Assault

In this country we are very conscious of being sensitive to ethnic and cultural diversity. We pay close attention to the diverse nature of our workforce and believe strongly that a diverse workforce is a strong workforce.  We have come a long way.

I work for a corporate entity that is considerate of employee well-being and the diversity of it's workforce. If I were to break a limb I would get a preferred parking space at work; if I were to become ill I have the relative security of short and long-term disability plans; if I have a family emergency and need to leave work unexpectedly I don't think twice about it. I am fortunately to be able to spend my day with a great group of people, each one carrying his or her own degree of personal diversity.

I was taught at an early age to be considerate of those around me and I have tried to do that throughout my life, with varying degrees of success to be sure. I've read things about how we as corporate employees  prefer to send an email to a co-worker across the hall rather than taking a few steps into their office to talk to them face-to-face. I would say we have moved past that into thinking it's okay to yell to co-workers across the hall or even a few doors down the hall with little regard for those who may be trying to work around us.

People! If you have something to say to someone get out of your chair and go to them and have the conversation.  Be considerate of those trying to work around you!

Then there are the so-called teaming events and games that have overtaken us.  At first it was fun to spend an hour or so every few months taking a break from the stressful routine of work and do something different.  Now we have ongoing games that creep their way into everything we do. As always, there are those who are hard-wired for games and events and they are in their glory.  Others, at risk of being called out as not being team-players, have begun to rebel against the onslaught of "fun activities" and boycott activities. 

When I go shopping, almost without fail, I come across people talking on their cell phones while they go about their business.  It's rude and it's inconsiderate to continue a phone conversation while standing in front of a check-out person at the grocery store.  If the roles were reversed and the check-out person chatted away on a phone while scanning your groceries, would that be okay?  Come on!

Sunday afternoons: if it's sunny and warm I want to be outside enjoying the day.  I'm often surrounded by the sound of lawn mowers, leaf blowers, lawn edgers, motorized skateboards, and even music coming from the windows of cars as they drive past. When I was a girl there were bylaws about maintaining the peace and quiet on Sundays.

By nature, and by choice, I tend toward the quiet, introverted, and introspective sort and frequently I feel assaulted by the cacophony of voices and activity around me.  I can't be the only one!

"In quiet and confidence is your strength." (Isaiah 30:15).