When a co-worker comes into your office and even walks behind your desk to talk to you: invasion of personal space?

Question

I have a pretty good-sized office.  When you enter, there are 2 comfortable chairs between my desk and the door.  My desk faces the door, and there is a large space behind my desk, with a bookcase and a table there.

When people come into my office, usually they sit in the chairs or stand between the desk and the door.

One junior co-worker comes in and comes to the side of my desk.  He even then usually proceeds back behind my desk, where I'm sitting, and faces the door when talking to me.  He can see all of my personal stuff, under my desk, on the bookcase, etc.

I don't like that.  I've even lined up my trash can and recycling bin by the side of my desk, to block him from coming behind my desk, but he just stepped over them.

Am I wrong/weird to view coming behind my desk, without express permission, as an invasion of personal space?

Thanks.

g · Answer

I would feel the same. Coworker doesn't seem to have a sense of appropriate boundaries. Try backing away, let him know it's muchtooclose quarters and you're uncomfortable with it. Alternately come from behind your desk when he comes in, sit in a visitor chair.

TrustMe · Answer

Yes, you are wrong but, if you don't like it, say something like, "Please don't approach my desk. Have a seat."

You run the risk of appearing unapproachable or possibly having something (such as on your computer) to hide ... which makes you look suspect.

However, if you are truly uncomfortable, you can be the quirky uptight boss that won't let you approach his desk (which is very uptight except in extreme situations or unless you are CEO of the company)

Dobiegal · Answer

yes it's weird.next time he comes in, tell him to have a seat because him wandering around your office makes it difficult to focus on the conversation. get up and meet him at the door and escort him to a seat. and if he gets up, YOU get up and follow him around and stop the conversation.

Anonymous · Answer

can't u just tell him? "please I do not like when people re coming behind my desk" - I think there is nothing wrong with just asking. I wouldn't like it either

Pearl L · Answer

it does sound weird, he probably just dont care about personal space, just tell him since he hasnt figured it out yet

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When a co-worker comes into your office and even walks behind your desk to talk to you: invasion of personal space?

5 Answers