Music played through speakers [duplicate]
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Noisy office, how to tackle? [duplicate]
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I recently joined a software development company. I was warned in the interview that it was common to have music played through speakers in the office. I remembered the times in my old workplace, which seemed dull at times and music cheered everyone up, so I said "that's okay".
Then I read step #8 of the Joel Test ("do programmers have quiet working conditions?") and realized what a huge mistake that was. I crave arriving early just to enjoy a few moments of peace.
I don't mind when they play music that I like, but sometimes they play metal and it drives me crazy. I have to put on earphones and listen to my own music. Sometimes I complain (half jokingly, half on purpose) that the music... well, sucks. But they just laugh it off.
I also feel that this affects the normal work. People are on the phone sometimes and they literally have to ask whoever's playing music to lower it. I could never allow one of my clients hearing music on my end.
All of my colleagues are my age (25-ish) and they take turns to play music, although I see people with headphones sometimes.
How do I bring this up? It seems unlikely that they will stop playing music just because I ask for it, because I'm very new here. Also, I've complained to HR about other issues and got no response ("there are issues in the toilet...", "please fix my chair, my elbow is killing me...").
work-environment
marked as duplicate by gnat, Dawny33, JB King, Joe Strazzere, Kent A. Dec 31 '15 at 4:21
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
favorite
This question already has an answer here:
Noisy office, how to tackle? [duplicate]
1 answer
I recently joined a software development company. I was warned in the interview that it was common to have music played through speakers in the office. I remembered the times in my old workplace, which seemed dull at times and music cheered everyone up, so I said "that's okay".
Then I read step #8 of the Joel Test ("do programmers have quiet working conditions?") and realized what a huge mistake that was. I crave arriving early just to enjoy a few moments of peace.
I don't mind when they play music that I like, but sometimes they play metal and it drives me crazy. I have to put on earphones and listen to my own music. Sometimes I complain (half jokingly, half on purpose) that the music... well, sucks. But they just laugh it off.
I also feel that this affects the normal work. People are on the phone sometimes and they literally have to ask whoever's playing music to lower it. I could never allow one of my clients hearing music on my end.
All of my colleagues are my age (25-ish) and they take turns to play music, although I see people with headphones sometimes.
How do I bring this up? It seems unlikely that they will stop playing music just because I ask for it, because I'm very new here. Also, I've complained to HR about other issues and got no response ("there are issues in the toilet...", "please fix my chair, my elbow is killing me...").
work-environment
marked as duplicate by gnat, Dawny33, JB King, Joe Strazzere, Kent A. Dec 31 '15 at 4:21
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
Who picks the music? Would only be fair is everyone took turns. Get that run passed. then when you turn, play the crappiest crap you can come you can come up with, Waffle House theme song over and over, sitcom songs, bagpipe music. metal versions of pop songs, pop versions of metal songs. "world" music set to all drums. etc.
– Dan Shaffer
Dec 30 '15 at 20:29
Update: I talked to HR about this. He didn't say anything, he just wrote down the "complaint". I've yet to see what he makes of it. Also, I heard that at least one other person dislikes the music, so I might be able to get some support...
– curpickled
Jan 27 '16 at 2:01
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up vote
5
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up vote
5
down vote
favorite
This question already has an answer here:
Noisy office, how to tackle? [duplicate]
1 answer
I recently joined a software development company. I was warned in the interview that it was common to have music played through speakers in the office. I remembered the times in my old workplace, which seemed dull at times and music cheered everyone up, so I said "that's okay".
Then I read step #8 of the Joel Test ("do programmers have quiet working conditions?") and realized what a huge mistake that was. I crave arriving early just to enjoy a few moments of peace.
I don't mind when they play music that I like, but sometimes they play metal and it drives me crazy. I have to put on earphones and listen to my own music. Sometimes I complain (half jokingly, half on purpose) that the music... well, sucks. But they just laugh it off.
I also feel that this affects the normal work. People are on the phone sometimes and they literally have to ask whoever's playing music to lower it. I could never allow one of my clients hearing music on my end.
All of my colleagues are my age (25-ish) and they take turns to play music, although I see people with headphones sometimes.
