed. The kitchenette is in the corner of the hub and I can clearly hear the kettle boiling, people eating/ scraping their plate/bowl etc. And when I ask for help everyone just says use headphones or earbuds! I’ve been labeled a “non-team player” because I work away from my assigned cubicle but everyone else in my “team” has an office which they go into and close their door to work. Any suggestions on how to cope with noise which is professional and shows that I am a team player? Thanks

[Jynx]

Oh I totally understand how intense it can get @Balkey - I have sensory processing issues, and the occasional bout of misophonia! 

I guess my first question would be around whether your workplace is aware of it not just being a 'preference' but an actual need - as in, do they know/are they supportive of employees with mental health or disability needs? That might dictate how you go about addressing it! 

Also out of curiosity, is your inability to wear headphones about the sensation of something touching your ear, or is it an auditory nightmare or something like that? I just wonder like... could you get some earphones specially made that actually do feel comfy to wear? I dunno maybe I'm reaching a bit! 

[tyme]

Hey @Balkey !

I hear you loud and clear! I CAN'T stand it, and it really affects my work. I'm very very sensitive to noise, and I struggle to filter out the noise I'm not supposed to hear so that I can focus on what I'm supposed to hear.

I'm sorry, but I don't have an answer. 

Yes, I can wear noise cancelling, but even then, I struggle.

Sometimes, I book a quiet room, or a sit in the car... not the most effective workspace, but if I don't, I'll get all agitated.

[avant-garde]

Hi @Balkey 

I know you have already said you can't do headphones or earbuds... and I totally get that... not the cubicle thing but the headphone thing...

I don't cope well without my headphones but now with hearing aids and a current ear infection it was suggested I look into bone conduction headphones... they don't actually go on the ears but rather behind it and similar to how sounds make vibrations, the bone conduction works on the same principle...

I don't know but it was an idea...

Perhaps another thought is talking to one of your team mates to see if they'd be willing to switch?