Dear Etiquetteer:
Not for lack of trying, we have ended up with an all-male cleaning crew [at the fitness center where I work]. We clean the changerooms eight times a day, so it is sometimes hard to get in there. We have posted [cleaning] times and a folding sign that reads “male attendant in changeroom” that is placed at the entrance. Before entry we announce that we would like to gain entry and wait for the OK. Enter noise-cancelling headphones . . . I have walked in on many women. I requested a sign with a picture of headphones and “Please be mindful of your earphones,” but that was considered telling women what to do in their own dressing room . . . and no one reads signs anyway, and it doesn’t fit with our “branding.” We are publicly funded. Anyways just wondered if you have run into any issues around the noise-cancelling earphones.
Dear Embarrassed:
Few things are as embarrassing as walking in on someone who’s undressed — whether they’re expecting it or not. Noise-cancelling headphones make it even more of a jolt. You have Etiquetteer’s complete sympathy.
The locker room is not just the private space of the users, it’s also your workplace. The safety and comfort of you and your colleagues is just as important as that of the users’. Etiquetteer doubts that management would consider violation of privacy as part of their “branding,” so we need to find a solution that covers everyone’s concerns without sounding bossy.
Unfortunately signage isn’t working as well as you’d like. The next step is for management to talk about earbud use in a memo or the next membership newsletter, something along the lines of this:
“Our all-male cleaning crew needs access to the women’s changing room eight times a day so that our facilities are always clean and comfortable for you. Signs are posted at the changing room entrance, and the crew announces themselves every time before entering. Unfortunately noise-cancelling headphones or earbuds keep members from hearing those announcements sometimes, and there have been a couple embarrassing moments. If you’re using headphones in the changing rooms, please be mindful of when the crew is scheduled to come in and clean. We want to keep your changing space, and their workspace, safe and comfortable for everyone. Thanks for your understanding and help.”
This language makes users aware of the issue and suggests what they can do without issuing orders. In the meantime, Etiquetteer would suggest not entering the locker room alone; have another crew member with you. Be sure, too, to report to your supervisor every time this happens, so they are fully aware of the scope of the problem.
Etiquetteer wishes you no surprises, and new female colleagues, in the future.