How do I bring this up? It seems unlikely that they will stop playing music just because I ask for it, because I'm very new here. Also, I've complained to HR about other issues and got no response ("there are issues in the toilet...", "please fix my chair, my elbow is killing me...").
work-environment
This question already has an answer here:
Noisy office, how to tackle? [duplicate]
1 answer
I recently joined a software development company. I was warned in the interview that it was common to have music played through speakers in the office. I remembered the times in my old workplace, which seemed dull at times and music cheered everyone up, so I said "that's okay".
Then I read step #8 of the Joel Test ("do programmers have quiet working conditions?") and realized what a huge mistake that was. I crave arriving early just to enjoy a few moments of peace.
I don't mind when they play music that I like, but sometimes they play metal and it drives me crazy. I have to put on earphones and listen to my own music. Sometimes I complain (half jokingly, half on purpose) that the music... well, sucks. But they just laugh it off.
I also feel that this affects the normal work. People are on the phone sometimes and they literally have to ask whoever's playing music to lower it. I could never allow one of my clients hearing music on my end.
All of my colleagues are my age (25-ish) and they take turns to play music, although I see people with headphones sometimes.
How do I bring this up? It seems unlikely that they will stop playing music just because I ask for it, because I'm very new here. Also, I've complained to HR about other issues and got no response ("there are issues in the toilet...", "please fix my chair, my elbow is killing me...").
This question already has an answer here:
Noisy office, how to tackle? [duplicate]
1 answer
work-environment
asked Dec 30 '15 at 1:29
curpickled
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marked as duplicate by gnat, Dawny33, JB King, Joe Strazzere, Kent A. Dec 31 '15 at 4:21
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
marked as duplicate by gnat, Dawny33, JB King, Joe Strazzere, Kent A. Dec 31 '15 at 4:21
This question has been asked before and already has an answer. If those answers do not fully address your question, please ask a new question.
Who picks the music? Would only be fair is everyone took turns. Get that run passed. then when you turn, play the crappiest crap you can come you can come up with, Waffle House theme song over and over, sitcom songs, bagpipe music. metal versions of pop songs, pop versions of metal songs. "world" music set to all drums. etc.
– Dan Shaffer
Dec 30 '15 at 20:29
Update: I talked to HR about this. He didn't say anything, he just wrote down the "complaint". I've yet to see what he makes of it. Also, I heard that at least one other person dislikes the music, so I might be able to get some support...
– curpickled
Jan 27 '16 at 2:01
suggest improvements |Â
Who picks the music? Would only be fair is everyone took turns. Get that run passed. then when you turn, play the crappiest crap you can come you can come up with, Waffle House theme song over and over, sitcom songs, bagpipe music. metal versions of pop songs, pop versions of metal songs. "world" music set to all drums. etc.
– Dan Shaffer
Dec 30 '15 at 20:29
Update: I talked to HR about this. He didn't say anything, he just wrote down the "complaint". I've yet to see what he makes of it. Also, I heard that at least one other person dislikes the music, so I might be able to get some support...
– curpickled
Jan 27 '16 at 2:01
Who picks the music? Would only be fair is everyone took turns. Get that run passed. then when you turn, play the crappiest crap you can come you can come up with, Waffle House theme song over and over, sitcom songs, bagpipe music. metal versions of pop songs, pop versions of metal songs. "world" music set to all drums. etc.
– Dan Shaffer
Dec 30 '15 at 20:29
Who picks the music? Would only be fair is everyone took turns. Get that run passed. then when you turn, play the crappiest crap you can come you can come up with, Waffle House theme song over and over, sitcom songs, bagpipe music. metal versions of pop songs, pop versions of metal songs. "world" music set to all drums. etc.
– Dan Shaffer
Dec 30 '15 at 20:29
Update: I talked to HR about this. He didn't say anything, he just wrote down the "complaint". I've yet to see what he makes of it. Also, I heard that at least one other person dislikes the music, so I might be able to get some support...
– curpickled
Jan 27 '16 at 2:01
Update: I talked to HR about this. He didn't say anything, he just wrote down the "complaint". I've yet to see what he makes of it. Also, I heard that at least one other person dislikes the music, so I might be able to get some support...
– curpickled
Jan 27 '16 at 2:01
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3 Answers
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up vote
6
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You have recently joined, but you have already complained to HR 4 times, and are contemplating a 5th. I don't think it's a good idea to go down that track, you will just appear to be someone who is always complaining. You were warned and said it was fine.
