Q: I am an inside sales rep who has to make daily calls for business. Management just changed our work environment for the worse. We used to have moveable walls around our desks, which muffled sound and gave us some privacy. The walls were removed, and our desks were placed in rows facing each other.

I do not have attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, and I do not have any gross habits that I would be embarrassed for someone to see, but the new setting is impossible for me to work in. I can't focus on the calls I make, because others' conversations bombard me from every side. I never had a concentration problem, but I can't help but hear bits and pieces from other reps when they are pitching to potential clients. Everyone talks more loudly now to be heard and drown out the other voices. I know this change bothers more than just me. There's also the problem of being able to see everyone. Some of my co-workers are not so well-groomed or well-mannered as I am, and I can't help but see their disgusting habits, such as biting their nails, picking at their pimples or faces, and the unthinkable, nose picking. We don't have headsets. We talk directly into the phone because we have a lot of interim computer work that does not involve being on the phone. Also, I can't sit there with a blindfold on to block out seeing people doing their gross habits. And seeing any one of those unmentionable activities is enough to gag me.

I'm afraid to complain, because the company probably paid big bucks to a so-called consultant to tell management to do this. The change makes no sense to any of us. I also don't want to be one to organize a movement against this new setting, because I would be seen as an instigator. Making cold calls is hard enough, but when I do find someone who is interested in hearing about our product, he or she probably ends up thinking I'm an idiot for the many silences from stops and starts I make because I'm distracted. I can't go on this way, but I need this job. What can I do to tune out everyone so I can do a good job without looking like a freak?

A: You won't have to complain to your manager. Lower sales results will do that for you and will be much more effective than complaining. Talking more loudly on sales calls to drown out neighboring voices may also negatively affect sales, as it will create a "factory effect" for the clients.

If the company wanted to monitor its sales force, it could have installed a phone monitoring system to ensure the phone is used only for business. Whatever the reason was for removing the separators between employees' desks, one quarter of lower sales should wake up management to its bad decision. Whether upper management admits to it or simply blames the sales force will tell you a lot about the company's management style. It may be just the information you need to inspire a job search.

To avoid bailing from your job immediately (assuming you like your job), get an earplug for the ear opposite your phone ear; they are easy to insert and remove when needed and should provide the same muffling effect as your walls did. Next, try to direct your eyes on your computer or downward to a notepad to avoid seeing any gross habits of your co-workers. Let's hope those co-workers will be too embarrassed to continue their bad habits publicly.

If your manager solicits feedback on the changes, answer honestly but without emotion. Success in a job is because of one's congeniality, as well as performance. This is where work life and personal life mix. No one likes a nag, even if the person is right.

Email all your questions to workplace expert Lindsey Novak at lindseynovak@yahoo.com, and follow her on Twitter @I_truly_care. To find out more about Lindsey Novak and to read features by other Creators Syndicate writers and cartoonists, visit the Creators Syndicate website at www.creators.com.