Working with a slob.

LegacyUser

I share my office with someone who is a slob. He has some personal hygiene issues occasionally too.

His desk is covered - I mean covered, all that is visible is the keyboard, mouse and computer - with books, magazines, newspapers, cups and personal items.

The area around his desk is covered with the same. There are many items of clothing around the place too. And other personal effects. The desk and general area around it is like a hoarding programme.

I am not a neat freak but I have a normal desk - not always 100% tidy but kept clean and neat.

This other person is fully aware that they have a lot of stuff. It has been mentioned to them by management. But nothing has been done. I have mentioned it to my supervisor during an annual review as having to work around this mess is not helping me to do my job properly. But nothing was done - I was told that as someone has said something it is up to the slob himself to sort it out.

What recourse do I have? This person also takes frequent sick leave and is known for being difficult - he has taken issue with management before and people 'tip toe' around him. I cannot move to another office as space is limited in my section.

freshpopcorn

I don't really see how his desk has anything to do with you. Honestly if this is your only problem at work I know lots of people who'd swap with you.(I don't mean to belittle your problem by the way) I suppose all you can do is talk to management.

Gatling

How does his desk effect your work unless you share the desk .

Paco Rodriguez

I don't see his desk or sick leave to be any of your business. I would just concentrate on my own work as I don't think management will be too impressed if you are concentrating on others like that.

skallywag

Can you not just request to be moved to a new location in the office?

Rubberchikken

It must be a pain to deal with but you've brought it to management attention so until they pony up and deal with him, try your best to ignore it.

I know it's easier said than done.
Good luck

LegacyUser

OP, I feel your pain. I used to work with a woman like this. Every surface was covered with her ****. She had stacks and stacks of cardboard boxes full of a mixture of waste paper and personal items stacked beside her desk to over 5 ft high. She had an aggressive personality and was generally tiptoed around. She stank to high heaven but would roar and shout of the windows were opened.

This made work hell. The smell, the mess was everywhere and worst of all was the amount of dust that gathered on all her clutter. I was constantly sick. Management pulled her up on it but she did nothing. Eventually they realised that her actual work was similar to the state of her work area and she was released from employment.

I can only offer sympathy.