Your best idea is to tough it out and deal with it however you want without complaining. Or find another job.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
There's likely nothing to bring up here. It's a part of the (terrible) company culture and you were warned in advance. You have the following options:
- Buy noise-canceling headphones
- Accept the music as a condition of the job (i.e. let it go)
- Find a new job
- Try to change the culture
I guess the final option is what you're looking for but it's a long-shot. They mentioned that it was part of the culture and management almost certainly won't consider changing it. Standard arguments won't work because they obviously realise that this is non-standard, otherwise they wouldn't have mentioned it during the interview.
If your offices have multiple rooms you can try to get jpatokai's suggestion implemented but if you have a single open floor this is almost certainly something you'll have to live with.
I would recommend some good noise cancelling headphones. Especially if you like to listen to music that you like, they seem perfect for the situation, and in an office you can afford expensive ones, unlike people travelling on the boss who need something that is light, not easily damaged, doesn't look too ridiculous, and doesn't attract thieves.
– gnasher729
Jan 3 '16 at 23:34
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
A startup I previously worked at fixed this problem by designating music rooms and quiet rooms. What's more, the music-friendly rooms were designated "Rammstein" (a famously loud German metal band) and "Non-Rammstein" to indicate the expected style of music! Of course, the complication here is that this may fragment teams based on music taste as opposed to what they're working on.
The other option, which seems to be pretty standard these days, is to ban public music outright and require people to use headphones. You're not going to make many friends with this approach though.
As for how to raise this, I would talk to your boss, not HR, and style this as a productivity issue: you can't concentrate, people can't collaborate, sales can't call customers, etc. It would be even better if you can find other people who share your point of view (is there anybody else wearing headphones?), and have a ready solution like the music room/quiet room approach.
HR ignoring your complaints about the toilet or your chair is really another question, but to check, are you sure HR is the right place to talk to about this kind of thing anyway? Usually HR is for people issues, and there's a separate facilities/maintenance department. And if you need a new chair, buying a replacement is probably within your boss's domain to authorize.
suggest improvements |Â
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
3 Answers
3
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
active
oldest
votes
up vote
6
down vote
You have recently joined, but you have already complained to HR 4 times, and are contemplating a 5th. I don't think it's a good idea to go down that track, you will just appear to be someone who is always complaining. You were warned and said it was fine.
Your best idea is to tough it out and deal with it however you want without complaining. Or find another job.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
6
down vote
You have recently joined, but you have already complained to HR 4 times, and are contemplating a 5th. I don't think it's a good idea to go down that track, you will just appear to be someone who is always complaining. You were warned and said it was fine.
Your best idea is to tough it out and deal with it however you want without complaining. Or find another job.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
6
down vote
up vote
6
down vote
You have recently joined, but you have already complained to HR 4 times, and are contemplating a 5th. I don't think it's a good idea to go down that track, you will just appear to be someone who is always complaining. You were warned and said it was fine.
Your best idea is to tough it out and deal with it however you want without complaining. Or find another job.
You have recently joined, but you have already complained to HR 4 times, and are contemplating a 5th. I don't think it's a good idea to go down that track, you will just appear to be someone who is always complaining. You were warned and said it was fine.
Your best idea is to tough it out and deal with it however you want without complaining. Or find another job.
answered Dec 30 '15 at 4:38


Kilisi
94.7k50216376
94.7k50216376
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
There's likely nothing to bring up here. It's a part of the (terrible) company culture and you were warned in advance. You have the following options:
- Buy noise-canceling headphones
- Accept the music as a condition of the job (i.e. let it go)
- Find a new job
- Try to change the culture
I guess the final option is what you're looking for but it's a long-shot. They mentioned that it was part of the culture and management almost certainly won't consider changing it. Standard arguments won't work because they obviously realise that this is non-standard, otherwise they wouldn't have mentioned it during the interview.
If your offices have multiple rooms you can try to get jpatokai's suggestion implemented but if you have a single open floor this is almost certainly something you'll have to live with.
I would recommend some good noise cancelling headphones. Especially if you like to listen to music that you like, they seem perfect for the situation, and in an office you can afford expensive ones, unlike people travelling on the boss who need something that is light, not easily damaged, doesn't look too ridiculous, and doesn't attract thieves.
