Employees Struggle With Noisy Coworkers in Shared Workspace
Published on June 13, 2026 • Last updated 3 hours ago • 3 minutes reading time
An employee is disturbed by a noisy work environment. Photo by David /Adobe Stock
DEAR ABBY: In the company I work for, several departments share a workspace. While most of my colleagues are quiet and considerate, certain employees in one department are very loud. They talk non-stop (nothing work-related) and show no consideration for others who are trying to work and concentrate. It has gotten to the point where it is almost impossible to get any work done on a daily basis.
Not only do these people’s supervisors refuse to correct these behaviors, they often join in the fun themselves. I understand that I don’t work in a library, but I and others are desperately looking for a suitable work environment and trying to find the best approach. Help! – Distracted in Colorado
Dear distracted person: Since I don’t know the corporate structure at your company, I’m assuming there is someone there who oversees the managers. You and the other employees who face the disruption on a daily basis should discuss it as a group with this person to see if a solution can be found. If your complaint falls on deaf ears, noise-canceling headphones could be a solution to your problem. Another option would be to look for a job at another company.
Unequal Gift-Giving From In-Laws Leaves Woman Feeling Undervalued
DEAR ABBY: Every year for birthdays and holidays, my in-laws give cash to their children and their spouses. Should it hurt me that my in-laws always give the same amount to my brothers-in-law and their spouses while I always receive half the amount? I don’t need the money, but the glaring difference makes me feel less valued than her other daughters-in-law.
I host all the family gatherings, visit my in-laws weekly and help my husband with repairs and maintenance around his parents’ house. My brothers-in-law and their spouses give their parents limited time during the holidays and provide limited support to their parents when my husband begs for help.
I would never say anything to my husband because I don’t want to hurt his feelings. I just want to know if I’m being petty. – LESS THAN IN NEW YORK
PREFER LESS THAN: Apparently your in-laws don’t appreciate your efforts to be a good daughter-in-law. You are not being “petty” for noticing the discrepancy, nor do I blame you for feeling “less than” because that is how you are being treated.
I think you should have mentioned this to your husband when it first happened. This type of gift should be of equal value. If that’s not the case, something is wrong. Whether you choose to continue to help them to the same extent you have in the future is up to you.
How to Respond to an Unusual Thank You Letter
DEAR ABBY: I don’t know what to think about a strange thank you letter I received from a relative. I made a generous gift, and a year after the wedding I received a receipt thanking me for the gift and saying that she was no longer married to “John” because she was not being treated with the respect she deserved. What do I say when I see her – “Thanks for the message – sorry about your marriage” or should I just let it go? – RAPED IN DELAWARE
DEAR PERLEXED: Maybe it’s better to just say, “Good to see you. How are you?” and leave it at that.
Dear Abby was written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and created by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact DearAbby.com or PO Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
