When your colleagues keep discussing private matters on the phone, you'll hear them whether you want to or not. It can be disturbing and quite embarrassing if you have to ask them to be quiet. What should you do? Put a stop to it or not? Classified Post asked Hongkongers how they will react in this situation.
'I don't think anyone should discuss private matters during working hours, especially if they are talking loudly on the phone. I don't hesitate to ask them to stop, or tell my colleague to chat during lunchtime or after work. I don't feel embarrassed because it's my duty as a manager.'
Yuki Tsang, retailer sales
'I don't ask my colleagues to quieten down. I don't mind them talking loudly on the phone, really, because the rest of us colleagues can overhear the conversation and make fun of the person when they hang up. But I don't do the same because I don't want others to overhear what I am saying.' Goosie Lam, magazine reporter
'Certainly, I don't mind because in the office I speak the loudest on the phone. My colleagues just let me keep talking and don't care much. Because I am working in the advertisement sector, no phone calls means no business. My colleagues would be more worried if I didn't chat on the phone a lot.' Clarins Ip, advertising manager
'My workplace is normally very quiet and everyone concentrates on their work. If anyone talks loudly on the phone, whether it is about work or private matters, I think it would affect me a lot. However, since I am a junior in the office, I am powerless to ask anyone to keep quiet.'
