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The room with the noisy network cabinet had three employees (1 part-time and 2 full-time Software Developers).

Prior to the installation of an additional noisier telephone switch the Chief Executive, who had spent only 10 minutes in the programming room, asked both full-time Software Developers...

"Does that noise not drive you insane"

It was explained that we were waiting for the Programming Manager to address the problem.

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From: Software Developer
Sent: 20th August 2009 11:05
To: HR
Subject: Noisy Network Cabinet

Hi HR,

We have had a new telephone switch put in our room yesterday (19th August 2009).

Instead of replacing the previous noisy switch with a quieter one, the problem has been compounded by the installation of an additional noisier switch for the telephone system.

The db and acoustics are well above acceptable tolerance.

As a result, it is extremely distracting and causing us headaches and we are having difficulty concentrating on our programming work.

Software Developer

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From: Programming Manager
Sent: 20th August 2009 11:49
To: Software Developer, HR
Subject: RE: Noisy Network Cabinet

Hi,

This is undoubtedly an unacceptable problem and both the Breed Services Executive and I have already spoken to the IT Manager about it - we are awaiting his ideas.

I realise that moving the box is not a quick or easy job but clearly we need a quick short term solution especially as it is producing headaches.

Programming Manager

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In the time that followed, the noisy network cabinet remained un-addressed and continued to affect Software Development. During this time the Programming Manager moved one of the full-time Software Developers closer to the noisy network cabinet.

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From: IT Manager
Sent: 26th October 2009 16:27
To: Staff
Subject: Disruption to network services
Importance: High

Hello,

Work is to be carried out on Wednesday 28th October 2009 to replace a network cabinet on our Company network. This will involve disconnecting the data/voice connections to a selection of desktops/laptops and telephones.

IT Manager

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It had taken 70 days to address this Undoubtedly Unacceptable problem which had been Producing Headaches.

During this period, the Breed Services Executive, the Programming Manager and a full-time MS SQL 2000 Developer resided in a room un-affected by the noisy network cabinet.

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Links
Constructive Dismissal