My office is not a break room

[torontogal12]

Why do people think they can come into my office, SIT DOWN, and have a conversation? This happens many times a week. You didn't even ask if I was busy. You just came in and sat down and assumed I'd drop everything to talk to you. If I am clearly in the middle of something and tell them to wait, they sit and actually watch me finish typing.

The worst part is that when the first person sits down, then 3 other people come and suddenly my office is a break room! Then a supervisor will walk by and see the party in my office and I'm the one that looks bad, even though I'm trying to kick these people out so I can actually work.

I think I need to permanently shut my door but I don't want to look like the office grouch. But shutting the door doesn't do much because I'll have people knocking or waving at me through my window even though I'm obviously on the phone. I don't understand why this happens because I'm not a supervisor or anything.

I am a writer so when I get into a train of thought, I need to finish it off or I lose the piece of magic that just took me 15 minutes to come up with. I am tired of being interrupted and having to do this over and over.

Why do people think they can just waltz in? How do I stop this so I can actually get work done and leave on time for once?

[Natalka]

You just need to be direct and explain to the first person coming in that it's not a good time for you. You don't need to go into a lengthy explanation.
Lather, rinse, repeat.

[MrsSunshine]

If its possible can you turn your desk around so your back faces the door. Not sure if you have a window you can look out instead of staring at a wall... if it means getting your work done.. your alternative if you don't have a window.(if you turn your desk and chair)may be to put up a poster that reads if you see my back.. im busy.

[dreamcatcher1962]

Maybe something as simple as a "Do Not Disturb" sign

[torontogal12]

I don't think I can be more direct than I already have been. "I am really busy right now, can we talk later?" doesn't seem to be enough.

You just need to be direct and explain to the first person coming in that it's not a good time for you. You don't need to go into a lengthy explanation.
Lather, rinse, repeat.

[torontogal12]

The office is very small and the desk is so heavy it would require a moving team, unfortunately . But it is a good idea!

If its possible can you turn your desk around so your back faces the door. Not sure if you have a window you can look out instead of staring at a wall... if it means getting your work done.. your alternative if you don't have a window.(if you turn your desk and chair)may be to put up a poster that reads if you see my back.. im busy.

[MrsSunshine]

oh how about a sign that reads.. Quarantined. enter at your own risk..

[sun_shine]

The office is very small and the desk is so heavy it would require a moving team, unfortunately . But it is a good idea!

Well, since you typically have a "party in your office" wait until the next time this happens and ask them to help you move it Then when they ask why, say that you feel you might be able to work better that way as you get too many distractions when facing the other way Maybe you can get help moving your desk and a clear point made all at the same time. Hopefully you can get this sorted out soon!

[r0c0upons]

a writer, huh! that doesn't surprise me! ...nor does it surprise me that your coworkers realize how awesome you are and want to hang out!

what about a polite sign on your door? "sorry, I'm soooo busy! If you need me, please email! " (don't forget the smiley face and nobody will think you're a grouch haha) after a while, maybe people will get the hint?

as far as visual distractions, i'd recommend this:

[Zonny]

Argh, that sucks!

I have a related problem, in that people will come to ask me a question, and I'm on the phone. Instead of coming back later, they stand there looking at me while I'm trying to deal with my phone conversation and I feel like I need to tell the person on the phone that I'll contact them later to deal with their thing because this other person is standing there staring at me!

[sun_shine]

Argh, that sucks!

I have a related problem, in that people will come to ask me a question, and I'm on the phone. Instead of coming back later, they stand there looking at me while I'm trying to deal with my phone conversation and I feel like I need to tell the person on the phone that I'll contact them later to deal with their thing because this other person is standing there staring at me!

That would be so annoying! I thought it was common courtesy to either come back later, or stand outside the door or a good distance away and busy yourself with something else while waiting. That's like when you go to Tim Horton's or somewhere similar and are deciding what you want, and the cashiers stare at you while you decide... always makes me feel pressured to hurry up and decide and I don't end up taking the time to really think about what I want/look at all of the options.

If you have a swivel chair, maybe try turning your side/back to the person while you finish up the phone conversation, if they aren't a superior who may see that as being disrespectful. I know it may seem rude regardless of who they are, but maybe if you make eye contact and smile at them when they first come over they won't see it that way

[Decaf]

Look on the bright side people must really like you! XD

Try the "I am sorry I am busy" route, look at the person's face once when you say it then AVOID eye contact, keep your eyes glue to the monitor until they left. Use a lot of "huh?, Oh! What!" eventually they'll lose interest and left.

If you said you're busy and still talk to them (however brief) they won't get the message. Re train them, say "we'll talk about it at lunch / break"

ALSO put boxes / bags/ file boxes / coat ect on the chair so no one can sit down.

[Minou]

Maybe mention the problem to the roving supervisor so that he/she can offer you some suggestions and can stop by and flush out the visitors on his/her rounds. Then, at least, the supervisor will understand that you're not encouraging the visits.

Otherwise, a big set of headphones might work, with or without music.

[Patty Smyth]

Next time why don't you leave and only come back when they are gone , that might stun them

[Shwa Girl]

Hey OP. You may not like my comment. Don't yell at me but,

I think they are paying you a compliment
1. your office is inviting
2. you are a nice coworker that they like to be around
3. they feel comfortable around you
4. you help to relieve their stress
5. you are good company

Don't yell at me -- just think that you are a "positive" and they want to be around a "positive"