Reducing noise at work - update

[xek6]

Hi, Thanks to everyone who replied to my previous query, I thought I should update you on what happened. Work was insisting that we all come into the office so I went in for the first time on Tuesday afternoon. The team beside us on the open plan floor (100+ people) has expanded and taken over our section, so we were moved to another floor where there is a small open plan section with only room for 18 people! I wish I could say it was to accommodate me, but it wasn't. The noise level was very low, there were only about 6 people in so I was able to manage it easily. Talking to those who were there, most of my team aren't coming into the office as there's no requirement for masks and as several of my colleagues are either clinically vulnerable or have family who are clinically vulnerable, so they're not coming in! It was good to be able to go in, meet up with people and it be so quiet - I'd worried unnecessarily about the noise on the floor. I did go to the old floor to collect my stuff - I managed about 10 minutes, which was more than enough due to the constant noise.

[Dogsabighelp]

if you have something to say then do it.

[xek6 in reply to Dogsabighelp]

Sorry - I'm not understanding?

[Dogsabighelp in reply to xek6]

my sincere apologies x,there is no way id offend please forgive?

[xek6 in reply to Dogsabighelp]

Sure, I was just confused

[catrabb1t]

i remember your post, at least i think i do! that is really good news that you're on a quiet floor in a small group. Open plan of 100 people sounds horrendous. Hope you get your teeth in to your job and enjoy the social aspect.

[xek6 in reply to catrabb1t]

Thanks, I was so relieved when I saw the new office - I was terrified before!

[Sarbear123]

Glad to hear you had a good outcome regardless of the reason! My sister in law uses Loop earplugs. They block out some sound but still allow you to heat conversation. Might be suitable in other situations?

[xek6 in reply to Sarbear123]

Thanks Sarbear, I'll have a look for those

[swedishblue11 in reply to Sarbear123]

That's a brilliant suggestion thanks. The NHS bespoke ones I have aren't much cop!

[Crazychickangel]

Well done. What an achievement. I get exhausted holding face to face conversations. I work from home and only have 5 in my team nit go to the office once a week, so you did amazing !

[xek6 in reply to Crazychickangel]

Thanks Crazychickangel, I found it very strange doing face to face conversations after not being in the office for 2 years. Thankfully the office has told me I only need to do one day per week until I feel more confident

[Pairofboots]

Sometimes the planets aline, or luck falls on the your side. You were right to initially worry. I'm pleased it has gone well for you. 🍀

[xek6 in reply to Pairofboots]

Thanks Pairoboots, I couldn't believe my luck when I saw the new office, the team on the other side of the wall is customer support so I was dreading the noise levels!

[CallumR85]

That's really great that it's managed to work out quite well, even if it was by accident and not design. Fingers crossed they leave you and the rest of your team in the more quiet area. How many days a week will you be required to go in? I'm guessing the team you work in are doing their best to make it as comfortable as possible for you? In my works wisdom, they have moved myself and my team in an area with busy calls teams. I was in on Tuesday and spent most of it with ear phones in to drown out the sound of noise. The company I work for have really tried but I don't think they will ever understand how to help people with TBIs and for that reason I actually applied for and was successful in getting a new job, god knows how i managed to pass the recruitment stages but im glad i did. In the new job I only manage me and my workload and they are happy working with what will work for me. A much more high profile organisation and one with a reputation for supporting colleagues with any for of disability.

[xek6 in reply to CallumR85]

At the moment it's one day a week but that will increase to 3 that I think is achievable if I stay on this quiet office. From what I can find out this is the only office of this size is the company so I hope they leave us there for a long time. My team are doing their best to help me, though it's a journey of trial and error to determine what works best for me. The company admits it has never had a person try to come back after a TBI, so they're not sure what is for the best. Good luck in the new role, I'm glad you've found a company that provides good support! Interviews are one thing I try to avoid as "thinking in the moment" usually results in my mind going blank, so I'm encouraged to hear you've been successful

[Snowcloud]

That is a really good outcome for you. My husband has noise sensitivity issues so I can appreciate your issues. The World is a noisy place which we don’t realise until a TBI happens. I wish you all the very best in your career .

[xek6 in reply to Snowcloud]

Thank you!