Busy Bar

I've been in a place where making that say "busy" when Visual Studio had the focus would be really useful... Except (cough) certain people in the culture would find it insulting.

It makes me wonder... How do you push on the "I can interrupt anyone at any time for any reason" attitude? I had a lot of trouble pushing on it in a previous workplace.

You be direct. When people come to you and interpret you, say “I am currently working on something else, but I will come find you when I’m free”. Most people eventually pick up that IM’ing first wastes less of their time.

If you constantly give them your attention immediately, you are telling them that’s how it should work.

then come the hour long "it's easier if we just hop on a meeting" invites or dreaded "hi" messages because many of the same people who aren't considerate about interruptions are allergic to async communication