Re: The HR rep took me seriously

[Guest guest]

Good to hear

 

So I just got off the phone with the evening HR rep for the call center where I work. I told her that I am scheduled for a lot of training this month & next, so I will be away from my usual element. I said that I have suffered greatly when I try to work, or try to learn in a classroom, when someone is cracking gum. I said that I don't expect the world to accommodate me while I shop at the mall, or go to the theatre, but when i'm trying to earn a living or learn in a class, I think that people should not be cracking gum. I told her that it is more than a mere distraction - that I cannot focus AT ALL, and it is more than a 'pet peeve'. I even told her that there's a name for it, that there was a segment on 20/20 a few weeks back about it. So she said that she would speak with both trainers and ask them to discuss some ground rules with the classes, and to specifically mention that gum cracking is distracting to fellow students. And she also said to follow up with her and report how it went. I hate to suspend all cynicism, but she seemed like she understood my perfectly reasonable request. I'll let you know how it goes....

[Guest guest]

I can't help but admire your courage in handling this the way you have. It is encouraging how HR is dealing with this for you.I probably should have done that many times while I was working, but didn't think anyone would understand or be willing to accomodate me. What has been happening lately, 20/20, NYTimes articles, Today Show and other studies and simply having a name to put on it, is making this much more livable. I have been emboldened by all that has been going on with Misophonia. I am just not so embarrassed about it, since I am not the only one. It is not just my personal quirky petpeeve. It is a bonafide medical condition and that

makes it not so bad or shameful. It is ok to ask people not to do something that is tormenting us. They may not understand why ( I don't understand why!) but it is what it is. This is a big step forward and so nice to hear. Mike To:

Soundsensitivity Sent: Thursday, June 7, 2012 6:36 PM Subject: The HR rep took me seriously

So I just got off the phone with the evening HR rep for the call center where I work. I told her that I am scheduled for a lot of training this month & next, so I will be away from my usual element. I said that I have suffered greatly when I try to work, or try to learn in a classroom, when someone is cracking gum. I said that I don't expect the world to accommodate me while I shop at the mall, or go to the theatre, but when i'm trying to earn a living or learn in a class, I think that people should not be cracking gum. I told her that it is more than a mere distraction - that I cannot focus AT ALL, and it is more than a 'pet peeve'. I even told her that there's a name for it, that there was a segment on 20/20 a few weeks back about it. So she said that she would speak with both trainers and ask them to discuss some ground rules with the classes, and to specifically mention that gum cracking is distracting to fellow students. And she

also said to follow up with her and report how it went. I hate to suspend all cynicism, but she seemed like she understood my perfectly reasonable request. I'll let you know how it goes....

[Guest guest]

It sounds like your working for am excelent co. That wants you as their employee & RESPECTS your health issuses. & will do what ever to keep you on their staff. You should use this to both your's & their benfit & that you can tell others with your connidition hey come work at where I do if I was in that possision that's the 1st thing I'd do

[Guest guest]

Well, let's just say they are progressive in their thinking.

It really has nothing to do with being courageous, I'm just sick of dealing with this for 40 years, and I truly believe it it should not be tolerated in classrooms or workplaces. But yes, I do work for a Fortune 500 corporation so there are channels to go through for these kind of issues. I did bring up the signs in the lunchrooms about "not cooking fish in the microwaves; heat fish in the cafeteria microwaves where there is more ventilation and fellow workers won't be annoyed with the smell". I asked her, what's the difference between that request (obnoxious smell) and my request (obnoxious sound)? But mostly, I am emboldened by finding out I am far from being the only one.