How do I stop fixating on the guy next to me at work who screams (in a very high, screechlike voice) everytime he's on the phone?

You punch him in the face.

Cut his phone cord. Re-route his calls. Seriously though he likely has a hearing problem if he is speaking loudly. Is there a volume on his phone you could turn UP so he does not think since he cannot hear that the other party can not hear? Other than that I am not sure what you can do aside of the headphones.

Slip him some Valium.

What answers do you get when you complain?

Also, try cutting his vocal cords.

Get some earphones and listen to your iPod, it works wonders with drowning out the sound of shrieking kids.

I’ve used a small fan that I’ll just switch on when I start getting distracted, just a little one that sits on the desk. It’s less isolating than the headphones if you work in a group and have to interact with others, doesn’t make a lot of noise so shouldn’t disturb those around you, and gives me some other noise to focus on while I’m working. I focus on that “white noise” for a minute, then get back to work, for me it tends to help drown out (or at least reduce) all the other background hoopla.

Other than that it’s just letting go of the fact that he’s rude and annoying to find something that works for you and lets you be successful. The harder you work at fighting the situation the more you’ll notice and dread whenever he picks up the phone. I don’t know if it’s something to quit over simply because it’s a common thing in any office with shared space. You could find another job and fall into the same unfortunate circumstances.

Which doesn’t diminish the annoying factor at all unfortunately. Good luck.

Can you just tell him to keep the screeching to a minimum? Or is that rude? Or would he just blow you off?

Luckily I don’t work in close proximity to that type (maybe I’m him?)

I used to work next to a loud talker. Even when she whispered she was loud. I also had to sit with her in meeting rooms while we were on conference calls. I feel your pain. I don’t have any suggestions.

Make a sign and place it in his cube that says SHUUUUUUUUUUUSH!

I like Emdean’s idea. An anonymous note. Unless it would be obvious that you put it there, in which case, you’re on your own…

You could try to make a joke about him being so loud so that you are able to actually say TONE IT DOWN BUSTER! and he will have to try at least to be more respectful for a moment!
If all else fails….. HEAD PHONES and sing your favorite song really really loud

Take the postal workers route to sorting out work based problems.

@Emdean1, two really good suggestions…I like the note, totally anonymous. @funkdaddy, also like the fan idea.

Those who suggested violence…i like it but I’m sure I’ll be fired. Thanks anyway.

@trudacia just make sure if you leave the note on a post-it, that its not the same color post-it you have on your desk :)

good tip.

For comic relief and some perspective, watch Office Space. Very funny movie about insane co-workers.

“Excuse me, I believe you have my stapler…”