About my neighbor

One aspect of diversity no one discusses is the irritation factor at work caused by the physical layout of your office -- primarily open space or cubicles. Why is this illustrative of diversity? Because the physical workplace is now more diverse, with people likely to have widely different habits, preferences and sensitivities.

Consider co-workers who talk loudly on the phone, babble on about personal problems or slurp their coffee. Nothing new to me -- I worked in a newsroom for years with reporters pounding on typewriters and shouting into the phone. But it's a relatively new phenomenon to many who are used to offices with doors shut. And it's irritating.

You can try tuning it out. You can try headphones. And if all else fails, you may need to talk to the person when your coping strategies have failed. Experts advise you be as neutral and nonjudgmental as possible, and understand that people may be completely unaware that they are being annoying. And remember they may see you the same way.