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Isn't it very annoying when you're sat at your desk in the office having your lunch, when you get frequently interrupted by constant ringing of other peoples' phones.
I work in a typical office environment and usually take an hour for lunch, which is normally spent sat at my desk. The reason for this is that I like to eat and catch up with the news at the same time; not perhaps a very healthy way to spend your lunch hour, but it's my own time and that's how I prefer to spend it.
The office where I work is of an open plan design and the desks are arranged into groups of six. I sit at one of these groups and quite often find myself alone at lunchtime as a number of my colleagues go out either to the cafeteria or home for lunch. The problem is, they often forget to divert their desk phone to their mobile, or to enable their voicemail before they leave.
It's very irritating when the phones are constantly ringing and there is no one except me around to answer them. I find it impossible to leave a phone ringing and to continue eating my lunch, so I don't really have any other choice other than to take the call. I then end up having to explain that such and such is out to lunch, yes I'll take a message, but no I don't know anything about their project and what they said to you yesterday. Why do they always assume that you know everything about that persons' work, when all you are doing is simply answering their phone?
Here's another annoying thing that often happens at lunchtime. You're sitting there eating a sandwich and perhaps reading a book or a newspaper, and someone decides to come up to you and ask work related questions or talk about work. It's just so rude, especially when it is blatantly obvious that you are on your lunch break.
It doesn't take much to divert a telephone...
It would be great if people you work with could be a little more thoughtful and think about colleagues who prefer to take their lunch break at their desk. It doesn't take much to divert a telephone, and if you see someone with a sandwich reading the news then take the hint; they're on they're break and probably don't want to be disturbed with work queries!
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I work with people who are oblivious to the fact that I'm munching on my lunch is an indication I'm at lunch. I have pointed it out to some who sound surprised.
And even at that, they keep talking about their work related problem. I get at least one interruption per day and its always something that can wait till my lunch break is over.
Answering telephones other than your own desk phone is bad practice.
Some work colleagues have no sense of discretion and will pose work related issues to you at a time with your mouth full of Subway meatball baguette.
If you wish to avoid all the work related annoyances simply leave the office for lunch.
If your at lunch then leave the office for a nice healthy walk and some fresh air and so you don't look lazy!
Stanley