– gnasher729
Jan 3 '16 at 23:34
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
There's likely nothing to bring up here. It's a part of the (terrible) company culture and you were warned in advance. You have the following options:
- Buy noise-canceling headphones
- Accept the music as a condition of the job (i.e. let it go)
- Find a new job
- Try to change the culture
I guess the final option is what you're looking for but it's a long-shot. They mentioned that it was part of the culture and management almost certainly won't consider changing it. Standard arguments won't work because they obviously realise that this is non-standard, otherwise they wouldn't have mentioned it during the interview.
If your offices have multiple rooms you can try to get jpatokai's suggestion implemented but if you have a single open floor this is almost certainly something you'll have to live with.
I would recommend some good noise cancelling headphones. Especially if you like to listen to music that you like, they seem perfect for the situation, and in an office you can afford expensive ones, unlike people travelling on the boss who need something that is light, not easily damaged, doesn't look too ridiculous, and doesn't attract thieves.
– gnasher729
Jan 3 '16 at 23:34
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
5
down vote
up vote
5
down vote
There's likely nothing to bring up here. It's a part of the (terrible) company culture and you were warned in advance. You have the following options:
- Buy noise-canceling headphones
- Accept the music as a condition of the job (i.e. let it go)
- Find a new job
- Try to change the culture
I guess the final option is what you're looking for but it's a long-shot. They mentioned that it was part of the culture and management almost certainly won't consider changing it. Standard arguments won't work because they obviously realise that this is non-standard, otherwise they wouldn't have mentioned it during the interview.
If your offices have multiple rooms you can try to get jpatokai's suggestion implemented but if you have a single open floor this is almost certainly something you'll have to live with.
There's likely nothing to bring up here. It's a part of the (terrible) company culture and you were warned in advance. You have the following options:
- Buy noise-canceling headphones
- Accept the music as a condition of the job (i.e. let it go)
- Find a new job
- Try to change the culture
I guess the final option is what you're looking for but it's a long-shot. They mentioned that it was part of the culture and management almost certainly won't consider changing it. Standard arguments won't work because they obviously realise that this is non-standard, otherwise they wouldn't have mentioned it during the interview.
If your offices have multiple rooms you can try to get jpatokai's suggestion implemented but if you have a single open floor this is almost certainly something you'll have to live with.
edited Apr 13 '17 at 12:48
Community♦
1
1
answered Dec 30 '15 at 3:07


Lilienthal♦
53.9k36183218
53.9k36183218
I would recommend some good noise cancelling headphones. Especially if you like to listen to music that you like, they seem perfect for the situation, and in an office you can afford expensive ones, unlike people travelling on the boss who need something that is light, not easily damaged, doesn't look too ridiculous, and doesn't attract thieves.
– gnasher729
Jan 3 '16 at 23:34
suggest improvements |Â
I would recommend some good noise cancelling headphones. Especially if you like to listen to music that you like, they seem perfect for the situation, and in an office you can afford expensive ones, unlike people travelling on the boss who need something that is light, not easily damaged, doesn't look too ridiculous, and doesn't attract thieves.
– gnasher729
Jan 3 '16 at 23:34
I would recommend some good noise cancelling headphones. Especially if you like to listen to music that you like, they seem perfect for the situation, and in an office you can afford expensive ones, unlike people travelling on the boss who need something that is light, not easily damaged, doesn't look too ridiculous, and doesn't attract thieves.
– gnasher729
Jan 3 '16 at 23:34
I would recommend some good noise cancelling headphones. Especially if you like to listen to music that you like, they seem perfect for the situation, and in an office you can afford expensive ones, unlike people travelling on the boss who need something that is light, not easily damaged, doesn't look too ridiculous, and doesn't attract thieves.
– gnasher729
Jan 3 '16 at 23:34
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
A startup I previously worked at fixed this problem by designating music rooms and quiet rooms. What's more, the music-friendly rooms were designated "Rammstein" (a famously loud German metal band) and "Non-Rammstein" to indicate the expected style of music! Of course, the complication here is that this may fragment teams based on music taste as opposed to what they're working on.
The other option, which seems to be pretty standard these days, is to ban public music outright and require people to use headphones. You're not going to make many friends with this approach though.
