Cranking the volume on the radio at work may disrupt office harmony
Q. There is a worker in my office whose office is directly diagonal from mine. Everyday she plays screeching music loud enough that I have to close my office door for peace and quiet. Even with it closed, I still hear the music playing. When I ask her to turn it down, she states rudely that it's not too loud. I am a music lover from way back, but I don't believe that if I played classic rock 'n' roll until she had to close her door that she would be pleased. What does workplace etiquette suggest?
W.C., Enon, Ohio
A. Unfortunately, you've already tried the best solution: talking with her. Any time you have that kind of talk, I recommend you do it in a way that isn't open ended or confrontational but rather that asks the person to help solve the problem. For whatever reason, your conversation wasn't successful.
Workplace etiquette is quite clear regarding issues that can affect the larger group, such as playing music. The volume should be turned down enough so the music doesn't bother people around you. What is quiet enough? In an office situation, it's the opinion of others that matters, not the opinion of the person playing the music. What's quiet for one person could be disturbing to another. Since opinions are variable and subjective, it makes it difficult to craft a solution to a problem like this.
Instead, I recommend that offices establish a clear policy: First, determine that listening to music is acceptable. If it is, require that workers use earbuds or headphones when listening to music.
At this point, to solve your particular problem, you may need to enlist the help of co-workers who are equally bothered. Meet as a group with your manager and ask her to intercede. Propose a policy that she could implement for the office as a whole that requires music be listened to with earbuds or headphones.
With a policy in place, it's no longer a question of volume or personal opinion; rather it's a question of whether the listening device is being used appropriately.
E-mail questions about business etiquette to etiquetteatwork@emilypost.com. If your letter appears in this column, you will receive a copy of Peter Post's "The Etiquette Advantage in Business." 
