My colleague and I work in the same cube. The main issue is that our cube is located in a high traffic area. There is a walking isle in front (blocked by front walls) and behind us is entirely open. Basically, people walk behind us (shorter path to the printer/kitchen) every 10-15 minutes causing distractions. All other cubes are against the wall and other colleagues have no issue because their wall is facing the walking isle.
Recently, my colleague made a request to temporary block the pathway (approved) due to distractions. Management also asked me if it is true. I said yes. Because the pathway is closer to my desk & is now blocked, it seems like some people are upset at me even though it was also a request from my colleague.
Why did we request this change?
- Distraction. People walking behind us every 10-15 mins
- No privacy (even though I have nothing to hide)
How should I handle fellow coworkers who seem upset over the change? Are there some positive steps that I can take to assure them I am a team player and not anti-social?