Sharing a laboratory with others is typically rewarding – peers in close quarters become a sounding post for new ideas and a support network for the highs and lows of research life. But you don’t choose your desk mates and things can go wrong. Regular Naturejobs contributor Shimi Rii recently experienced how small disagreements can escalate quickly. Finding the right way to deal with conflict is not easy but necessary in order to ensure a harmonious work environment.

I recently encountered a conflict in my office, a ~300 sq. ft. space I share with four graduate students. With each of us nestled into a 5-ft wide cubicle with pictures of friends and family, an emergency pack of ibuprofen and vitamin C, and granola bars for late night studying, the office is a home away from home. In this safe haven where we spend most of our waking hours, there is virtually no room for conflict.

When my office mate first started conducting the behaviour, it was sporadic and didn’t really bother me. (To protect the privacy of parties involved, I won’t describe the actual behaviour, which was on par with general housekeeping violations.) After a month, the frequency increased, and it began to directly affect me, whose desk was located adjacent to theirs. When I asked my other office mates how they felt about the action, they were indifferent. I was on my own to address the behaviour. Continue reading →