As for how to raise this, I would talk to your boss, not HR, and style this as a productivity issue: you can't concentrate, people can't collaborate, sales can't call customers, etc. It would be even better if you can find other people who share your point of view (is there anybody else wearing headphones?), and have a ready solution like the music room/quiet room approach.
HR ignoring your complaints about the toilet or your chair is really another question, but to check, are you sure HR is the right place to talk to about this kind of thing anyway? Usually HR is for people issues, and there's a separate facilities/maintenance department. And if you need a new chair, buying a replacement is probably within your boss's domain to authorize.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
A startup I previously worked at fixed this problem by designating music rooms and quiet rooms. What's more, the music-friendly rooms were designated "Rammstein" (a famously loud German metal band) and "Non-Rammstein" to indicate the expected style of music! Of course, the complication here is that this may fragment teams based on music taste as opposed to what they're working on.
The other option, which seems to be pretty standard these days, is to ban public music outright and require people to use headphones. You're not going to make many friends with this approach though.
As for how to raise this, I would talk to your boss, not HR, and style this as a productivity issue: you can't concentrate, people can't collaborate, sales can't call customers, etc. It would be even better if you can find other people who share your point of view (is there anybody else wearing headphones?), and have a ready solution like the music room/quiet room approach.
HR ignoring your complaints about the toilet or your chair is really another question, but to check, are you sure HR is the right place to talk to about this kind of thing anyway? Usually HR is for people issues, and there's a separate facilities/maintenance department. And if you need a new chair, buying a replacement is probably within your boss's domain to authorize.
suggest improvements |Â
up vote
4
down vote
up vote
4
down vote
A startup I previously worked at fixed this problem by designating music rooms and quiet rooms. What's more, the music-friendly rooms were designated "Rammstein" (a famously loud German metal band) and "Non-Rammstein" to indicate the expected style of music! Of course, the complication here is that this may fragment teams based on music taste as opposed to what they're working on.
The other option, which seems to be pretty standard these days, is to ban public music outright and require people to use headphones. You're not going to make many friends with this approach though.
As for how to raise this, I would talk to your boss, not HR, and style this as a productivity issue: you can't concentrate, people can't collaborate, sales can't call customers, etc. It would be even better if you can find other people who share your point of view (is there anybody else wearing headphones?), and have a ready solution like the music room/quiet room approach.
HR ignoring your complaints about the toilet or your chair is really another question, but to check, are you sure HR is the right place to talk to about this kind of thing anyway? Usually HR is for people issues, and there's a separate facilities/maintenance department. And if you need a new chair, buying a replacement is probably within your boss's domain to authorize.
A startup I previously worked at fixed this problem by designating music rooms and quiet rooms. What's more, the music-friendly rooms were designated "Rammstein" (a famously loud German metal band) and "Non-Rammstein" to indicate the expected style of music! Of course, the complication here is that this may fragment teams based on music taste as opposed to what they're working on.
The other option, which seems to be pretty standard these days, is to ban public music outright and require people to use headphones. You're not going to make many friends with this approach though.
As for how to raise this, I would talk to your boss, not HR, and style this as a productivity issue: you can't concentrate, people can't collaborate, sales can't call customers, etc. It would be even better if you can find other people who share your point of view (is there anybody else wearing headphones?), and have a ready solution like the music room/quiet room approach.
HR ignoring your complaints about the toilet or your chair is really another question, but to check, are you sure HR is the right place to talk to about this kind of thing anyway? Usually HR is for people issues, and there's a separate facilities/maintenance department. And if you need a new chair, buying a replacement is probably within your boss's domain to authorize.
answered Dec 30 '15 at 1:39
jpatokal
6,58222233
6,58222233
suggest improvements |Â
suggest improvements |Â
Who picks the music? Would only be fair is everyone took turns. Get that run passed. then when you turn, play the crappiest crap you can come you can come up with, Waffle House theme song over and over, sitcom songs, bagpipe music. metal versions of pop songs, pop versions of metal songs. "world" music set to all drums. etc.
– Dan Shaffer
Dec 30 '15 at 20:29
Update: I talked to HR about this. He didn't say anything, he just wrote down the "complaint". I've yet to see what he makes of it. Also, I heard that at least one other person dislikes the music, so I might be able to get some support...
– curpickled
Jan 27 '16 at 2:01